Daniel Currigan at Foster + Partners
Daniel Currigan, Head of Design and Technology at Trinity School, joined the ‘Teachers in Residence’ placement at Foster + Partners with a small group of teachers from across the UK. This unique opportunity has been developed to broaden perspectives on the inner workings of industry and career pathways available to students.
First Impressions
Daniel, who worked in set design before turning to teaching, was immediately struck by the scale and atmosphere of the Foster + Partners studio.
“It felt more like joining a university than a company,” he recalls. “There was a range of activities from sports teams and ceramics clubs to the excitement around their Christmas party. There was a real sense of community and investment in people.”
Behind the Scenes
Over four packed days, Daniel and fellow participants were given the same induction as new staff and student interns. They moved between departments, meeting leaders in fields ranging from inclusivity and equality, to the model shop, industrial design, audio-visual production and the materials library.
“What stood out was the generosity of time, these were incredibly busy people, yet no one rushed us and they spoke with genuine passion for their work.”
The breadth of departments surprised him. “Architecture is often mistakenly thought of as a single profession, but we discovered so many specialisms from model makers, material scientists, AV producers, branding specialists. It really brought home how many different pathways there are into the creative industries.”
Highlights and Takeaways
The highlight for Daniel was the model shop which has been echoed by the other teachers in the group. “We’re all makers at heart, and seeing the machinery, the models, and the head of department’s passion was inspiring. It reminded me of the joy of making.”
The audio-visual team also left an impression, producing polished short films for clients that blended animation, filmmaking, and sound design. “It showed me how students with multiple interests, say in film and architecture, could merge those skills into a career.”
There were surprises, too, in the materials library. “It was fascinating to see design leading materials, rather than the other way around. Someone had the vision, and now the science had to catch up.”
Connecting Industry and Education
Beyond the tours, Daniel valued the chance to connect with other teachers from across the UK.
“One of the best parts of the week was talking to colleagues. Spending four days with teachers from different schools, sharing software, projects and competitions was just as valuable as the placement itself.”
The experience also challenged assumptions about student opportunity.
“Our pupils sometimes think companies like Foster + Partners are out of reach. But the placement showed me how accessible these pathways can be with the right portfolio and determination. Some of our students already work to an incredibly high standard, if they’re tenacious, doors will open.”
Back to the Classroom
His department has experimented with small-scale architectural challenges, from reimagining airline cabins to designing conceptual spaces. He now hopes to expand this work, collaborating with colleagues to run workshops inspired by Buckminster Fuller, one of Norman Foster’s mentors, and exploring new approaches to structural design.
Alongside this, he is keen to develop practical skills with his pupils. Having recently completed a silversmithing course at Central Saint Martins, he intends to introduce metalworking and casting to his lower sixth students.
“It’s about giving them a taste of the different careers out there. Whether it’s architecture, silversmithing or industrial design, I want them to see beyond the classroom and imagine where design can take them.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
The ‘Teachers in Residence’ programme has not only refreshed his passion for design but also provided real-world insights to share with his students.
“The biggest lesson was that design is never one-dimensional. There are countless pathways and opportunities, and I want my students to realise that. What they’re learning now mirrors industry in many ways, from collaboration to iteration. The placement reminded me that we are preparing them, not just for exams, but for futures in fields they might not yet have imagined.”
For more information about how to take part, email: amelia.wright@designtechnology.org.uk
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