Hayley Crosby at Foster + Partners

Published 17th October 2025

Hayley Crosby, Head of Design and Technology at Stockport Grammar School, spent four inspiring days inside one of the world’s most renowned architectural practices as part of the ‘Teachers in Residence’ scheme. Her placement took place at Foster + Partners in London. The experience deepened her understanding of industry practice and opened new opportunities for her students.

Discovering the Opportunity

Hayley first connected with Foster + Partners when she contacted the practice to enquire about possible school visits. The team mentioned the ‘Teachers in Residence’ programme run by the D&T Association, a professional immersion allowing teachers to explore life inside the studio.

Hayley was curious to see what it is really like to work at one of the world’s leading architectural firms and wanted to understand the breadth of roles beyond the title of architect and to see how the different disciplines interact. This led to applying for the placement via the Design & Technology Association and she was thrilled to be accepted.

Inside Foster + Partners

Each morning began at 9.30 am with a warm welcome from Natalie, part of the liaison team, who helped orient the visiting teachers. The days were structured, with tours of three to four departments, from modelmaking to materials research, spread across the campus.

The group of teachers would move between different buildings to meet teams and hear about current projects. It was a packed schedule but well organised. Lunch was provided on site, giving participants a chance to network with staff and reflect on their observations.

Stand-Out Moments

The highlight of Hayley’s week was the model shop. She said that the energy there was amazing. The team were welcoming and passionate about their work. The team did not rely on slides or presentations and walked the group through projects and explained how each model was developed. It reminded Hayley of the buzz in a school workshop.

She was also fascinated by Foster + Partners’ investment in cutting-edge technology, including 3D-printing, robotics, heat-mapping systems, and the creative use of recycled and experimental materials.

Collaboration and Creativity

One project that captured her imagination was the concept for a bridge. Watching structural engineers, architects, and materials scientists working side-by-side illustrated the importance of collaboration.

Hayley observed how departments iterate together to refine ideas, even down to the testing of glass for strength and aesthetics. This reinforced how interconnected modern design practice has become.

Linking Industry and Education

The firm’s workflow mirrored the iterative design process Hayley teaches at GCSE and A-level. Students research, sketch, prototype, and evaluate repeatedly, exactly like the teams at Foster + Partners. She found it reassuring to know that the design process used in education mirrors that of professional practice.

Inspired by the model-making and furniture design departments, Hayley returned to school and ordered a Bambu Lab 3D and laser cutting machine to give pupils hands-on experience with professional-standard technology. She also plans to reference Foster + Partners’ sustainability ethos in lessons, using their projects as case studies for life-cycle assessment, materials selection, and environmental integration.

Broadening Students’ Horizons

The placement revealed new career paths she had not previously associated with architecture. The materials investigation team, with its extensive materials library, was a revelation. The in-house videography team were also producing stunning promotional films. Hayley saw this as a reminder to students that creative and technical roles exist far beyond traditional architecture.

Hayley has since expanded her school’s enrichment offer by relaunching the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship programme, displaying Foster + Partners posters to connect coursework with professional practice, and organising trips to the Creative UCAS Convention, the London Design Museum, Kellogg’s, and Manchester Metropolitan University. The placement gave Hayley a real boost in confidence and subject knowledge. She kept in touch with other delegates, including the team at Foster + Partners, who offered support with Arkwright applications.

Advice for Other Teachers

Hayley would recommend this experience to any teacher. She said it was invaluable for both her professional development and for her students’ learning.

Her top tip for others taking part is to talk to the materials department before leaving, as they often share surplus sample materials. These can be used in the classroom to give pupils access to examples they would not normally handle.

Hayley’s week at Foster + Partners reinforced the importance of connecting classroom design and technology with industry. Her students now benefit from enhanced resources, new contacts, and a clearer picture of design careers.

She said the experience reminded her why she loves teaching design and technology. It is a subject built on problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration, exactly what she witnessed at Foster + Partners.

For more information about how to take part, email: amelia.wright@designtechnology.org.uk