OUR IMPACT

PLACED Academy was established in 2019 as a free-to-access programme of creative learning, designed to build skills, grow confidence and help young people see that their views matter. Since then, it has expanded into a wider pathway of tailored programmes, opening up opportunities, increasing awareness of careers in the built environment, and supporting more young people, particularly those under-represented in the sector, to shape the future of places. Explore a snapshot of PLACED Academy’s latest impact below, or dive into the full report.

  • 1 IN 4

    Studio participants have a household income under £30,000

  • 93 PERCENT

    Know how the design of towns and cities can impact people or the environment

  • 4450

    Days of participation from 2019-2026

  • 97 PERCENT

    Have a better knowledge of different careers in the built environment

  • 698

    Total participants that have graduated our programmes

  • 91 PERCENT

    Have a better knowledge of study routes

  • 330

    Sessions delivered from 2019-2026




DARCEY

''IT'S HELPED ME REALISE I REALLY CAN DO ANYTHING I SET MY
MIND TO.''

Darcey joined PLACED Academy in 2024 after spotting it through school, and says the programme helped her grow in confidence, teamwork and problem-solving while showing her that she could see a future for herself in the built environment. From presenting work she once would have been too nervous to share, to travelling independently to sessions and developing ideas around retrofitting buildings, Darcey’s story shows how PLACED Academy helps young people build skills, self-belief and a clearer sense of what they want to do next. Read Darcey’s full story over on our blog.




LILIA

''PLACED ACADEMY HAS HELPED ME STAY TRUE TO WHAT I GENUINELY CARE ABOUT. I FEEL INSPIRED AND SUPPORTED.''

Lilia took part in PLACED Academy in 2020 and says the experience gave her the confidence, clarity and industry insight to choose geography over architecture and begin shaping her path into the built environment. Now a Geography Honours Graduate and PLACED Academy Alumni, Lilia credits the programme and ongoing Alumni opportunities with helping her grow in confidence, develop her public speaking and discover her interest in real estate and designing better, more affordable places. Read Lilia’s full story over on our blog.





LOUISE

''I DEFINITELY WOULDN'T BE WORKING AS AN ARCHITECT IF IT WEREN'T FOR PLACED.''

Louise took part in PLACED’s first-ever summer school in 2011, and credits that experience with introducing her to architecture, building her confidence, and ultimately shaping the career she has today. Now an architect, she describes PLACED’s impact on her life and career as
“life-changing”. Read Louise’s full story over on our blog.