LIZ'S STORY
Associate Professor and Head of the Year 1 Architectural Design Studio at the University of Nottingham (2004-22), along with Studio Tutor and Reviewer for Years 2 and 3 of the undergraduate programme.
Over 18 years I taught more than 3,600 students, oversaw a studio of 155 students each academic year, working with my team of around 35 staff. As Head of Year 1, I supported students through the transition from school to university - the most challenging and formative year of an architecture degree.
That experience gave me deep insight into both the rewards and the challenges of studying architecture - academically and creatively, but also personally. After returning from my travels in 2023, I resumed teaching as a studio tutor for the 2023-24 year. I now visit Nottingham as an external reviewer.
This experience - 21 years of teaching, leading and reviewing at Nottingham - now informs the work I do. I help students preparing to begin their degree, or considering whether architecture is right for them, understand what the course actually involves - so they can arrive ready."
View Student TestimonialsGuiding Students Through Their Architectural Journey
Experience, clarity, and support at every stage
I studied architecture at Kingston University, completing both my degree and master's there before working in practice as an architectural designer. It was during those years that I realised my real interest lay in teaching - in supporting students as they learn how to think, design, and communicate as architects.
That realisation led to me joining the University of Nottingham in 2004 and now informs everything I offer through BromleyARC.
The 7-Day Insider's Guide to Studying Architecture is the starting point - a course designed to help prepare students for their degree, to build confidence - whilst also confirming whether architecture is the right fit for them.
Alongside the course, I offer one-to-one online tutorials for students preparing for, or already studying for their degree. These cover portfolio guidance, design development, and drawing support. I also continue to work as an architectural designer, which allows me to combine academic insight with current practice.
For many students, the Insider's Guide is just the beginning. As their studies progress, they have the option to return for individual tutorials and tailored support - enabling me to continue guiding them as their understanding, skills, and confidence develop.
What I Bring to Teaching
I love teaching architecture because it allows me to explore, alongside my students, how design shapes people, places, and our ideas about the world.
My work focuses on architectural design and on the visual communication which brings ideas to life - including drawing, photography, art, and graphic design.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy visiting inspiring buildings, beautiful places, and experiencing local cultures first-hand. My most recent trips in 2022-23 took me through Europe - including Denmark, five weeks in Italy, then Athens to Istanbul - and across Asia to Oman, India, Bali, Singapore, Japan and Thailand.
Throughout the 7-Day Insider's Guide to Studying Architecture, I share drawings, photographs, and insights from my own work and travels, helping students see how architectural ideas are shaped by real places and our lived experience.
