Architect, TV presenter, writer and campaigner George Clarke visited Manchester School of Architecture to speak to students about his impressive career, his inspirations, and why home is the most powerful form of architecture.
Clarke was given a tour of the School where he met with staff and students and took some time to discuss their work.
He was then in conversation with Professor Kevin Singh, Head of Manchester School of Architecture, followed by a lively Q&A session where students had the opportunity to ask questions.
The event was attended by around 160 students who heard Clarke talk about his remarkable career journey from child to architect to much-loved TV presenter, campaigner and ambassador while still keeping his core values of architecture at heart.
He talked about key issues for the architecture industry from the housing crisis to the importance of multidisciplinary collaborations, and how large-scale housing isn’t prioritised for people.
Clarke also shared insights into his favourite building designs and the architects who inspired him as a student including American architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright.
He talked about the importance of restoration, renovation, and adaptive reuse, and shared his belief that beautiful architecture and design deserves to stay and shouldn’t be demolished.
He also encouraged students to use building design to transform, enrich lives, and make a difference.
Clarke explained how he realised early in his career that the concept of ‘home’ embodied the possibility of a more inclusive approach to good architectural practice. Speaking about what home means in this context, he said: “Home is the most powerful form of architecture that affects us all, and if you are lucky enough to have a warm and comfortable roof over your head, it is a very special place indeed”.
Third-year Architecture student Enqi Wong, who interviewed Clarke before the event, said: “It was such a privilege to listen to George talk about his career, the architecture industry, and to understand what our future could be like after we graduate.
“It was incredibly inspiring to hear how he enjoys being an architect, and it really resonated with me when he stressed about the importance of designing for people and how satisfying the brief is the minimum requirement—it’s about giving them something they never expected. The conversations have reaffirmed my belief that we should always prioritize the needs of people—whether we go on to become architects, housing developers, or pursue other paths.”
During the event, Clarke spoke about his charitable work with Shelter UK where he is an ambassador, and home educational charity MOBIE (Ministry of Building Innovation and Education), which he founded in 2017 to inspire young people to revolutionise the way we think about homes. MOBIE helps younger generations to define how they want to live now and in the future.
He touched on some of his more memorable TV moments, including with his production company Amazing Productions which produces Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces, Remarkable Renovations, Old House, New Home and Ugly House to Lovely House, all presented by Clarke.
Clarke also talked about his children’s book How to Build a Home which he wrote to get children thinking like an architect and which offers a guide to the building of houses and homes.
Head of Manchester School of Architecture Professor Kevin Singh added: “It was a pleasure to welcome George to the School and we we’re lucky he spent so much time with us, meeting staff and students and ultimately sharing a very personal perspective in our Q&A session. George is always inspirational to listen to but also very open, honest, and supportive of students.
“He was full of praise for the School, and it was wonderful to see him sharing his praise so enthusiastically on social media afterwards.”
Taking to Instagram after the event, Clarke posted: ‘It was the most fantastic 1.5 hours of conversation and fascinating questions from the students. They are all brilliant! What an outstanding School of Architecture Manchester is! Thanks for having me. Loved it!’
Clarke was invited to Manchester Met as part of Manchester School of Architecture’s MSA Collective, a programme of cultural events that welcomes leading figures in the world of architecture to the University for informal design chats with students and their lecturers. Previous speakers have included designer Thomas Heatherwick, and architect Lord Norman Foster.
The talks and student experience have helped contribute to the School’s continued ranking of 5th in the prestigious QS World University Rankings for Architecture for the second year in a row, reinforcing its highest ever position.