This summer, Land Studio continued its commitment to supporting young people through our partnership with the PLACED Academy, an initiative that helps bridge the gap between education and employment in the built environment sector. The Academy provides a platform for students from diverse backgrounds to explore design, planning and placemaking, building confidence and practical skills while gaining meaningful insight into the world of work.
Our involvement reflects a shared belief that nurturing future talent is essential to creating inclusive, sustainable places. By supporting programmes like PLACED, we help young people see the breadth of opportunities available within the built environment, from landscape architecture and urban design to community engagement and environmental planning. In return, our team benefits from fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and the chance to inspire and learn from the next generation.
In July, Landscape Architects Treicy Isamitt and Claudia Frost joined the PLACED Summer School in Liverpool, working with students on a live design project. The four‑day programme combined creative workshops, model‑making and presentations, encouraging participants to collaborate, experiment and express their ideas. Claudia reflected that “seeing the enthusiasm that the students projected was really inspiring and fun to watch the talent in the room.”
The Summer School marked the start of the Academy’s annual programme, which continues with monthly sessions through the autumn. Each year, the initiative brings together professionals from across the sector to mentor and support young people as they develop their confidence and understanding of how design can shape communities. For Land Studio, it’s an opportunity to contribute directly to that learning journey, helping to demystify career paths and show how creativity and collaboration can lead to real‑world impact.
As sponsors, we’re proud to help break down barriers for young people across the North West, giving them a voice in shaping the places around them and opening doors to diverse careers in the industry. Our partnership with PLACED aligns closely with our own values, championing inclusivity, creativity and the power of design to improve lives.
Kate Richards (Director of Landscape) recently joined PLACED’s 15th birthday celebration, reflecting on her own long‑standing connection with the social enterprise, from early workshops and the Hidden Liverpool project to today’s sponsorship of the Academy. The event brought together alumni, partners and supporters to celebrate fifteen years of inspiring young people and communities to engage with the built environment.
PLACED’s work continues to demonstrate the power of collaboration, creativity and community, values that resonate strongly with our approach to placemaking and design. As we look ahead, we’re excited to keep supporting initiatives that help young people find their voice, build their confidence and shape the future of our shared spaces.
We were really impressed with Land Studio. They are creative, a delight to work with and captured our vision and their own vision perfectly.
Shahina Ahmad, Principal of Eden Girls’ School, Waltham Forest.