University of Cambridge's Katie Last on Thoughtful Leadership, Architecture Journalism, and Staying Creative
By Julia Gamolina
Katie Last is an architecture writer from the United Kingdom who has written for publications including Dezeen and recently graduated with a first-class degree in Architecture from the University of Cambridge. Interested in architecture that makes a positive difference to communities and the environment, her research and design work focussed on natural materials and community spaces, as well as the history of environmentalism in architectural journalism.
JG: You just graduated with your architecture degree from the University of Cambridge -- congratulations! Tell me first, why architecture? What were you hoping to do with this degree?
KL: Thank you! So thrilled! Growing up, I loved absolutely everything in school. I was a massive nerd for every single subject I studied and just loved learning new things. I was always creative but got more into art during my later years in high school. After doing a couple paintings that got into exhibitions, I realized that I had a huge passion for communicating through art. I’ve also been a Photoshop fanatic since the age of twelve and loved graphic design! Architecture was a way for me to combine all of my interests.
I also spent lots of my time during late high school volunteering and have always been interested in social justice. While I was looking into studying architecture, I gradually began to realize that it has this immense social and environmental value, and that was what solidified the choice for me. From the get-go, I hoped to learn how to harness architecture to benefit people and the planet.
Katie at Cambridge's final year exhibition. Courtesy of Katie Last.
What are some of the initiatives you’ve focused on in school, and why?
Within architecture, I always chose design studios that aligned with my interests in social and environmental justice. My second-year studio was very focussed on creating public spaces that benefited communities which I loved, while my third-year studio had a super fun focus on building with earth and using more sustainable methods of construction.
I’ve also always loved writing and have worked as a design writer since I was around fifteen or sixteen, so I gradually found myself working in architecture journalism alongside my degree. I did an architecture writing internship then worked as the Arts Editor at Cambridge’s student magazine, before joining Dezeen as an editorial intern at the end of my first year. I found a massive passion for architecture journalism here and was so grateful to be able to stay on at Dezeen on a freelance basis writing articles alongside my degree.
Other than architecture, I’m also a big lover of music and it really inspires my creativity. My sister and I launched a music magazine focused on highlighting emerging artists during my third year at Cambridge, so that was another thing I was focusing on alongside my studies.
“I was most inspired by exploring the communities in which our projects were based and discovering people’s stories... that’s what draws me to architectural journalism, as it gives me the opportunity to uncover the deeper stories behind designs and the people who experience them.”
When searching for internships and jobs in general, what are you looking for?
A collaborative spirit and kind, thoughtful leadership is everything. One of the first charities I worked with when I was in my final years of high school was Thinking Huts, who are 3D printing school buildings for communities in need. The organisation’s founder, Maggie Grout, was one of the first examples of what good leadership looks like. Seeing a young woman like myself achieving such incredible things in an older male-dominated space was inspiring in itself, and it was great to see strong leadership carried out in an empathetic, open, and welcoming way.
One thing I loved about my internship at Dezeen was how open everybody was to teaching me– I learned so much so fast from my editors and people on the team. so I’m always looking for companies that are willing to do the same. I also love opportunities where I can dabble in lots of different roles and try out new things.
A pavilion made from timber and locally sourced willow. First-year group project. Courtesy of Katie Last.
A series of model closeups showing textural materiality of final-year project. Courtesy of Katie Last.
Progress on site from a volunteer trip constructing a rural learning space. Courtesy of Katie Last.
What’s important to you? What inspires you?
Throughout my architecture degree, I was most inspired by exploring the communities in which our projects were based and discovering people’s stories. I always tried to go beyond the briefs and visit community organizations and local people, discovering how architecture impacted their lives and how they wanted the built environment to serve them. I am massively inspired by listening and communicating.
I think that’s what draws me to architectural journalism, as it gives me the opportunity to uncover the deeper stories behind designs and the people who experience them. But it’s so applicable to architectural practice as well. Putting a community’s needs at the center of your project should come as first nature.
What have been some of the biggest challenges for you so far? How did you manage through?
I have faced a number of personal challenges, but I think in relation to my degree imposter syndrome has been a big one! Coming from a low-income background to an institution with quite an elitist reputation was challenging, and I definitely had some eye-opening experiences. Going to Cambridge was my absolute dream from a really young age but I think being in such a competitive space was quite intimidating at first! The architecture course was incredible and was a beautiful step away from this, as it had a nice, friendly feel, but as lots of people will relate to, the imposter syndrome was always present as there was such a huge pool of talented people.
Surrounding myself with people who I could relate to was a big help, as well as constantly attempting to practice gratitude and reaffirming my belief in myself. Being gentle with myself and avoiding overworking was a big help and was something that I had to learn along the way. I had to remember that what mattered the most was what I was learning from each project and how it served me on my own path. The moment you make a conscious effort to shy away from comparison and focus on yourself is when you can really find the style and mode of architectural practice that works the best for you.
“Stay creative and keep up with your hobbies as you can invent any life that’s a beautifully creative concoction of everything you love doing.”
What do you hope to do in your career?
At the moment, I am set on pursuing a career in architectural journalism or communications. My dream would be to work on pieces that let me dive really deep into specific projects, particularly those underscored by a positive ethos. I’d love to continue doing work that lets me learn more about particular communities, places, and people, as the narratives of the users are the most fascinating parts of architecture to me. I am keen to do more charity work in relation to design, social justice, and ecology. I also hope to encourage more women into architectural journalism, as I believe that the diverse range of built environment users can only be expressed by having greater representation amongst those who are commenting on it.
First time making a rammed-earth wall while volunteering. Photo by Zoe Vong.
Who do you look up to?
So many women! I wrote my undergraduate dissertation on the works of Ada Louise Huxtable, who has massively inspired me throughout my journey in architecture journalism. My study looked into how her works fought for environmentalism in the architectural field during the mid-late 1900s, and I am really drawn to how she was consistently driven by a social and ecological conscience and was so outspoken as a woman at a time where journalism was so male dominated. In terms of women outside of the architectural field, my mum inspires me a lot and my parents’ huge support has given me the confidence to get to where I am today.
What advice would you give to those in high school now, choosing their field of study?
Do what you love! If you’re like me and enjoy everything you study, architecture is an amazing way of combining all your interests and tapping into both your creative and sciencey sides at once. Alongside whatever you study, never stop trying new things and experimenting. Don’t restrict yourself! Whatever you study, you have the power to open new doors for yourself at any time. Never lose your childlike passion. Stay creative and keep up with your hobbies as you can invent any life that’s a beautifully creative concoction of everything you love doing.