GSSArchitecture joins Building Futures bursary scheme at Newcastle University for students from diverse backgrounds to study architecture

The University is proud to be working with the charity Blueprint for All, formerly the Stephen Lawrence Trust, to give young people of diverse ethnic heritage the opportunity to enter the architectural industry. Students on the scheme have their fees waived for their three-year undergraduate study and receive an annual contribution to their living costs. The Building Futures bursary scheme is now in its fourth year at Newcastle University with six students benefiting from the scholarship so far; the first students on the scheme took up their place in September 2020.

One of these students, Sumaiya Aziz, is now in her final year of study at Newcastle and has felt a wide range of benefits from the bursary; “I was able to gain some work experience in London over the summer thanks to the bursary. I attended an event in my first year to meet donors to the bursary, including architecture firms, and they made me aware of the opportunities available. Without the bursary, I never would have made this connection and would have struggled to take an unpaid placement, so it’s been a big help.”

The scheme relies on the support and generosity of architect firms to provide two students with this scholarship each year, and the university is delighted that GSS Architecture has committed to a five- year funding contribution. GSSArchitecture believes it is vital to balance short-term business pressures with long-term success through Corporate Social Responsibility, and they are committed to creating environments in which individuals or groups can be welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Becoming part of the Building Futures programme is one of the many ways GSS Architecture are demonstrating their brand value of inclusivity in real-terms.

Jonathan Hunter, Partner at GSSArchitecture, said: “The Building Futures programme has already helped six deserving people since it launched in 2020, and we are excited by the potential this partnership with Newcastle University and Blueprint for All presents to offer more young people the opportunity to enter the architectural industry. This fantastic programme recognises how every person, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background can be given the opportunity to succeed. We are proud to be directly supporting this initiative that highlights the systemic issues that are, unfortunately, still prevalent today. We hope this will make a real difference to underrepresented people in the industry, organisations and society.”

Dr Sam Austin, Director of Architecture at Newcastle University said: "We‘re so pleased that GSSArchitecture is joining the Building Futures bursary scheme. We’re committed to improving opportunities for all interested young people to succeed in studying architecture, and the bursaries provide fantastic and much-needed support for students from diverse backgrounds. Initiatives like this are so important as we all work to shape a more inclusive architectural profession that is better placed to serve all of society, and we are very grateful to practices like GSSArchitecture for their support."