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TV personality wins PhD award to study at University of Reading

Award-winning architect and TV presenter, Piers Taylor, has won a scholarship to study for a PhD at the University of Reading.

Taylor, who began studying at the University this term, has featured on programmes such as The World's Most Extraordinary Homes and The House That £100k Built.

Taylor was awarded one of ten Anniversary PhD Scholarships up for grabs from the University's Graduate School for 2017 entry. His PhD, entitled ‘Contingent Negotiation', fits into one of the University's five research themes - Environment. It will explore the consequences of using making to explore alternative design processes and will be supervised by Professor Flora Samuel in the School of Architecture.

Speaking of his scholarship to study at the University of Reading, Taylor said: "I'm thrilled to have been awarded this scholarship from the University of Reading which has allowed me to focus on my PhD which draws a strand through 15 years of thinking about the role of making as a vehicle for collaboration within design.

"The PhD will help underpin the next phase of my practice as we build upon the successes of recent projects. It's very exciting to be part of the new and ambitious School of Architecture at Reading, which is aiming to be at the core of the conversation around the relationship between academia and practice, and also between practice and building delivery."

Prior to studying at Reading, Taylor worked as a studio practitioner in the founding year of the University's new School of Architecture, which opened to students in September 2016. As a practicing architect, and founder of the award-winning Invisible Studio, Taylor was able to offer students a valuable insight into the practicalities of their designs. He was also involved in the design and making of a structure for the students' end of year show. 

The School's Foundation Professor and Head of Architecture, Lorraine Farrelly, said: "Piers Taylor is an inspiration for anyone working or studying within the architecture industry. His approach to practice is unique because he puts so much emphasis on collaboration and using making as a part of the design process.

"Piers worked with our students last year, both in the studio, and on a structure for our end of year exhibition and I know that this was a really positive experience for them, because it gave them the opportunity to put their designs into practice.

"It's fantastic that Piers has now chosen Reading for his PhD. We are more than happy to support his practice based research, which aligns with the ethos of the School, and we are proud to have him associated with the School of Architecture at the University of Reading." 

Success of the School

Since the School of Architecture opened in September 2016 it has gone from strength to strength. Earlier this year, the School was gifted a large-scale model of Reading town centre by one of the School's industry partners, Broadway Malyan; the School is part of the Reading 2050 project team, which is planning for what the town could look like in the future; the School has been listed as a candidate course for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) accreditation following a visit to the School this October, where the School was given commendations recognising its distinctive approach; and the School continues to work closely with industry partners to provide students with invaluable practical, on-site experience, including working with award-winning companies such as Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt, who has recently been named as the Young Architect of the Year at the BD Architect of the Year Awards.