RIBA North East Open Studios
February 26, 2026
On Wednesday, 25th February, SPACE participated in the RIBA North East Open Studios as one of fourteen leading practices in the region. The event offered architecture students a direct insight into life within practice, revealing what the profession involves day to day. Designed to demystify practice life and help students envision their future, it created space to explore the possibilities of a career in architecture.
The tours were led by SPACE Director David Wise, a passionate advocate for young professionals. David guided attendees through an informal and immersive exploration of the studio, sharing insights into SPACE's culture and design philosophy. We welcomed enthusiastic groups across both sessions, with the strong turnout reflecting a clear appetite among emerging professionals to better understand the profession from the inside.
Eager to showcase the diversity of daily life at SPACE, David took students on a comprehensive tour of the office. Along the way, students observed team members actively collaborating and making progress on a wide range of innovative projects. This behind-the-scenes look offered attendees a genuine sense of the creativity, focus, and passion that define the studio's daily atmosphere.
Students gained insight into the work of the Education and Residential teams, witnessing firsthand how detailed visualisation technology is integrated into project development. The tour emphasises the versatile and creative possibilities within both architecture and architectural technology. Afterwards, attendees were given ample time for questions and discussions, taking advantage of the chance to seek CV and portfolio advice from experienced professionals.
With Open Studio access available only once in 2026, the strong turnout of engaged and inquisitive students underscored the value of opening up practice in this way. Their eagerness to explore the studio, engage with our team members, and ask thoughtful questions demonstrated the value of making these rare opportunities as enriching and accessible as possible.
At SPACE, opening up the studio to the next generation is part of how we work. Open Studios offers a rare chance to share the lived experience of practice, inviting students into the day-to-day life of the studio. In doing so, it creates a meaningful exchange, connecting the practice with local students and those beginning their first steps into the profession.
