The BArch (Hons) Architecture(opens in new tab) course received a commendation at the Standing Conference of Schools of Architecture (SCOSA) Innovation in Architectural Education Awards 2026(opens in new tab).

There is strong competition for the annual awards, with nominations open to all 66 schools of Architecture in the UK.

Course Leader Dr Islam Abohela(opens in new tab) and Senior Lecturer Dr James Robertson(opens in new tab) were presented with the award in recognition of their ‘vertical live studio’ teaching model and commitment to advancing the University’s civic agenda.

Delivered over the past three years, the dynamic approach provides opportunities for students at all levels to work together within a studio setting, encouraging collaboration and peer-to-peer learning across year groups.

Students spend more than 50% of their time on the course in the studio and work with real clients on a range of live projects, using Stoke-on-Trent as a testbed for social renewal through architecture.

Dr Islam Abohela, Associate Professor of Architecture, said: “Our vertical live studio approach is all about cultivating care, creativity and collaboration. One of the most rewarding outcomes is the organic mentoring between students from different academic levels after spending time together during these projects.”

Dr James Robertson added: “It also embraces the University’s civic role by engaging in live projects with our local and regional community, to develop interesting design solutions that benefit the area.”

Projects have included a collaboration in 2023 with St. Modwen Homes, North Staffordshire Society of Architects, Burslem Regeneration Trust and Stoke-on-Trent City Council to reinstate a war memorial at the former Royal Doulton factory site.

In 2024, the Rammed Earth Playscape(opens in new tab) project saw students work closely with the British Ceramics Biennial (BCB) and architects Tuckey Design Studio to design a sustainable children’s playground, constructed from clay spoil.

Last year, students had the opportunity to experiment with bamboo(opens in new tab), an under-used building material in the UK, while considering the architectural history and heritage of Capital & Centric’s redeveloped ‘Goods Yard’ project.

In collaboration with Brilliant Bamboo CIC and Atelier One Structural Engineers, students designed and constructed full-scale bamboo structures for the UK Bamboo Summit 2025, held in the ‘Vaults’ space within the Goods Yard.

Last year, the BArch (Hons) Architecture course received full validation from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), with the implementation of the vertical live studio being a key commendation from the panel.

It reflects the University’s wider approach to embedding employability and real-world skills within the curriculum to help students become career-ready – something recently recognised at the Academic Employability Awards 2026(opens in new tab) where Staffordshire was named University of the Year.

“We are passionate about preparing our students for their future careers and the positive impact that architecture can have," Dr Abohela commented. "Working with real clients and community partners helps our students to understand the wider social role architecture can play while building confidence and industry experience that they can take with them when they graduate.”

Discover more about studying at University of Staffordshire at an Open Day – book your place(opens in new tab).