Celebrating Rob's new appointment as Visiting Professor at Manchester School of Architecture

Celebrating Rob’s new appointment as Visiting Professor at Manchester School of Architecture

28th January 2025, 2:58 pm

We’re delighted to share news of director and head of sustainability Robert Hopkin’s appointment as a Visiting Professor at the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA).

This appointment is a testament to Rob’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation and education within the architectural field.

His expertise aligns seamlessly with MSA’s vision of inspiring the next generation of architects while advancing sustainable design practices.

Expertise and experience

Recognised internationally for his pioneering work, Rob leads our sustainability strategy, driving our goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

Thanks to his guidance and leadership, the practice has delivered landmark projects like The Spine in Liverpool, a WELL Platinum-certified building that has set new benchmarks for biophilic and sustainable design and the recently opened Woodmill & St. Columba’s RC High School, the UK’s largest Passivhaus education building.

It’s a real privilege to join MSA, an institution renowned for its academic excellence and forward-thinking approach

I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences and collaborate with students and faculty to address the critical challenges of sustainability in the built environment.”

Robert Hopkins

Director and Head of Sustainability

As a Visiting Professor, Rob will:

Deliver an inaugural lecture focusing on the integration of sustainability in architecture
Lead tutorials on sustainable design and carbon literacy
Support MSA’s climate emergency curriculum by offering real-world insights
Facilitate connections between students and live projects at AHR, providing practical experience aligned with theoretical learning

An advocate for the future of architecture

Robert’s previous Visiting Professorship at Cardiff Metropolitan University showcased his ability to seamlessly integrate industry expertise into academic settings.

His work there integrated carbon literacy into architectural curricula, influencing a new generation of sustainability-focused designers—a legacy he is excited to extend at MSA.