As the Manchester studio reaches its tenth anniversary, I have taken time to reflect on a decade of fascinating school masterplanning, building and landscape projects. Stretching the breadth of the UK (and the Channel Islands) we can pause to appreciate a multitude of varied and exciting commissions, the different places with which we have become familiar and, most importantly, the valued clients and colleagues that we have got to know along the way.

Everything we do at Levitt Bernstein focusses first and foremost on people. Working with our school clients is no different – it’s important to remember that success for these projects is informed by gaining an intrinsic understanding of the school community and wider locale, in addition to assessing the buildings and estate which they occupy. Many of the schools we work with are also a major employer in the area, playing a huge role in the local economy, and with deep-rooted connections to the places around them. Understanding these often nuanced and complex relationships is an essential component of our wider design process and masterplanning work.

We take time to undertake detailed consultation at all stages of a project, whether that be with governors, senior leadership, staff (both academic and support), pupils, or the local community. I tend to equate getting to know a school to being like getting to know a family. To ensure the final building or masterplanning vision is a long-term success, it’s important to understand the different groups and individual characters’ requirements as well as the school’s history. Taking people with you on the journey and taking time to really listen to them can provide vital insight into key design decisions, to ensure the final project truly delivers the needs of the school.

From experience, no two schools are the same. Whilst all our school clients have a lot of commonalities (including them all being welcoming and supportive), each also has a unique identity with its own traditions, ethos, and values. Our approach is bespoke to each commission, and we take care to build relationships and trust, to deliver the best possible service. Projects can be challenging at times, and we will always give our best and honest advice – even if that means disagreeing!

It has been a rich and rewarding journey (quite literally involving many, many miles!). It has also been a real privilege to have had trust placed in our guidance and expertise, as design custodians of many future development visions, and to have worked on many fascinating architectural projects. As we reflect on the recent 2023 ISBA conference in Manchester, we enjoyed seeing the many familiar faces of clients and collaborators past and present, as well as making new connections. We had some fascinating conversations and are very much looking forward to starting new journeys in the year ahead.