Satwinder Samra
BA(Hons) DipArch(Dist) PFHEA RIBA
I am an architect, educator and broadcaster. Currently Director of Collaborative Practice and a Senior University Teacher at the Sheffield School of Architecture, I am developing initiatives that encourage new relationships between architectural practice, academia and industry.
I am currently lead on ‘Collaborative Practice’ a new MArch programme which is an innovative earn-as-you-learn Part 2 Masters. My MArch studio teaching has focused on Ageing and Intergenerational Architecture, and now explores Networks of Resourceful Architecture.
Previously in the School I was Director of Y3 (2000-2010), Director of MArch (2011- 2013), Director of Undergraduate Studies (2009-2011) and Lead on Y2/Y3 Construction (1998-2010).
I helped to deliver 3 successful RIBA visiting boards and many of my students have gone on to influential roles in leading UK and International practices. My work in the school and influence beyond was recognised by a University Senate Award (2011) for Sustained Excellence and more recently by the Higher Education Academy awarding a PFHEA (2024).
I have guest lectured, reviewed, and external examined at a number of leading institutions including Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), Bergen SOA Norway and Royal College of Art London.
I trained at the School and graduated with a First Class Honours (1991) and a Distinction at Part 2 (1994). My student work was exhibited at the RIBA Presidents Medals and at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.
I began my practice career with Urban Splash (1994) where I worked on award-winning projects including Concert Square in Liverpool, Sally’s Yard, Smithfield Buildings, and Trafford Park in Manchester. I moved to Proctor Matthews to focus on social housing projects such as the regeneration of the Stonebridge Estate in north-west London. I then co-founded Sauce Architecture (1998-2013).
I currently support leading architectural practices as an advisor, collaborator and consultant. Recent highlights include competition entries for the New Irish Embassy, Tokyo and the New School of Architecture in Aarhus, Denmark with William Matthews Associates.
I have written for Guardian Higher Online, Architects Journal, and Chinese Journal of Architecture and Urbanism. Monocle Radio 24, Times of India, The Statesman India, and RIBA Publishing have interviewed me about my work and activities.
My work as a presenter, host and broadcaster includes BAFTA award-winning CBBC programme The Dengineers, Grand Designs Live, and hosting the RIBA Building Stories Stephen Lawrence Prize, Archisource Annual Awards and RIBA London Awards. All my work promotes inclusion and diversity, ultimately aiming to make architecture accessible for all.
Equal access to architecture
Equal access to architecture
Co-production
Charitable work
Interview
Research-led teaching at SSoA
Gingerbread city
Panel chair
Charitable work
Research-led teaching at SSoA
Debate chair
RIBA and ABS Wellbeing research
Interview
BBC interview
Teaching approaches
UoS Learning and Teaching Conference
Student wellbeing
Research-led teaching at SSoA
Architectural broadcasting
Student wellbeing