Students from North Kent College’s Architecture, Interior and Product Design department are set to embark on an inspiring series of live projects with leading organisations across Kent and beyond.
The partnerships, confirmed for the 2025/26 academic year, will give second-year 3D Design students the opportunity to apply their creative and technical skills to real briefs for high-profile clients, an opportunity rarely available even at university level.
Throughout the year, students will collaborate with:
- Drusilla’s Park (from 18 November 2025): Architecture students will design an innovative animal conservation enclosure and on-site premium guest accommodation, while Interior Design students will reimagine the park’s café space.
- The Church Conservation Trust (from January 2026): Students will take on the challenge of redesigning a derelict church in Sandwich, Kent, for community use, exploring heritage conservation and historical architecture.
- Bellway (from March 2026): Learners will create interior concepts for show homes at Bellway’s Castle Grange development and design a sustainable Passive House concept. Students will present their proposals to Bellway staff and visit the development site, where a company photographer will document the collaboration.
- Clarion Housing (from September 2026): A further live brief is planned, with students set to work on an architecture and interior design collaboration at a Kent-based site.
All four organisations have committed to ongoing engagement with the Architecture, Interior & Product department, a testament to the professional standard of work produced by students and the College’s growing reputation within the design industry.
Lucy Flack, Assistant Principal Curriculum for the Arts said: “These live projects give our learners a unique opportunity to experience real-world design challenges and work alongside leading organisations. It’s an invaluable way for them to develop their skills, build confidence, and understand professional practice, all while making a tangible impact in the community and further afield."
The department’s industry links were also further illustrated when Altro, a global leader in sustainable surfaces and wall solutions, visited the College to deliver a session on sustainability.
These collaborations highlight the College’s commitment to preparing learners for success in higher education and employment through genuine industry engagement and professional practice.
To find out more about studying Architecture, Interior and Product Design at North Kent College, visit the Creative Digital Design section of our website.