How does a week studying Rome this summer sound?
We’re delighted to announce a Call for Expressions of Interest from Black and Asian-led practices and architects.
The fourth ‘Reading Rome’ architecture summer school at the British School at Rome will take place from 14-19 September 2026 in Rome, Italy.
The course, which this year will be led by Alison Brooks, focuses on Hadrian’s Legacy. The course combines detailed site visits in and around Rome led by specialists and the course leader, with design workshops at the BSR.
Thanks to the generous support of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, the BSR in partnership with the Paradigm Network, is able to offer two fully sponsored places on the Summer School in 2026 to young architects – or soon to be architects – working in Black or Asian led practices or from Black or Asian backgrounds and based in the United Kingdom. The sponsorship provided by the 1851 Commission includes all course fees and expenses, accommodation and meals, and a contribution to fund travel to and from Rome. Participants, and participating practices, will be invited to a follow-up event in London following the course.
Applications are now invited either from practices or from architects who are post-Part I to participate in the Summer School. Applications should include a statement from the individual outlining why they would like to be considered for one of the two places (up to 300 words with supporting images, or a video of up to three minutes), as well as a letter of support from the practice sponsoring the application, where applicable.
Closing date for applications is 31 May 2026.
Successful applicants will be notified by the end of April. Applications should be sent by email to the British School at Rome: [email protected]
What a year we’ve had! 🌟
As we wrap up the year, we’re proud to have brought our community together...
...from connecting at the Serpentine Pavilion, to celebrating member-led, community-driven projects like Wolves Lane with The Ubele Initiative, supporting platforms such as Black Females In Architecture, and continuing to spotlight Black and Asian-led practices making an impact across the built environment.
Looking ahead, we’re excited for another year of championing inclusive practice, knowledge-sharing, career progression, and plenty more moments of connection.
Season’s greetings to our Paradigm Network members and supporters.
See you in the new year 🌟
The Leamington Student Housing scheme by @mineshpatelarchitects (designed during Minesh’s time at Howells) shows how thoughtful architecture can elevate everyday student life — from the calm, rhythmic façade to a ground floor that opens onto the canal towpath.
By reconnecting the site to this important local route, the project strengthens the relationship between student living and the wider community. A simple, sensitive design doing exactly what good architecture should: creating places people feel part of.
#ParadigmNetwork
#InclusiveDesign
#ArchitectureUK
#StudentHousing
#UrbanDesign
#CommunityLedDesign
#RIBAChartered
#BirminghamArchitects
#CanalSideLiving
#DesignForCommunity
We’re continuing our spotlight on practices shaping inclusive places 👋🏾
Today’s feature: Minesh Patel Architects @mineshpatelarchitects
With a design-led approach and a portfolio of award-winning work, this RIBA Chartered Birmingham practice brings thoughtful, context-driven architecture to homeowner, commercial and council clients alike.
One standout project from Minesh’s time at Howells is the Leamington Student Housing scheme in Leamington Spa... a redevelopment of a former BT storage facility into vibrant, well-connected student accommodation.
The design creates two four-storey buildings with generous communal spaces at ground level and 8-bed clusters above. A key ambition was to strengthen links with the neighbourhood by reconnecting the site to the canal towpath, integrating student life with the wider community.
📸 Explore more from this completed project. 🔗 Learn more about Minesh Patel Architects via their website
Paradigm Network is proud to support the launch of the first-ever Pan-African Biennale (PAB), a landmark cultural moment.
Join us at The Africa Centre, London, on Thursday 11 December for the London launch event.
This gathering is part of a global series building momentum ahead of the official Biennale opening in Nairobi next year, under the powerful theme:
Shifting the Center: From Fragility to Resilience.
This is an opportunity to connect with architects, designers, creatives and thought-leaders shaping a new Pan-African cultural narrative.
🔗 RSVP to reserve your place: /p06nzp03
We’d love to see our community there!
#Architects #PanAfrican #Biennale
Which Black + Asian-led architectural practice is inspiring you this month? @studio.aki
As part of Paradigm Network’s mission, we shine a light on small and medium-sized Black and Asian-led practices whose work pushes the boundaries of hashtag#architecture and hashtag#placemaking.
Today, we’re spotlighting a practice that blends disciplines, stories and spaces…
🔦 Studio Aki
Working at the intersection of architecture, art, design, film and theatre, Studio Aki creates socially engaged, narrative-driven work, from small objects and installations to full architectural projects.
Their process is grounded in research, storytelling and collaboration, often activating underused urban spaces through participatory, community-focused design.
Explore their work and help amplify Black + Asian-led design excellence 👏🏾
www.studioaki.london
We’re incredibly proud to see Paradigm Network members and collaborators recognised for their powerful and purposeful work.
Huge congratulations to kristofer robert adelaide on being shortlisted for the NLA and Southwark Council project to design a Memorial of Hope for Damilola Taylor.
A meaningful brief, and important work.
Wishing all shortlisted teams the very best of luck, and looking forward to seeing the proposals come to life.
You can visit @nlalondon website to see the proposals
We’re so proud to see our Paradigm Network co-founder Tara .I. Gbolade taking the stage at the BE-ST Fest Summit next month!
Tara is not only a Mayor’s Design Advocate and co-director of Gbolade Design Studio | Architects Studio, but also a leading voice in shaping sustainable and regenerative approaches across the built environment.
From co-founding Paradigm Network to contributing to LETI and UK Architects Declare, her impact is being felt across the sector.
We can’t wait to hear her insights on driving real change in design and development at this event.
At Paradigm Network, we believe progress happens when we bridge gaps, between people, opportunities, and the wider industry.
In architecture and design, bridging is about more than structures; it’s about breaking down barriers to entry, career progression, and recognition.
We build bridges by:
- Linking professionals across backgrounds and disciplines
- Partnering with industry bodies to unlock access and visibility
- Creating networks that empower members to reach their full potential
Our WhatsApp community is one of those bridges, a space where members connect instantly, share opportunities, and support each other’s journeys.
Join us as a PARTNER and be part of bridging the gap too.
Visit our website to collaborate.
Today’s spotlight: West Port and their design for the Old Yard Gatehouse 🏡
This new 3-bedroom home in Kensal Green sits on a compact site, carefully stitched into the rhythm of the street. With arched forms and tiled details echoing the long-lost Kensal Green Tabernacle, the design blends memory, context, and craft.
📸 Photography by Richard Oxford
🔗 Discover more on their website.
#architecturedesign #instaarchitecture #instaarchitects #ukstreets #londonstreets
Culture is now a procurement filter and a talent magnet – is yours ready to win work?
ARB’s new Code (Sept 2025) and UK procurement rules demand proof of equitable systems, not just intent.
That’s why Paradigm Network are backing The IRIE™ Workplace Culture ScoreCard for Leaders, created by Dian Small, The Cultural Architect™.
It’s the first ARB-aligned diagnostic built for the built environment, helping practice leaders see how their day-to-day culture supports, or stalls, innovation, responsibility, inclusion, and equity.
Turn insights into competitive advantage, spot gaps before they cost you projects or people, and show evidence of EDI impact.
Be one of the first 72 leaders to access it here: culturalarchitect.co.uk
#architecture
#architectslife #archidaily #paradigmnetwork #architects #archilovers #architecturedesign #instaarchitecture #instaarchitects
Spotlight on award-winning practice Gbolade Design Studio 🌍
Shortlisted for the Future Place – Pineapple Awards 2025, their role in the Waterloo Station Masterplan champions placemaking and meanwhile uses—shaping an ambitious vision for one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Working alongside Grimshaw and partners, the scheme prioritises connectivity, inclusivity, and sustainability, with new green spaces, walkways, and opportunities for local communities and businesses to thrive.
📸 the vision for Waterloo @gbolade.design.studio
🔗 Learn more about the project on the Pineapple Awards website
