External practitioner call

We are inviting expressions of interest from creative, enthusiastic professionals interested in teaching at one of the top schools of architecture in the UK.
We are looking for external practitioners with an established record of teaching and a well-defined agenda related to sustainable, contemporary architectural design to support our students in a vibrant, collaborative teaching and research environment.
Proposals are invited for the following types of roles to support our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in 2025/26:
Studio tutors (BSc and Masters)
Studio Tutors support design teaching in the BSc Architecture (years 1 and 2) and MA in Urban Design (MA UD). They work within a framework of teaching methods and briefs established by design module leaders.
The studios in BSc years 1 and 2 run from October to Easter, whereas the MA UD studios run from October to September.
Each BSc studio typically has 12 students. Students are required to respond to a given brief that has been set to encourage specific practices of knowing, being and acting within the context of design teaching and learning. The brief will define a geographical location as well as a clear theme, agenda and programme.
Weekly tutorials are offered either in small groups or with individual students, allowing time and space for developing and testing ideas through design.
We welcome proposals for studio in subject areas that align to one or other of the following themes: ‘personhood and place’, ‘urbanism’, ‘making’, ‘environment’, and ‘adaptation’. These are broadly aligned with the school’s Research and Scholarship Groups and are available to download on the right.
Practice links visitors (MArch)
Our WSA Practice Link Group supports our unique MArch1 ‘Year of Education in Practice’. Practice Links Tutors mentor and offer design guidance to a small group of students, including a virtual office visit to review experience and set goals for self-development in practice. As part of this, you will offer tutorial advice, review and assessment for Design in Practice that aims to address real-world design challenges through Live Project teaching.
Practice Links Tutors are typically RIBA Part III qualified architects (or equivalent) with experience of practice. Interests in adaptive reuse, environmental design and community engagement would be a good fit to support our Live Project briefs.
Design studio leaders (BSc)
Design studios are offered in the third year of our BSc Architecture (RIBA Part I).
The studios run from October to June.
Each has approximately 24 students and two tutors. Students are required to respond to a thematic agenda set by the studio leaders, and we ask for a one-page draft proposal together with a CV. The school is open to proposals from individuals who might join internal staff members or from an already established team.
We welcome proposals for studio in subject areas that align to one or other of the following themes: ‘personhood and place’, ‘urbanism’, ‘making’, ‘environment’, and ‘adaptation’. These are broadly aligned with the school’s Research and Scholarship Groups and are available to download on the right.
Weekly tutorials are offered either in small groups or with individual students, allowing time and space for developing and testing ideas through design.
The outcomes of studios should meet the school’s framework of learning outcomes that are aligned to criteria set by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
Design unit leads (Masters)
Design units are offered in the second year of our Master of Architecture (MArch RIBA Part II) and the MA in Architectural Design (MA AD).
We invite proposals for thematic units from individuals with a proven record of high-level design excellence, demonstrated through completed projects in practice, previous design studios, publications, and/or awards. Applicants should be capable of teaching design from a well-defined agenda relevant to contemporary architectural discourse and practice. Additionally, they should have extensive experience in integrating design and research.
MArch units run from October to Easter, while MA AD studios extend from October to September. Each master’s-level unit typically consists of 9–10 students, though we may consider larger units where prospective leaders propose collaborative teaching approaches.
Students are expected to visit selected sites at least once, with study trips often incorporated into the curriculum. Weekly tutorials, conducted in small groups or individually, provide the time and space necessary for developing and testing ideas through design.
Outcomes
The resulting outcomes should meet the school learning outcomes that are aligned to criteria set by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB) for Parts I and II, respectively.
Students are required to develop a design thesis that responds to a clearly defined issue or theme, supported by their unit leader. The design thesis is a vehicle through which students will acquire important skills in research and its translation into architectural programme, form, and material resolution.
Consultants in technology, history and theory or design reviewers
History and Theory
We are interested in having external practitioners supporting our History and Theory teaching in the BSc (RIBA Part1) programme. This consists of a series of modules taught through lectures, workshops and seminars. We are looking for a knowledge of architectural (and urban/ planning) history and theory developed through architectural studies or an equivalent subject and a keen interest in the field. As part of a team, your expertise could include contributing to tutorials, seminars or workshops.
Technology
We are looking for consultants with expertise in Architectural Technology to support both RIBA Part I and Part II student projects. Applicants should be interested in inspiring and able to challenging students to integrate technology into design projects with a specific focus on architectural tectonics, materiality, building fabric, building construction, and low carbon/zero carbon and sustainable building design approaches. This may include specific expertise in materials, thermal comfort, ventilation, building physics, building services, structures, and fire safety.
Design reviewers
At regular intervals in the year, we require professionals to review student work. We are keen to hear from all architects, including specialists in a particular area, so please do express an interest.
Current programmes to which this call relates
Examples of past work
- Discover our 2024 yearbook
- Find details of the upcoming 2025 Summer Show
How to apply
The application process consists of two stages.
Use this link to submit your expression of interest, and you will then need to submit a CV and examples of original design work and/or previous architectural teaching.
Unit leads – you will also be asked to submit a one-page expression of interest, which covers:
- Aim, objectives and scope of unit: subject area, questions that might be posed within the unit, ways of working (drawn, modelled, computational, collaborative, onsite, etc.)
- Location and resources: Where will the students be working (rural, town, city, region, country, etc.). What resources might be needed to support the unit?
- If possible, we would also ask you to consider general timetabling, resource implications including materials costs, risk assessment (we can advise on this), site and study visits
You should also consider methodology, skills, learning and expected outcomes.
Please indicate in your proposal where you would locate the unit: BSc (RIBA Part I), MArch (Part RIBA Part II) or MA AD. We reserve the right to suggest alternatives.
Deadline: 31 May 2025
If your studio or unit proposal is accepted, you will be invited to submit a further detailed brief.
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds.
We, therefore, welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.
Contact
For more information, contact Samantha Johnson: