Brighton is like a home away from home and will always be a big part of my late teens and early 20s. I am grateful for the support and opportunities the university itself has given me and for the people I have met here.
As part of this year’s graduate summer shows, we are chatting with some of our final-year students to hear more about the projects they are currently working on.
The Art and Design Summer show features the work of final year students studying architecture, interior architecture, design engineering, sustainable design, interior design, fashion history, product design, and art and design history.
We recently caught up with Sophie, who is studying Architecture BA(Hons), to hear more about her work, influences and the valuable experience she has gained at Brighton.
My work and Influences
“Within my work so far, I would say one of my main influences would have to be the political nature of the built environment. Architecture can be a reflection of our culture and can make statements; it is important to me that my designs can help people.
“Within my second-year Vertical Design project, I created a LGBTQ+ Museum of Anthropology that had the primary focus on amplifying the voices of this community and educating people on the hardships many people around the world still face. It was important to me that my project wasn’t just a tourist attraction but a vehicle for conversation.
“A main interest of mine has always been social housing as I feel there is nothing more important than the homes for the most vulnerable groups of people within our society. Before studying here, I did my EPQ on designing a social housing estate that benefited the mental wellbeing of its residents, heavily influenced by the success of Goldsmith Street by Mikhail Riches. I have since been able to further explore this interest within both my third-year humanities module, looking at Passivhaus design and social housing, as well as my current Vertical Studio project that explores the densification of the South Lambeth estate. This project is something I am excited about developing as I can explore undercurrents of tenant displacement and gentrification within my design and hopefully come up with strategies that tackle these issues with regeneration projects within London.”
Why architecture at Brighton
“Architecture seemed like the perfect blend of all the things I had enjoyed studying (Art, Humanities, Science) in one course, and therefore it was a no-brainer. When I was studying art at A-level, I was fascinated by drawing beauty to the mundane; my final piece was a petrol station in the style of Edward Hopper. From there, I knew that the built environment was something I wanted to explore further. I had grown up drawing floorplans of my bedroom, building homes in The Sims, and watching George Clarke’s amazing spaces and architecture was the academic pursuit of all those things I already enjoyed.
“My choice in studying at the University of Brighton was based on my previous visits to the city itself, and the whole atmosphere and culture were completely different to the Cotswold villages I had grown up around. I loved that the course was geared more towards the more creative aspects of architecture rather than the scientific and technical, as although both are important within design, architecture as an art was always more interesting to me.”
University experience and development
“As I have a background in art, my favourite part of architecture is being able to develop final drawings that showcase my strategy and thinking throughout the project. These drawings have allowed me to develop my computational skills through both CAD software and the Adobe suite, which is so valuable when applying for future jobs.”
Inspirational staff
“I have been lucky to have had many tutors who have helped me develop at each different stage within my architectural journey. Nick Adrill was very helpful in my vertical design studio in the second year and pushed me to have confidence in my design work. Jeffery Turko and Dana Hardman then inspired me to go even further within my technology module, whilst also highlighting the importance of making mistakes and how they lead to better understanding. Georgia White is my current tutor, and I am inspired by the way she leads her studio with the understanding that architecture isn’t just about design but also politics and people.”
Hands-on experience
“I have been lucky to have had work experience over the summer of my second year with Pozzoni Architecture here in Brighton, which I was able to do through my personal mentor. This wasn’t something that the university provided me with, but it was an essential part of my development as I was able to see how a practice functioned and the differences between architecture as a study and a profession. I am grateful for the support I received from the team in the later living section of the company, as they answered all of my questions and provided me with skills I will use later in my career.
“The university also provided me with a mentor through the RIBA mentoring program, which I have found very helpful. I was able to get a different insight into architecture and alternative routes I could take, especially with my interest in social housing. I was able to visit the site of deep retrofit homes and new social housing within the Waverly Borough, which was insightful and broadened my perspective on where my degree could take me.”
Looking ahead after graduation
“Once I graduate, I am going to travel parts of South-East Asia alongside my sister in the summer and then I hope to secure a part one placement within an architectural practice. I am hoping to work on social housing projects and hopefully be able to make a difference through my work. From there, I plan to study a master’s in architecture however,r I feel as though my future is flexible and I want to see what opportunities and interests may develop along the way.”
Words of wisdom to my younger self
“I would tell myself not to worry so much about the uncertainty of my future and believe in myself that I am capable of doing things that I set my mind to. Not getting something or being where you planned yourself to be doesn’t make you a failure. Trust the process, and sometimes redirection will lead you to achieving things you never even imagined.”
Thinking about studying architecture at Brighton?
At Brighton, we offer a hands-on, real-world approach to architecture that encourages you to develop your own design voice. With supportive tutors, a strong studio culture, and projects rooted in real contexts, it’s a great place to explore your creativity and grow as a designer.
Find out more about our architecture and design degrees on the University of Brighton website.
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