Site visit case study: Visit to International Architecture Practice Grimshaw

Where was the visit?

Grimshaw offices in Clerkenwell, London.

Highlights and key benefits for students

  • Real-world exposure: Students were able to see what professional architects do on a daily basis, which can help them understand how their studies connect to real-world applications.
  • Understanding the design process: Observing the stages of design development in an office – from conceptual design to construction documentation – gives students a holistic view of how a project is realised. Students here were able to not only see the finished models of projects they have been learning about, but also speak with architects leading different aspects of the practice. The visit included the following: 
    • Visit to Model Shop: Explored the facilities and processes with the Model Shop Directors, gaining insights into advanced model-making techniques, material selection, and their role in architectural design development.
    • Lecture by Peter Swallow, Sustainability Lead for Europe on sustainability initiatives, highlighting cutting-edge approaches to sustainable design and construction.
    • Interactive session with Shahrzad Fereidouni, Design Technology Group Manager, for VR/AR live demonstration showcasing immersive tools for design visualisation and collaboration.
    • Lecture by Hesham Shawqy, Computational Design Specialist, on complex geometries and the integration of digital design techniques and solutions into the architectural design process.
Site visit at Grimshaw Architects
Site visit at Grimshaw Architects
  • Inspiration and motivation: Seeing completed projects and the creative environment of a professional space was incredibly motivating for students, giving them something to aim for and aspire to.
  • Insight into collaboration: Architecture is a collaborative field that involves working with various professionals, including engineers, interior designers, and contractors. The office visit was instrumental in showcasing how these collaborations work in practice.
  • Exposure to office culture and tools: Students experienced the atmosphere, team dynamics, and software/tools used in professional practice, helping them understand the kind of work environment they might be a part of in the future.

Student perspective

“The educational visit to the Grimshaw architectural firm in London, UK gave students an opportunity to witness potential career pathways, allowing for a more secured sense of their major and passions. Through various interactions with architectural specialists, students were given hands-on experience that solidified their aspirations even further. This experience was extremely enlightening for future architects, including myself, and I am so thankful to be provided with these opportunities.“

Jessica Miramadi, Global Scholar – Architecture

Madeline Halabisky“Visiting Grimshaw gave me an invaluable glimpse into the life of working architects. I saw the wide range of roles that are played when designing a building and learned about the specialised skills and offerings that each of these roles involves. Overall, this experience showed me that the role of an architect is not a limiting one but that there are so many possibilities that stem from it.“

Madeline Halabisky, Global Scholar – Architecture

External partner perspective

Thorin Costain“We strongly value hosting students, as it gives us the chance to share Grimshaw’s design philosophy and build connections with future architects who may carry forward our commitment to innovation and sustainable design. By experiencing our approach to design, modelling, sustainability, computational methods, and VR/AR technology firsthand, students gain a clear understanding of how these elements come together in real projects.“

Thorin Costain, Architect, Grimshaw

Faculty perspective

Vasilena Vassilev“Our visit to Grimshaw was an incredibly rewarding experience for our students. They had the opportunity to witness the office in action, meet key members of the leadership team behind their groundbreaking projects, and observe firsthand how the design principles we practise in our studio connect with the process of developing real-world architecture. The visit provided valuable insights into the collaborative nature of architectural practice, the innovative use of technology in design and construction, and the integration of sustainable design solutions in projects ranging from individual buildings to large-scale master plans.”

Vasilena Vassilev, Assistant Professor of Architecture, Head of Design and Communication Studies

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