Our History

Our History

1995

Northern Architecture Centre Limited is formed.

The four original subscribers to the company were the Newcastle Architecture Workshop, the Northern Branch of the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Northern Architectural Association and the Centre for the Built Environment (the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and Northumbria University). These four separate bodies each had their own history - the Newcastle Architecture Workshop was created in 1977, the first body of its kind in the UK, dedicated to helping communities schools and colleges make positive changes to their own environment. The Northern Architectural Association was set up in 1851 by architects in the North East, including John Dobson, to promote the science and art of architecture. The four bodies came together to raise funds for and build a centre that could bring together all of their functions under one roof- promoting and assisting architects, promoting architecture to the public, engaging and assisting schools and communities, and engaging other professionals in raising architectural standards in the North East.
 


1998

Northern Arts (now Arts Council England) begin funding Northern Architecture’s programme of projects.

Tim Bailey becomes the first Chair.

Mark Daniels appointed as Programme Director

Ambitions to build a physical centre are unsuccessful and plans are withdrawn. To sustain some of the momentum that had been built up, Northern Arts gives funding to the company for the post of Programme Director. Operating as Northern Architecture the company bases itself in the premises leased by Newcastle Architecture Workshop from Newcastle City Council in the 13th century cloister of Blackfriars, in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne where the organisation remains today.


1999

The Newcastle Architecture Workshop closes due to lack of funding.
 


2002

In 2002 Northern Architecture receives it’s first funding from CABE, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, to run a regional programme of activity.
 


2003

Andrew Guest is appointed as Director.

2005


Northern Architecture receives support from One NorthEast, the region’s development agency.

Northern Architecture becomes a registered charity.


2006

Northern Architecture receives renewed funding from CABE, Arts Council England, and One NorthEast.

Tom Macartney is appointed as Chair.


2008

Northern Architecture receives renewed funding from CABE and Arts Council England.


2009

Carol Botten is appointed as Director.

John Laverick is appointed as Chair.


2010

Northern Architecture receives renewed funding from CABE.