Rethinking Architectural Education: A Conversation with Alberto Villanueva of Ravensbourne University
The State of Architecture in 2025
Architecture is at a crossroads. With rising tuition fees, shifting government policies, and the looming influence of artificial intelligence, the traditional model of education and practice is under scrutiny. We spoke with Alberto Villanueva, Head of Architecture and Built Environment at Ravensbourne University London, to explore how academia can adapt to these challenges and prepare students for a rapidly evolving profession.
Alberto leads a dynamic cluster of courses at Ravensbourne, including Architecture, Interior Architecture, Urban Landscape, and soon Architectural Design Engineering. His mission? To create a learning environment that is agile, collaborative, and deeply connected to industry.
Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Practice
One of the most persistent criticisms of architectural education is its disconnect from professional practice. Employers often lament that graduates lack the skills needed to hit the ground running. Alberto acknowledges this challenge but sees it as an opportunity.
“Without industry, architectural education wouldn’t be successful,” he explains. “We need to ensure that what we teach is informed by practice. That’s why we work closely with firms like Scott Brownrigg and many others—large and small—to create meaningful collaborations.”
These partnerships go beyond guest lectures. Ravensbourne actively integrates real-world projects and professional feedback into its curriculum, helping students understand the expectations and pressures of practice before they graduate.
The Financial Reality of Becoming an Architect
The conversation inevitably turns to the economics of the profession. Tuition fees have soared to £9,000 per year, while starting salaries remain stubbornly low. Add to this the uncertainty surrounding apprenticeship schemes and visa requirements, and the picture becomes even more complex.
Alberto is candid: “Universities operate like businesses, and costs have risen dramatically. But increasing fees isn’t the answer—it only deepens student debt. We need systemic change, and that requires government support.”
The disparity between the cost of education and the financial rewards of practice is stark. A graduate may invest upwards of £75,000 in their education, only to enter a market where Part II salaries hover around £30,000–£35,000. This imbalance, Alberto argues, is unsustainable and risks deterring talented individuals from pursuing architecture altogether.
Beyond Part One, Two, and Three
For decades, the route to becoming an architect has been rigid: Part One, Part Two, Part Three. Alberto believes it’s time to rethink this narrative.
“There’s a dangerous notion that if you don’t qualify, you’ve failed,” he says. “That’s simply not true. Architectural education equips you with a unique set of skills—problem-solving, design thinking, communication—that are valuable across many industries.”
At Ravensbourne, cross-disciplinary collaboration is a cornerstone of the curriculum. Architecture students work alongside peers in game design, advertising, and business, discovering new applications for their skills. Alberto is even exploring an MBA pathway linked to the Master of Architecture, recognising the need for entrepreneurial knowledge in a profession where many aspire to run their own practice.
The Crit Culture: Time for a Reset
Crits—the traditional design reviews that define architectural education—are another area under scrutiny. While they build resilience and presentation skills, they can also be intimidating and, at times, damaging.
“We need to rethink how we do crits,” Alberto insists. “It’s not about overprotecting students, but about creating constructive, confidence-building environments. Honest feedback is essential, but it should never traumatise.”
Ravensbourne now offers flexible formats for presentations, acknowledging that students learn and express themselves in different ways. The goal is to maintain rigour while fostering inclusivity and mental wellbeing.
The Role of AI and the Future of Design
Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept—it’s here, reshaping workflows and expectations. Alberto sees AI as a tool, not a threat. “It won’t replace design thinking, but it can accelerate processes and open new creative possibilities. We need to teach students how to harness it responsibly.”
This forward-thinking approach reflects a broader ethos: preparing graduates not just for today’s profession, but for the one they’ll inherit tomorrow.
A Call for Collaboration
As we wrap up, Alberto emphasises the importance of collective effort. “Change won’t happen in isolation. Universities, industry, government—we all need to work together to create a sustainable future for architecture.”
His optimism is infectious. Despite the challenges, Alberto sees immense potential in the next generation of architects—and in the educators and practitioners committed to supporting them.
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