Building Futures Bursaries

Bursary programme for BAME Architecture students celebrates first graduate as three new local firms join to support the next generation of architects

In the summer that we celebrated the first Building Futures scholar graduating from our School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, we also welcomed three new firms committed to making architecture more accessible to students from a minority ethnic background.

The Building Futures programme is offered to Newcastle University students in partnership with charity Blueprint for All, offering young people of diverse ethnic heritage the opportunity to enter the architectural industry.

Scholars have their tuition fees waived for their three-year undergraduate study and receive a £7,000 contribution towards living costs each year. In addition, the university works with a network of industry experts and local firms to provide specialist workshops, work experience opportunities and mentoring.

Sumaiya Aziz joined Newcastle University as a Building Futures scholar in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, in September 2020, and has recently graduated with a first-class honours degree. She said:

“The Building Futures Bursary made the difficult situation caused by Covid-19 a lot less stressful. I didn't have to worry about paying rent for my accommodation...and I could travel to access facilities on campus when restrictions allowed.

“This scholarship has given me many opportunities in this last year - including a summer internship at Napper Architects, in Newcastle. Whilst I was there, I learnt about professional practice, and how projects are weighted, and are assigned hours. During my time there, I worked on several projects, but the one I enjoyed the most was a competition pitch and creating a visual presentation for this. It was exciting to work as part of a team to meet deadlines, such as this one. I also developed my understanding of digital software, such as AutoCAD.

“It has also meant that I have been able to travel, and I visited Amsterdam and Paris during the summer break. Experiencing different cultures and architectures was very informative and insightful.”

Napper Architects, where Sumaiya interned, is just one of many local firms that support the Building Futures programme. And now, three new firms have joined the programme to support students in the next academic year.

All three firms have existing links with the university, having been behind the newest structures to be added to the campus skyline. GSS Architecture designed The Catalyst on the Newcastle Helix site; Space Architects are the firm behind the recently-opened Farrell Centre (in honour of Newcastle alumnus Sir Terry Farrell); and NORR are the masterminds behind the redevelopment of the Stephenson Building, which reopens to engineering students in September.

Current Architecture student Zubaidah Sami Ahmed will be returning to campus in September to start her second year of study and will benefit from the additional support these three firms will bring to the programme. She said:

“Newcastle is such a diverse city and I’m very excited to start this journey here; I think that the varied collection of buildings in Newcastle will enhance my experience as an Architecture student.

“The Building Futures award has already helped me, by making the transition into university life much smoother. I feel a sense of peace knowing someone has my back and is willing to support me.”

Newcastle University has been working with Blueprint for All for the past four years. The charity, formerly known as the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, was founded in memory of Stephen Lawrence and the Building Futures programme recognises his own dreams of pursuing a career in architecture. Working with community partners across the country, Blueprint for All aim to drive systemic change in organisations and create a more inclusive society in which everyone – regardless of race, ethnicity or background – is provided with tangible opportunities to flourish. 

Dr Paola Gazzola, Head of the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape said,

"Enhancing inclusion and diversity within built environment professions, including architecture, is of paramount importance, and education plays a key role in this. Through our partnership with Blueprint for All and the generosity and support of existing and new partnerships with Architecture practices, we can already see the potential and opportunities for change that we can achieve by working together, and by supporting young peoples' dreams and aspirations to pursue a career in architecture."