Catherine Skelcher

BA, Dip.Arch, ARB

School of Architecture

Year 2 Director and Design Tutor

c.a.skelcher@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 7746 980271
Profile

I joined the Sheffield School of Architecture in 2012 teaching on the MSc in Sustainable Architecture Studies postgraduate course. I am now in my fourth year as Year 2 Programme Director.

I am also Partner and Architect at Pennine Sustainability, a multi-disciplinary practice based in Hebden Bridge, where I specialise in public projects and participatory processes. We champion a broader understanding of sustainable design through an integrated, collaborative approach.

I trained at the University of Cambridge after which I spent ten years working with Cottrell and Vermeulen Architecture, where I ran a range of projects, both new build and refurbishment, including a 32 unit student community for Clare College Cambridge and a Sure Start Children’s Centre in Bermondsey.

More recently I have been working with an inner city community in Birmingham to try to breathe new life into a decaying but much loved youth centre that was purpose-built in the 60s by Brutalist Architect John Madin.

Teaching activities

Year 2 is an exciting year, an opportunity for students to build a comprehensive set of visual, technical and conceptual skills, giving them the confidence to take risks and begin exploring their own approach to design. I see my role as enabling and supporting this process.

We explore the potential and limitations of architecture through action and reflection and encourage independent critical thought though collective debate. I help the students to contextualise their ideas and to understand the social and environmental impact of their proposals.

I am also a Year 3 Special Study and PGT Thesis supervisor.

Professional activities and memberships

  • As Year 2 Director I support the planning, administration and delivery of the course and contribute toward the provision of pastoral care to the student cohort.

  • I sit on the Faculty Equality and Diversity Committee.

  • Civic Trust Assessor (’10, ’11, ’14, '16, '18)

  • Cabe Enabler (2009)