About
Education
New College Pontefract
PHOTOGRAPHY · FINE ART · PSYCHOLOGY
My formation in design has been both rigorous and multi-layered. I began with A-levels in Fine Art (A*), Photography (A*), and Psychology (A).
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
This was followed by a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, awarded at the highest level of Distinction. This combination of artistic training and humanistic study continues to inform the way I approach both space and narrative.
UNiversity of Cambridge
Architecture · Clare College
During my undergraduate studies at Clare College, University of Cambridge, I read Architecture, studying under academics including Professor James Campbell. My time at Cambridge instilled in me a precision of thought and a disciplined approach to analysis, alongside a deep respect for architectural history. This experience continues to inform my work, shaping both my intellectual framework and my approach to the study of space and form.
UNiversity of Edinburgh
Architectural History and Heritage
I will commence my studies in Architectural History and Heritage at the University of Edinburgh; I intend to develop a more rigorous engagement with architectural history as both a critical and methodological field. The programme offers a framework through which I can refine my interests in typological study, cultural continuity, and the interpretation of built form across time. It represents an environment in which my work can evolve with greater precision, situating architectural history not as a supplementary interest but as the central axis of my academic practice.
Languages
Greek · German · Dutch
Alongside my studies in Architecture, I am learning German, Greek and Dutch to deepen my engagement with architectural traditions and cultural history. Language, for me, is a way of entering into dialogue with other cultures and enriching the depth of my design practice. My Greek studies have allowed me to develop the Aegean branch of my practice, where I continue to work seasonally across Greece.
Industry experience
Bowman Riley Architects
Beyond the formal studio, my experience has included collaborative projects with practices such as Bowman Riley Architects, where I contributed to the conservation of The George Hotel in Huddersfield and regenerative proposals around Leeds City Square. These opportunities have deepened my sensitivity to the balance between heritage and contemporary need, as well as the practical realities of design in the built environment.
A Cross~Disciplinary Practice
My practice cannot be reduced to a single discipline. It lives in the intersections.
Architecture
I am engaged in the study and reinterpretation of historical typologies, exploring how the past can inform and enrich the present. My long-term project, Heritage Homes, is dedicated to reimagining vernacular housing traditions for contemporary life.
Interior Design
I design bespoke interiors that embody refinement, atmosphere, and permanence. My approach privileges materiality, light, and balance and seeks to curate environments that resonate with the individuality of the client while remaining timeless in expression.
Photography
My photographic work is both documentary and artistic, ranging from architectural prints to atmospheric studies of sacred and monumental spaces. In October of 2024 I had the opportunity to explore editorial photography at the Cambridge Union.
Product & Spatial Concepts
I pursue design as an instrument for social change. My work in this area seeks to challenge systemic inequalities by reimagining how environments, products, and systems can serve those who are too often overlooked. From housing to well-being, these projects are conceived as catalysts for reform, using design not as ornament but as a force for justice, dignity, and inclusion.
These fields are not separate but rather inform one another. My interiors are conceived with the rigour of an architect; my architectural studies are enriched by an eye trained through photography; my photography itself is sharpened by an understanding of proportion and atmosphere cultivated through design; and my product concepts are informed by the interplay of all three.
Ethos & Values
At the heart of my work lies a profound respect for traditional aesthetics and the enduring value of history. I regard architecture and design not as isolated acts of invention but as contributions to a cultural continuum in which the past and present remain in dialogue. Classical proportion, vernacular forms, and historic craftsmanship all inform my creative vocabulary, offering a foundation of permanence against which contemporary needs can be interpreted. This conviction shapes my overarching ethos: that design must preserve memory while enabling progress. Looking ahead, I aspire to a career that unites practice with scholarship, allowing me to advocate for the relevance of heritage in modern society and to demonstrate how careful reimagining of tradition can guide us toward a more dignified and meaningful future.
Read My Diary
In my diary, I reflect on my architectural journey, academic experiences, and creative pursuits. This space serves as a platform to share insights from my time at the University of Cambridge, as well as my passions, such as photography and art. Each entry highlights pivotal moments in my career and personal growth, offering commentary on the places, projects, and ideas that inspire me.
Alyssa Denise Walsh 