Andrew Thurman MRES, BA(Hons), FHEA

Senior Lecturer
Interior Design

Before becoming an academic I gained over 15 years experience working across several sectors of commercial Interior Design and Architecture. After graduating from The University of Salford in Spatial and Interior Design I worked in brand, retail and experiential design working with several multinational retailers. I then worked for one of the North's leading Architectural practices on a variety of commercial developments before taking the plunge as a freelance designer securing my own commissions and collaborating with other design and architectural practices. My freelance work led me to a period working in museum, exhibition and interactive design before I joined Fuse Studios, a prominent Leeds based Design and Architectural practice working on hospitality and commercial schemes. I have worked with large organisations throughout my career including adidas, Fred Perry, Leeds First Direct Arena, Hard Rock International and Bruntwood along with many independent clients.

Teaching
I began teaching as a Visiting Lecturer in 2009 working at several institutions across the North of England such as Sheffield Hallam University, Leeds Art University and The University of Huddersfield. I then undertook the role of Specialist 3D tutor on the Foundation Program at The University of Salford. In 2017 I made the transition from industry to academia becoming Lecturer at York St John. Here I relished the opportunity and challenge of playing a pivotal role in running and shaping the BA(Hons) Interior Design Programme, along with writing and delivering a postgraduate Interior Design programme. I am driven by a commitment to passing on my diverse industry knowledge to nurture and develop the next generation of creatives. My fundamental approach to learning is focused on experiential learning and fostering a positive and solutions-based mindset. Design is a process of experimentation and learning through researching, understanding, testing, reflecting and actioning. This is embedded in the way I teach.

Research
My research interest is focused around the theme of ‘Living Leaner’; how can we live with less in less space? I’m investigating cultural perceptions of acceptable living space and possessions, and questioning the conventional attitude that bigger and more is better. Should we be focusing more on the quality of our living spaces, not the quantity? This is leading me to explore user-defined space and user experience driving the design process, rather than the architectural envelope. The investigation extends beyond the realm of domestic space into every aspect of our lives where we consume space, considering the future of how we live, how cultural developments impact this, how space can improve our existence, and the changes necessary to ensure our survival.

External Work
I am currently external examiner on the BA (Hons) Interior Design programme at Huddersfield University within the Department of Design and Architecture.

I am also an active member of IE: Interior Educators – an organisation established by academics representing Interior programmes from across the UK – where I am a judge on the National Student Awards, which honour outstanding achievements in both design and writing, whilst aligning with IE's core values of social equity, inclusivity, diversity, sustainability, craft and collaboration.

https://interioreducators.co.uk/