Teachers in Residence at Foster + Partners

Published 4th September 2025

Simon Hooker, a Design & Technology teacher at The Bishops’ Blue Coat C of E High School in Chester, took part in a Teachers in Residence placement at Foster + Partners, one of the world’s leading architecture and design practices. Simon noted, “It was certainly a worthwhile experience. I came away with fresh ideas, a better understanding of how industry operates, and plenty of ways to inspire students back in school.”

First Impressions

Travelling down from Chester, Simon made the most of his time in London. “I think I walked about 20 miles over the week,” he laughed. “Dragging a suitcase around on the first and last days wasn’t ideal, but the placement itself made it all worthwhile.”

Hosted at Foster + Partners’ London headquarters, Simon joined a diverse group of teachers exploring how industry approaches design, modelmaking, sustainability and design innovation.

Inside One of the World’s Leading Studios

For Simon, the chance to step inside the Foster + Partners studios was eye-opening. He toured the modelmaking workshop, equipped with advanced 3D printers, CNC machinery and robotics. He also visited the Materials Library, where he discovered rare and unusual samples, from petrified wood to innovative composites, sparking ideas for classroom projects.

The placement also highlighted the role of digital tools in practice. Simon was introduced to software such as DaVinci Resolve, Rhino, and Autodesk Revit, gaining insights into the platforms students may encounter if they pursue careers in design and architecture.

Inspiration for the Classroom

Simon left with a range of ideas about how to translate the experience for his students. He is exploring ways to develop architecture-inspired projects that are achievable within school resources. He is also keen on introducing collaborative modelmaking, where students each create parts of a larger structure that can be assembled as a class. Above all, he valued hearing about different career pathways, from apprenticeships in modelmaking to the longer route into architecture, which he hopes will help his students understand the breadth of opportunities available to them.

A Valuable Opportunity

Reflecting on the placement, Simon was enthusiastic about recommending ‘Teachers in Residence’ to colleagues. “You’ve got to go with an open mind,” he explained. “Foster + Partners will show you what they can, and you’ll come away with so much. The biggest value is the connections, meeting people, swapping details, and keeping those conversations going.”

For his students, that means a stronger link between classroom learning and the cutting edge of design and architecture. For Simon, it was a week that underlined just how powerful it is when teachers and industry come together.