BANG has a new partnership with Scott Brownrigg, an award-winning design practice specialising in architecture. So expect more accessible routes into architecture for young people in Brent and beyond.
On Wednesday 6 August, the Scott Brownrigg team joined us at our Harlesden office for their first visit and our first in-person partnership meeting. Around the table were Angus Lau (Associate Architect and Future Talent Lead) and Elizabeth Akamo (Architect, Social Value Lead and Future Talent Lead). We were also joined by Jessica Fuller, a Level 7 Architectural Apprentice who supports the running of Scott Brownrigg’s Community Involvement Programme, Social Value and leads the Future Talent Programme in the Guildford Studio.
Derrick led the session with a partnership plan built specifically for Scott Brownrigg, and importantly, our young people were in the room and part of the conversation. Bridget, newly elected Youth MP for Brent, and Chantelle, Senior BANG Young Leader and Founders Lab alumna, both contributed directly to shaping what this partnership will look like.
An Architecture Stream at Leading FWD
Scott Brownrigg is looking to introduce young people into the profession and glimpse into the life in practice through various activities.
BANG is developing a new youth enterprise programme called Leading FWD. Their new partnership will bring a dedicated architecture stream, bringing practical experience for young people with no prior exposure.
There has already been three sessions agreed in principle:
- ‘Introduction to Architecture and Design Thinking’: led by Scott Brownrigg’s Design Research Unit, involving a hands-on design and drawing masterclass
- ‘Routes into Architecture’: explaining the training and development pathways into the profession
- An interactive portfolio and interview skills session
Mentoring, Launching January 2027
Also part of the partnership, is the launch of a one-year mentoring programming Scott Brownrigg is exploring. This will provide a structured support for young people beginning with an in-person group kickoff. After a 12 monthly meeting of a mix of virtual and in-person, each young person will present what they’ve achieved through the programme.
To apply, young people will go through BANG and share what they want from a mentor and what they’re working towards. Recruitment and matching are running from Autumn/Winter 2026, and the mentoring programme will start in January 2027.
Why It Matters
Architecture remains a difficult profession to break into without contacts, exposure or a route in. This partnership is about changing that locally, giving young people the workshop, mentor, portfolio advice. It also is an honest conversation about how the industry actually works.
Young leaders are also helping to design it from the very first meeting – building with them rather than for them.
BANG
BANG stands for “Building A New Generation” and is a Brent-based youth-focused charity organisation. They organise early intervention programmes to encourage and sustain a positive impact in young people’s lives.
BANG seeks to co-produce a community that provides support and teaches life and career skills while centring young people’s agency and individuality.
BANG Young Leaders is an initiative looking to help young people build leadership skills. Through this, they develop projects and events that appeal to their interests, passions, and community.
Want to be a part of BANG? Learn more here.
Related Future Opportunities
- An architecture webinar in 2027, as part of our rolling Leading FWD series
- A dedicated architecture seminar, planned for summer 2027
- A university pipeline connecting architecture and built environment students from our partner universities directly to Scott Brownrigg
- Work shadowing opportunities, currently being explored
BANG Edutainment is a charity organisation partner of The Beat London 103.6FM.
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