Seren is from Suffolk and is currently a second year student on BA Architecture at Central Saint Martins.
Why did you choose to study your course and why Central Saint Martins (CSM)?
One of the key reasons I chose to study BA (Hons) Architecture at CSM is its unique Spatial Practices approach. Unlike traditional architecture courses, which can often be rigid in their methodology, Spatial Practices encourages exploration, experimentation, and cross-disciplinary thinking. It situates architecture within a broader social, political, and cultural context, pushing us to think beyond just form and function.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far? What made it so interesting to work on?
Being part of studio 9 in vertical studios, our brief guided us to explore themes of threshold, time and grief. A construction method, design led workflow pushed me out of my comfort zone and led me to explore concepts of music as a form of grief management. This process led me to develop a design language using musical rhythm and dynamics at its core. Our studio’s methodology has allowed me to build a strong narrative that allows me to guide my project and decision making.
Have you completed any work placements / internships whilst being on the course?
I have undertaken two architecture internships that greatly enhanced my learning and understanding of professional practice. At Wincer Kievenaar Architects, I developed my skills in Vectorworks - along with additional software not typically used on our course. I also attended site visits, gaining valuable insight into the real-world application of architectural design. At EPR Architects, I participated in workshops with the technical, marketing, and finance teams, gaining a broader understanding of how a major practice operates. I also worked on an independent project, designing a community performance space in Hackney, where I explored new design strategies and learned advanced rendering software to create immersive visualisations. Both internships strengthened my technical skills and industry knowledge, exposing me to diverse roles in architecture - from conceptual design to branding and business strategy - and broadening my perspective on potential career paths.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
Have an inquisitive mindset. Everyone around you is a fountain of knowledge - your fellow CSM students, your course mates, and your tutors. Being curious about other people's experiences can lead to the most thought-provoking, intellectually, and creatively engaging discussions. The best insights often come from unexpected conversations, so never hesitate to ask questions and explore different perspectives.
What has been the highlight of your CSM experience so far?
The culture of showcasing students' work has been a major highlight of my time at CSM. The open nature of the building and the wide variety of courses mean that you're constantly surrounded by exhibitions, installations, and displays - from fashion shows to jewellery pop-ups - allowing you to draw inspiration from many different creative fields. In architecture, we have an end-of-year showcase, which is an incredible opportunity to present our work, reflect on our progress, and celebrate our achievements with coursemates. It’s a rewarding moment that brings together the hard work of the year and reinforces the sense of community within the course.
What are your career aspirations? Where would you like to be in five years time?
I’m keeping a very open mind about my future in architecture. Before starting this course, I had a much narrower perception of the profession, but my time at CSM has exposed me to a wide range of possibilities beyond traditional practice. I want to embrace diverse opportunities and remain open to exploring interdisciplinary and unconventional paths within the field. But ultimately, my goal is to continue to develop my practice in a way that always feels true to myself.
What is the most important thing you've learnt on the course so far?
The architectural design process doesn’t have to follow a standard linear route - a myriad of methodologies should be encouraged. The vertical studio system at CSM breeds a culture of embracing different pedagogical methods, which opens your eyes to the variation in design processes. This exposure allows you to begin to position yourself and your practice, which is your strongest tool for self reflection and guidance throughout your studies.
Connect with Seren on LinkedIn