Kevin joined as Head of Manchester School of Architecture in September 2020. He is currently also a Visiting Professor at The Belfast School of Architecture at Ulster University.

He is a Chartered Architect with a career in higher education that spans over 30 years which includes leading BA Interiors and M.Arch courses, as well as almost 10 years at the Head of Birmingham School of Architecture and Design. His was conferred as a Professor in 2013 under the categories of Learning and Teaching and Academic Leadership and was also awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in 2015, which led to a spell as a Visiting Professor at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.

He is a very active member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) having been a long-standing member of the Education Committee, a term on RIBA National Council, tutor for RIBA Studio, as well as numerous roles at RIBA West Midlands. He also have extensive experience as a Chair of RIBA Visiting Boards both in the UK and Internationally, is a member of SCOSA Council and was previously on the Commonwealth Association of Architects executive committee. He is currently an External Examiner for the M.Arch course at the Mackintosh School of Architecture at the Glasgow School of Art, and also for the BA programme at London Metropolitan University.

He was previously an External Examiner at The Bartlett University College London, University of Nottingham, London South Bank, Sheffield Hallam, and University of Salford. He has also worked with a number of Schools as a critical friend either in preparation for RIBA visits or for course approvals, including Ulster University, Staffordshire University, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Robert Gordon, and Ravensbourne, as well as with Ulster, UWE, and Northumbria on reviewing senior academic appointments.

He has extensive judging experience including RIBA Regional Awards, RIBA student awards, Future Spaces Foundation, Architects’ Journal Awards, and Architect of the Year Award, as well as an ongoing role judging the Credawards in China. In 2024 he is the Chair of the prestigious RIBA Annie Spink Award for Excellence in Architectural Education. Kevin is also a committee member at the Manchester Society of Architects and also an Associate Trustee for National Museums Liverpool, having previously served as a Trustee for St Martin’s Arts, and a Board Member at danceXchange.

Alongside his academic career he co-founded a design-led SME practice, the space* studio (www.thespacestudio.com), who now have studios in Birmingham and Manchester, working on interiors, refurbishment and new build projects across numerous sectors, including numerous Higher Education projects, social housing, the interior of the multi-award winning English National Ballet and numerous concept designs for Manchester City Football Club., and the Birmingham Civic Society Planning Committee. Outside of his professional career he is a long-standing season ticket holder at Manchester City Football Club.

Academic and professional qualifications

Architects Registration Board
Royal Institute of British Architects
National Teaching Fellow (2015)
Royal Society of Arts
BA (Hons) Architecture (RIBA Part 1)
PG Diploma in Architecture (RIBA Part 2)
PG Certificate in Architectural Practice (RIBA Part 3)
MA Architecture (Design & Theory)
PC Certificate in Education

Teaching

Programme Director, M.Arch Architecture RIBA Part 2, Birmingham School of Architecture (2003-2011)

I became Programme Director after the ARB removed prescription from the course and re-established it to a credible and attractive course that attracted approximately 50% of its students from other institutions. The course was typically a 50-50 split between full time and part time students making it unique in the UK. During this time, I was responsible for two course revalidations and RIBA visits, ran an annual study trip to New York, dealt with all admissions, ran design studio, organised and curated the end of year exhibition, edited the yearbook, and tutored 20 students to win various awards. I was also the instigator, organiser and co-ordinator for School of Architecture’s Centenary celebrations, including the brand design, Centenary Ball and accompanying publication.

Lecturer / Senior Lecturer / Director of Studies, BA (Hons) Interior Design, Birmingham Institute of Art & Design, UCE 1997-2003.

I ran the third year of the course throughout this time and also taught on the MA Interior Design & Information Technology as well as the other years of the degree course. During the last two years in my role I taught at the franchised course at La Salle University in Singapore and was involved in the course writing and approval of a new franchise course in Hong Kong. I organised and ran study trips to Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, and Amsterdam/Rotterdam/Utrecht, was also responsible for organising and curating the end of year exhibition, and tutored 9 students to win various awards. 

Visiting Tutor, BA (Hons) Architecture, Birmingham School of Architecture, 1995-2001.

I taught in BA1, BA2, BA3 and PG Diploma and also co-ran a studio with the BA course director for the part time students who were in practice four days a week. Until then the part time course was very traditional but we completely revamped the approach and set the tone for this pathway for the next 20 years. I went on to lead the group on my own in the final three years and tutored five students to win various awards. I continued to teach this group for four years whilst working in the Interior Design school.

Press and media appearances and contributions

Articles:

• “Should Architecture Schools Produce Oven-Ready Architects?” Architects Journal, 25/07/2013
• Adam Wardle Obituary, RIBA Journal September 2013 
• “My Favourite Building – Lloyds’, The Business Desk, 9/2/2011. 
• “A conduit between practice and education”, Trove exhibition catalogue June 2011.
• “Birmingham: The Self-Conscious City?” Welcome to area, ‘Magazine for RIBA West Midlands’ Winter 2009 Edition pg 2. 
• “Designs for life” Kevin Singh, ‘City Living, The Birmingham Post supplement”, 10/1/2008 
• “The Commodity of Design” Kevin Singh ‘The University of Nottingham – Design Year Book 2007.’ 
• “The new Birmingham School of Architecture”, A talk through the design – Kevin Singh, ‘Area- RIBA Journal’ Issue 13, Winter 2005.
• “Are you dreaming of your perfect salon?” Professional advice for salon design, ‘Creative Head Magazine Supplement’, Autumn/Winter 2004.
• “New Kids on the Block” review of Birmingham Institute of Art & Design degree shows, “Bootique” August/September 2001.
• “No Place to Hide”, issues of voyeurism in society and architecture, “Bootique” magazine July/August 2001 “Design’s for Life” commentary of contemporary design, “Bootique” magazine June/July 2001.
• “Space…the final frontier” introduction to the work of the space studio, “Bootique” magazine March/April 2001.
• “Synergy” review of independent bar in Nottingham, “Interior Design” magazine July/August 2001.
• Review of De Montfort School of Architecture degree show (with Andrew Harbert) “Building Design” August 1999
• “Schools Outing” review of The Birmingham School of Architecture- ‘Building Design’ 31/1/1997.
• “Anarchy on the Streets” Book review of “Decq and Cornette” monograph by Claire Melluish - Building Design 1/11/96.
• “Reviewing the Slow House” Review of Diller + Scofidio exhibition at Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery (with Ed Frith) - “Integrating Architecture” AD Magazine - October 1996.
• “In Search of Reality” Commentary on issues of hyperreality - Building Design 23/8/96.

Contributed to:

• “In the thick of it”, interview with RIBA Journal, February 2013
• Published comments in “Obituary: John Madin 1924-2012”, Architects Journal 11/1/2012
• “Q&A with Kevin Singh – the new head of Birmingham’s School of Architecture”. Architects’ Journal (on-line edition) 1/4/2011
• Published comments in “Architecture schools slam ranking errors” Architects’ Journal 17/6/2011
• Published comments in “Reaction to Hadid’s Stirling Prize win: There was a collective groan”, Architects Journal 2/10/2011

Featured:

• “Moss House propels University College Birmingham onto a different stage”, RIBA Journal September 2020
• “Dance Moves”, English National Ballet, Architects’ Journal April 2020
• “Prefab pods provide all mod-cons for gypsies” Business and property review, traveller site redevelopment ‘Birmingham Post’ January 2012 
• “Trio come together for health sector venture” company partnership, ‘Birmingham Post’ Thursday, October 2011
• “Thriving in style while others seem to struggle” Business and property review, architecture ‘Birmingham Post’ February 2011, pg 16.
• “The Space Studio goes for gold in London” Midland Business News, 19/4/2011
• “Singh made BIAD head”. Architects’ Journal 31/3/2011
• “New architecture school head for Birmingham City University”. Building Design on-line. 4/4/2011
• “Appointments”, Times Higher Education 14/4/2011
• “When intelligent design makes sense” feature: pencilling in the needs of affordability, ‘Southern Housing’ Issue 125, Jan/Feb 2010, pg 28.
• “Anniversary of design studio launched in ex-bakery”, The Business Desk, 24/9/2010.
• “Space to improve affordable housing” spotlight: the space studio. ‘Midland Housing’. Issue 124, November/December 09, pg 12.
• Wellington Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, Social Housing ‘Architecture and Building – A review of UK Architects and their buildings’ pg 129.
• “The Hub, Fort Dunlop” commercial ‘Architecture and Building – A review of UK Architects and their buildings’ pg 183.
• “Well kept secret”, Wentworth Road, ’25 Beautiful Homes’ August 2008
• “Building to be an icon for Daventry”, iHub competition finalists, ‘Daventry Express’ 1/5/2008
• “Grand designs unveiled for iHub’, five designs shortlisted, ‘Daventry District Council’ 2008.
• “Education – The Department of Visual Communication, Birmingham Institute of Art & Design” Architecture and Building – A review of UK Architects and their buildings, ’APP’ 2008.
• “Hotels/Restaurants/Public Houses – Vinappris Sky TV Channel and Wine Bar” Architecture and Building – A review of UK Architects and their buildings, ‘APP’ 2008.
• “Design City Designers” Kevin Singh ‘Interiors Birmingham, Show Preview Magazine, January 2008.
• “The Space Studio Party”, ‘City Living, The Birmingham Post supplement’ 5/6/2008
• “To boldly build….” iHub competition, ‘Northampton Chronicle & Echo’, 2008
• “Shortlist designs announced for Daventry’s iHub building”. Over 70 entries received, ‘Hero news’ 2008
• “Shortlist designs announced for Daventry’s iHub building’, ‘The University of Northampton’ 19/5/2008
• “Five make Daventry hub shortlist” Builder and Engineer online. 7/5/2008
• “Education – The Birmingham School of Architecture: Birmingham” Architecture and Building – A review of UK Architects and their buildings, ‘APP’ pg 119 2007. 
• “Arts Café, St Martin in the Bullring” project review, RIBA Yearbook 2005.
• “Aston & Fincher Design Challenge” the space studio entry, ‘Real Salons’ 2005 (2).
•  “The new Birmingham School of Architecture”, design feature, ’ Area - RIBA Journal’ winter 2005.
•  ‘The Space Studio”, practice profile, ‘in Business Midlands” October/November 2005
• “New Home for St Basils Link”, ‘St Basils’ Newsletter Summer 2004.
• “St Martin’s Arts Café”, review, ‘City Living’ June 2004.
• “Take a pew and sing its praises!” review of Arts Café, St Martin in the Bullring, ‘Evening Mail’ 14/2/2004
•  ‘The Space Studio”, practice profile, ‘in business Midlands” January/February 2004.
•  “Local Architects support School of Architecture & Landscape”, ‘Area - RIBA Journal’ Autumn 2003.
• “Opening Celebration”, photo feature celebrating the new Arts Café, at St Martin’s Church in the Bull Ring, “The Birmingham Post” 16/9/2003
•   “Arts café raises profile with Armadillo”, increasing profile of the space studio, ‘The Birmingham Post’ 8/9/2003
• “News from the Birmingham School of Architecture and Landscape”, Welcoming Kevin Singh as Course Director, ‘Area Summer 2003.
• “The Space Studio has designs on St Martin’s Arts Café”, ‘Midlands homes and interiors’ October/November 2003 “Salons”, Mulberry’s Hair and Beauty article, ‘space supplement of Creative Head Magazine’ Autumn/Winter 2002.
• “A more social salon”, article on Simon Paul Solihull salon, ‘The Solihull Times’ September 2002.
• “Reach for the spas”, Obsession at the Mailbox article, ‘City Living’ September 2002.
• “Bachelor Fad”, review of Apartment 57, the Mailbox project, ‘City Living’ July 2002.
• “Brum’s brill bachelor boys”, review of the space* studio residential projects, ‘Property News’ June 2002.
• “Mad about Obsession”, review of Obsession, the Mailbox, Birmingham Lifestyle Magazine April 2002. Article by Ruth Graham.
• “Modernism as a Style in domestic Settings” article, “RIBA West Midlands Yearbook 2002” featuring numerous projects by the space studio.
• “Creative Head” magazine February 2002, review of the space* studio hair salons at Harrods and Obsession, the mailbox ‘Designs on the future’, the space studio as design trendsetters, ‘Distinctive Homes across the Midlands’ Autumn/Winter 2001.
• “Distinctive Homes” magazine November 2001 feature of the space studio projects.
•  “Take 24 Hours”, installation for Place photo feature in Birmingham Post “Post Style” section 11/7/2001
• “Hot Tapas”, article on Ikon Gallery Restaurant, ‘Interiors for Architects & Designers’ February/March 2000.
• “Passionate Design - Simple Style” article in “Interior Design + Construction” (Chinese magazine) edition 3 2000 featuring Penthouse 6 and Café Ikon.
• “Spin-the hype starts here” Sunday Express magazine 18/4/99 Café Ikon featured.
• “From Four Walls to Wolf’s Lair” Birmingham Post 6/4/99 review of Penthouse 6 project.
• “What’s On” February 1999 Review of Café Ikon

Conference Papers:

• “The Generation Z Subscription Culture and the City” at Academy of Urbanism “Quality of Life” Conference, Manchester. October 2024
• Birmingham City University Learning and Teaching Conference paper “Superstudio” with Oliver Chapman July 2019
• The Four R’s (Retrofit, Refurb, Reuse and Reduce) at SCALA conference May 2012
• “Interiors and Lifestyle Futures” October 2010
• “Architectural Speculations” paper at Building Futures Conference, University of Birmingham, June 2009
• “Manipulating Reality” paper delivered at The 18^th Design History Society Conference at Middlesex University in December 1996
• “Seduced & Abandoned by the Nasty Media Machine” delivered at Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery as part of the “Architecture: A Critical Inquiry” debate in March 1995

International Lectures:

• “A Career in Architecture” for StoryCo Edu, Beijing, China. April 2021
• ”Design is a verb and not just a noun” Ion Mincu, Romania. February 2008

Enterprise:

• Lead for Knowledge Hub urban design / public realm masterplan embracing a number of Institutions adjacent to the BCU city centre campus which won a National Urban Design Award in 2018 and was adopted by Birmingham City Council following its public launch at the MIPIM property fair.  Income generation of £35,000
• Feasibility design work for SteamHouse incubation space project, Typhoo Wharf, Digbeth. The feasibility was a key part of a submission to central Government to receive £14m from the Green Book in the 2016 Budget.
• University / DTI Teaching Company Scheme (now KTP) Supervisor for Newman Gauge Design Associates to transform a design studio from a paper based one to a Computer Aided Design one.

Exhibitions:

• Birmingham School of Architecture “Sphere of Influence” 2015
• Birmingham School of Architecture “Friends of the School of Architecture” 2014
• Exhibited as part of BCU “Design City” exhibition stand during Interiors Show, NEC 2007 and 2008
• RIBA “Diversity” Exhibition. Global travelling exhibition highlighting ethnic diversity in architecture, 2006
• “A Day in The Life” Installation at Number Nine Gallery to launch “Place” supplement to Bootique Magazine. June 2001

Television and Radio:

• Radio interview for Free Radio regarding Knowledge Hub proposals, March 2016
• Radio interview for Saga FM celebrating 30 years of the Pompidou Centre, November 2007
• Carlton TV “Eastern Mix” June 2001, feature of UCE School of Interior Design degree show and external exhibition at CUBE, Manchester 
• Carlton TV “Our House” 31/12/99 featuring Apartment 5, Edgbaston.
• BBC TV “Real Rooms” 4/2/99 feature on Penthouse 6, Ludgate Lofts.

Podcasts:

“Making Conversations Count” podcast series with Wendy-Ann Harris, May 2022

https://makingconversationscount.com/academic-leadership/

Workshops:

• Ran a workshop at “Winterschool 96” In Leeds, “Penetrating Environments”, investigating the electronic surveillance of the city
• Co-ran a workshop at “Winterschool 95” in Birmingham, “The Iron Man” investigating the relationship of the body and technology