Lee Ivett appointed as Head of School at London School of Architecture

The University of the Built Environment is delighted to announce the appointment of critically acclaimed architect and academic Lee Ivett as the new Head of School at the London School of Architecture (LSA). 

Lee will champion an inclusive and innovative approach to education, supporting the strategic merger of the University of the Built Environment and the London School of Architecture, which took place earlier this year. 

At the LSA, Lee aims to respond proactively to educational reforms from the Architects Registration Board (ARB), and support the wider University of the Built Environment to enable faster, more equitable pathways into professional practice and leadership roles across the industry.

Speaking on his appointment, Lee said: 

“The built environment has a fundamental role to play in tackling poverty, addressing climate change, improving health and shaping a fairer future. 

“The LSA, as part of the University of the Built Environment, is uniquely placed to advocate for that change, thanks to the innovative, imaginative and impactful programmes already being led by an exceptional team.” 

Ashley Wheaton, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Built Environment, said:  

“Lee’s appointment marks an important milestone for the institution and our new school. Together, we are building a forward-looking, inclusive model of education that prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions to communities, industry, and society.” 

Who is Lee Ivett? 

Lee Ivett is an architect, designer, artist and urbanist. His practice-led research is rooted in the organic and generative, focusing on low-budget, socially-led projects developed with communities across the UK.

This work has been brought together through ‘Other People’s Dreams’ – a collaborative live-action research office and educational framework that supports third-sector community organisations in the North West to use acts of making as a means of prototyping and creating new forms of amenity, activity, and public space. The work of ‘Other People’s Dreams’ has been shortlisted and commended in the RIBA Journal MacEwen Awards and showcased nationally and internationally. 

Lee’s work has been recognised internationally for its innovation, impact, and quality. He has exhibited, produced, and presented in Poland, Hungary, Nuremberg, Los Angeles, the Venice Architecture Biennale, BIO Ljubljana, and throughout the UK, and was selected for inclusion in the publication ‘New Architects 3’.  

He is also a regular contributor to architectural discourse, having written for ‘The Architectural Review’, ‘Architects’ Journal’, ‘Architecture Today’, ‘RIBA Journal’, and ‘Metropolis’, as well as a range of academic journals.  

In addition, he speaks widely at national and international academic conferences on his research, teaching, and practice. He also contributes regularly to radio, digital media, podcasts, exhibitions, articles, and public events on architecture, society, and the city. 

Lee will formally take up his role on 17 November 2025, following his current position as Head of the Grenfell-Baines Institute of Architecture at the University of Lancashire, where he also leads Architecture and Construction subject areas.