Meet Tobias, an INTO Newcastle University alumnus who, having received a first-class degree from Newcastle University and won a major award in his final year, is now working for a prestigious London company.
Tobias attributes his success to the excellent tuition and support he received during the nine-month-long Architecture Foundation programme at INTO Newcastle University. This design-led course provided him with essential English language and communications skills, as well as the ability to research, analyse and present his work.
“The foundation programme that is offered by INTO Newcastle is very well structured, introducing architecture from many different angles – from social to art background – equipping me with strong creativity and critical thinking as a foundation before starting my degree,” he said.
Having successfully completed the Foundation programme three years ago, Tobias, who is from Indonesia, was delighted to secure a place on Newcastle University’s RIBA-accredited Architecture degree programme.
“The School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (APL) offers one of the top Architecture programmes in the UK, and as I enjoyed the city as it is student friendly and affordable, there was no doubt that I’d like to stay,” he said.
During his three-year Architecture degree, Tobias was expected to work on several design projects, either developing concepts independently or with other students. One of the Architecture programme’s strengths is that it gives students the chance to work with partner organisations on real-life projects, enabling them acquire practical, in-depth skills.
The School of APL also encourages experimentation through events such as Charrette Week and celebrates innovative work during its annual Degree Show. Students also benefit throughout their studies from state-of-the-art facilities including a fully-equipped analogue model-making workshop, and digital fabrication equipment such as laser cutters, 3D printers and CNC routers.
Tobias’ final project received the HB Saint (William Bell Memorial) Award for Best Major Project for Part 1. He was also shortlisted for the RIBA North East Student Award (Hadrian’s Medal).
“I’m really proud of my final project which is the intersection of architecture and other things that I’m interested in: religion/faith, contextual impact, creating a public space, and combining architecture with other arts such as music and painting,” he said.
Tobias is now working as a Part I Architectural Assistant at Farrells Architects, a firm established by Sir Terry Farrell, one of the most successful alumni from Newcastle University APL.
“Learning is the best part of architecture, and thankfully, it never stops! There are always new things, new chapters of architecture to be learned and with the growing technology of the construction industry that we as designer are constantly provided with new ways to produce space,” said Tobias.