Head of research (architecture) — Catherine Sinclair

Catherine studied a BA and MA in architecture at Northumbria University before completing the RIBA Advanced Diploma. Her Masters led to a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with SPACE Architects

How did you get the KTP?

During my Masters, I focused on Whole Life Carbon (WLC) and sustainability. I found out about the KTP from a tutor and applied. The role was advertised by Northumbria University and SPACE Architects.

The interview included a presentation on reducing WLC across the Royal Institute of British Architect (RIBA) stages, where I shared my initial approach to the project.

What project did you work on during your KTP?

The KTP aimed to bring WLC analysis into architectural practice from the very start of a project. WLC includes both embodied carbon - from materials and construction - and operational carbon from a building's everyday energy use.

Until recently, WLC was treated as a specialist task, done late in a project mainly for reporting. The KTP addressed this gap by creating new tools and approaches to help architects reduce carbon from the earliest design stages.

What's a typical day like as a KTP associate?

Through my KTP, I was integrated into the business, which is based in the architecture practice. This embedded me into the day-to-day workings of the business.

There was a workplan which sets out to structure the KTP and initial plan for the project. This outlined my goals and defined the specific outputs I needed to achieve.

The KTP is led by the associate, with guidance from both the business and academic supervisors. Progress and project direction are regularly reviewed through meetings with both parties.

How did the KTP programme support your development?

It provides opportunities for additional training, and through this I was able to complete the Passivhaus Designer course for UK construction professionals and become certified.

This benefited not only the KTP project but also my professional development. After the project, I moved into a research-focused role at the practice - an opportunity made possible by my KTP experience.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during the project?

Early-stage design decisions largely determine a project's WLC, often without designers realising it.

Most existing tools need lots of data and material information, and are better suited to later design stages, so they're usually used for reporting rather than guiding design. The challenge was figuring out how to assess the design decisions' impact on WLC and integrate this analysis into the regular architectural workflow.

How do you think KTPs can shape the future of architecture and research?

KTPs offer a unique chance to apply research to real projects. With support from both academia and business, associates can combine theory with practice.

By bringing research into day-to-day work, KTPs help create real change in architectural processes and across the industry.

What was the most rewarding part of your KTP experience?

It was conducting research that had a tangible impact - both within the practice and across the wider built environment.

Creating and using new tools and strategies added real value while keeping the work challenging and engaging.

What advice would you give to recent graduates considering a KTP associate role?

• Keep up with current research and industry trends - your dissertation or research projects can show this.
• Understand the company's goals and the academic partner's focus - this will position you as a good fit for the role in your application.
• Learn how the KTP works - you'll be leading a project that can shape how the company operates.

Find out more

• Discover how to find a Knowledge Transfer Partnership.
• Read about how to become an architect.
• Explore how to get a job in sustainability.