There are a number of exciting developments at the Kent School of Architecture and Planning as we move into this new academic year, but perhaps none are more exciting than the appointment of our new Head of School, Chloe Street Tarbatt.
Chloe has been teaching widely across the BA Architecture and MArch programmes since she joined the School in 2012. In that time she held a number of crucial roles pushing forward the School’s development and reputation, including Stage 3 Coordinator, where she championed Live Projects, bringing valuable opportunities for undergraduate architects to experience working on real-life projects in real time. She has also held the critical roles of BA Programme Director and TEF Coordinator. Most recently she has been leading on Architectural Pedagogy in the MArch programme, and has won prestigious awards including the Humanities Teaching Prize.
Chloe is an ARB registered qualified architect, and for 10 years worked in professional practice on a number of award-wining public and cultural building projects, including the National Gallery at Dixon.Jones and the deBlacam and Meagher exhibition at the Irish Pavilion for the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2010. Her research explores the psychology of space and how we can create spaces to improve quality of life and human interactions – particularly in architectural projects which bring communities together. Drawing on her professional and academic expertise, she is currently leading a Historic England-funded project at Chatham Historic High Street, utilising a three-way relationship between University of Kent, Medway Council and design consultants to positively enhance the development of the area.
Chloe takes up the role at an exciting time, with two new undergraduate design programmes welcoming their second cohorts of students, further diversifying the skillsets, perspectives and synergies in the School.
Reflecting on her appointment, Chloe said: “It’s a privilege and an honour to take on the role at this important juncture. We are expanding to become a school of Architecture, Planning and Design with particular expertise in sustainable environments, conservation and digital visualisation. Our two new undergraduate degrees – Spatial Interior Design and Graphic Design are now taking on their second cohort of students. I’m really excited about the future of our school, and the potential for it to grow and flourish as a leading flagship for progressive and ethical design. I look forward to working with my excellent team of colleagues, developing our relationships with practices and local authorities, progressing our internationally acclaimed research profile, and supporting our students to become the leading designers of a fairer, greener and more beautiful future.”