From exploring regenerative design and biomaterials to studying in Stockholm, completing a community build in Fiji and receiving recognition for her final-year work, Master of Architecture graduate Niamh Ashley made the most of opportunities both within and beyond Newcastle.
She reflects on the experiences that shaped her time at university and her ambitions for a future in architecture, research and teaching.
I have just graduated from my two-year Master of Architecture degree at Newcastle University, which I have thoroughly enjoyed.
I chose to study my MArch here at Newcastle because I was keen to complete an exchange semester abroad, and was impressed by the facilities for the Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment (HBBE).
Image by Ben Bridgens
I had previously completed an exchange semester during my undergraduate degree and was very keen to integrate the experiences as part of my master’s course, gaining a new perspective on architecture and being immersed in a new culture and meeting new people.
My interests lie within the themes of Regenerative Architecture and Biomaterials, which Newcastle University has many facilities for, particularly in the HBBE and OME lab for the testing of materials and research.
Throughout the two years, I was part of the Regen Studio led by Anna Czigler and Ben Bridgens focussing on regenerative and circular design principles. These themes are extremely relevant to the present day, combating the climate crisis and I am extremely passionate about these principles for the future of architecture and the built environment.
The studio allowed me to address these issues and work with circular biomaterials to challenge the conventional methods of construction, working with the fantastic APL workshop staff to realise my ideas and concepts.
During the first year, I had the opportunity to take part in an exchange semester at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. The opportunity allowed me to expand my perspectives, deepen my understanding of the culture, travel and make friends from across the world.
In the summer between the two years, I took part in the Think Pacific Community Build Programme in Fiji organised by Global Opportunities where I joined a group of like-minded students to build a Medical Dispensary for a rural village, Nadelei in just over one month. It was one of the best opportunities I've ever taken part in!
As part of this experience, I lived with a Fijian family for the entirety of the project, delving into Fijian culture and family life. It was an exceptionally enriching and rewarding experience and allowed me to gain alternate perspectives on everyday life. It was one of the best opportunities I have ever taken part in!
Student Awards
I am extremely grateful to have received the following awards for my final-year Master’s thesis project:
-
RIBA North East Student Award winner (Part 2)
-
HB Saint (William Bell) Memorial Awards for best major design project (Part 2)
-
Exceptional Contribution Award
-
Shortlisted for the Archisource Drawing of the Year Awards
Archisource Drawing of the Year Awards
In May, I entered four drawings from my Master's thesis project into the Archisource Drawing of the Year Awards 2026. I was delighted to have one of my drawings shortlisted in this prestigious global competition, which received over 9,000 entries, with only the top 250 selected for exhibition.
The shortlisted works were displayed at the London Creates Exhibition 2026 at the Truman Brewery in London, alongside a major exhibition by the internationally renowned architecture practice Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA). It was an incredible privilege to have my work exhibited in such a respected setting, and I was thrilled to visit the exhibition and see my drawing displayed alongside so many outstanding student projects from around the world.
Support from the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
The School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape offered a wide range of opportunities, events, and information about external competitions. I was always keen to take part in as many of these opportunities as possible, allowing me to gain valuable experience and make the most of everything the school had to offer.
My studio tutors were always there to support me in pursuing any opportunities and assisted me with any applications. They gave information about other events taking place in relation to the studio themes, supporting me to get the most out of the school’s opportunities and events.
I also had the opportunity to take part in some tutoring for a group of first-year Architecture and Urban Planning students. This was a fantastic opportunity to gain experience in teaching, which I am keen to continue in the future, giving back to students and supporting them on their architectural journey.
My experience at Newcastle University has significantly shaped and inspired my passions for the future. My next steps are to complete the Part 3 Architectural Practice and Management course at Newcastle to become a fully qualified architect. Then, I am keen to continue my studies and passions for biomaterials within the built environment by researching through a PhD and want to continue developing my experience in teaching as another interest. I feel Newcastle has most definitely supported and prepared me for my next steps on my architectural journey and am very grateful for all the support and experiences I have taken part in.
Niamh’s journey shows where a degree in architecture at Newcastle can lead: hands-on experimentation and international experiences to award-winning work and new opportunities in research and practice.
Discover more about studying Architecture at Newcastle University and the opportunities available to develop your own interests, experience and future career.