Jacob Hodgson
First Year, Master of Architecture
Atelier: Infrastructure Space

After earning my architecture degree from the University of Nottingham in 2023 and completing my Part 1 placement at AJ100 practice Gilling Dod Architects, I am eager to continue my academic journey at MSA. The Master of Architecture program offers an exciting opportunity to further develop my skills, particularly in social impact, sustainable design, and cultural sensitivity—key themes from both my studies and industry experience in healthcare and mental health architecture.

Proficiency in CAD software has been essential in communicating and delivering projects effectively. I am especially excited to engage with Tameside Council’s Chadwick Dam Park project, which aligns with my design values and offers a real-world opportunity to strengthen community connections.

I look forward to collaborating during Action Week to create meaningful impact in reactivating the Chadwick Dam community.

Simon Linford
Second Year, Master of Architecture
Atelier: Adaptive Reuse

I am the odd one out in this group, not being an architect or designer, but a middle-aged semi-retired property developer with a degree in engineering and an accountancy qualification (obtained many years ago)!

Architecture is a passion though, so I am doing a Masters in Adaptive Reuse (part time) because I develop historic buildings, and churches in particular, and I want to expand my knowledge and understanding. In Manchester my claim to fame would be being the developer behind The Chapel on Upper Brook Street, for Hello Student.

I’ve decided that the best use of my skills on this project is to help manage the process and do the more boring technical bits – I am pretty good at getting things done and have even been known to take my turn 'on the tools' when needed.

Looking forward to it!

Nehal Jindal
First year , Masters of Architecture
Atelier: Non -Standards Habitat
Originally from Ujjain , Madhya Pradesh, India, I earned my undergraduate degree at Manipal University Jaipur .Before my journey as a masters student to the UK, i spent 6 months as a architecture intern right after graduation at a landscape and commercial project focused firm in Indore. Software skills i developed in the process: AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp , photoshop, rendering. i particularly love rendering on photoshop. The reason that motivated me to study architecture is pretty much the same reason that motivates me to live life everyday with excitement and value.
As an architect, my approach is to understand the reason for design, what value add I can do to make the operations smoother and how to make the process and result both beautiful.
The Tameside Council's Chadwick Dam Park project offers a fantastic chance to implement my design principles. With deliberate interventions, I hope to establish a more lively, approachable, and attractive setting that fosters a strong feeling of community. In addition to giving me the opportunity to have a significant influence, this experience will help me better grasp how design can promote social and environmental well-being.

PROJECT INTRODUCTION
We aim to complete the CHADWICK DAM project in a way it is both sensitive and accessible . Being a part of Bee Network and home to Stanford park parkrun the site is enhanced by local connectivity and has a clear opportunity to create age friendly spaces which are currently lacking . the area cuurently has a lot of underutilised green spaces and also caters diverse populations. our main areas of concern are enhancing accesiblity, improving green space access ,promoting community engagement and masterplan development through careful planning and community feedback. our strategy makes sure the area is friendly and vibrant public space for everyone. Our strategy makes sure the area is a friendly and vibrant public space for everyone by giving equal weight on accessibility, sustainability, and the space's social and cultural significance.By collaborating with the community, we make sure that Chadwick Dam develops into a place that reflects the needs and goals of its users while also being useful and visually pleasing.
By working together, we will turn Chadwick Dam into an example of pride, identity, and belonging that will serve as a reminder of the influence that collaborative design can have on the future of our shared spaces.

Neila Cuvilliers
First Year, Master of Architecture
Atelier: Continuity

I hold a bachelor's degree from the Manchester School of Architecture and have returned for my master's after completing my Part 1 placement, where I worked on both commercial and residential projects, with a particular focus on adaptive reuse. I am passionate about social and sustainable architecture and look forward to expanding my ability to develop design solutions for contemporary challenges.

I am proficient in CAD software, SketchUp, and the Adobe Suite, which enable me to communicate visually and advance project development. Working on the Chadwick Dam Park project presents an excellent opportunity to collaborate with real-world stakeholders and devise meaningful solutions to enhance community health and access to green spaces.

I am excited to collaborate during Action Week—see you there!

An exploration of the site with our collaborator Hayley. This is the around around with Stamford parkrun takes place, an event that is important to her and the local community? Can our project help open up the course and access to Chadwick Dam to more of the community who live on the Ridge Hill estate?

Hayley has plenty of ideas herself but she is looking forward to our combined knowledge and skills adding value to the project. I am going to try and engage the parkrun community because there is an active volunteer base that we could get involved not only in ideas but maybe in actual work during the activity weeks.

And can we get the entire team to do the run together?

Anson Ong Kah Kit
First Year, Master of Architecture
Atelier: Infrastructure Space

I am an architecture graduate from Taylor’s University, Malaysia, with two years of practice in Kuala Lumpur before deciding to embark on a new journey with MSA. My approach to architecture is deeply rooted in placemaking and social impact, where I strive to create spaces that foster meaningful connections within the community.

I am particularly excited to be part of the Tameside Council’s Chadwick Dam Park with MSA Live Project, an opportunity to work on a real-world initiative that brings tangible benefits to the community. I strongly believe in the power of teamwork, where maximizing each individual’s strengths leads to the best outcomes. I truly appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with others, leveraging diverse skills and perspectives to achieve a common goal.

My goal is to deliver approachable and impactful designs, ensuring that architecture remains accessible while adding value to the people it serves.