Architecture

Mike Tuck is an RIBA chartered architect who founded the studio in 2014.

Mike studied architecture at the University of Cambridge and the Royal College of Art and also has an MA in sculpture from the Slade School of Fine Art.

Between 2005 and 2014 Mike worked with RIBA award-winning practices to realise a diverse body of work ranging from one-off houses to the new Bretton Country Park visitors centre at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Mike has considerable experience of delivering complex and challenging projects.

Over the last 5 years Mike has combined teaching with practice, most recently as a Design Fellow at the University of Cambridge. 

I am a New Zealander who graduated from the University of Auckland with a joint BA/BSc, prior to my arrival in Cambridge. Lucy Cavendish has a very friendly environment. Home is very far away and I am lucky that the College such a great place to stay during Easter and Christmas vacations. I love the gardens; it's wonderful to be able to go outside to read or have a picnic. The food on-site is great (especially the desserts!) and the cooking facilities are essential for freezing meals to take to studio during busy weeks. I like that Architecture is one of the more unconventional subjects because of its hands-on creativity. The course is intensive but there is continuous constructive feedback and help. The Architecture undergrads are a very tight-knit group who make all the hard work enjoyable and memorable.

I grew up in Bangkok and completed secondary education there before winning a Thai government scholarship to do A-levels and an undergraduate degree in the UK. From my first year, I enjoyed the very supportive environment in the college. The college staff were very kind and helpful. Having college friends from a wide range of ages and backgrounds also opened my eyes to new perspectives on life. On my course, I particularly like the close attention given by the design tutors and supervisors. I also enjoy the way the theoretical part of architecture is given a lot of importance, which is one of the unique features of the Cambridge course. I received an award from the college which allowed me to support the costs of architectural equipment purchases. And, all of my friends said the formal hall at Lucy Cavendish is one of the best in Cambridge.

What made you choose Architecture?

I began reading architectural literature in Lower Sixth and found it incredibly different to anything I had read before – and despite being historically terrible at drawing, I was oddly motivated at this time; and slowly improved (I hope), practising drawing in my free time.

And why Architecture at Cambridge?

Given that it was initially the reading and history that drew me in, I was quite excited to learn that at Cambridge, they (/we) focus more heavily on history and theory than practically any other course in the UK. Furthermore, the small cohort size and high student-to-tutor ratio was highly encouraging, and different.

How did you find applying for your course at Cambridge?

Three of my university applications included interviews, but none as in depth as it was here – given that we also undertook an hour-long drawing and essay writing task. During the interview we discussed portfolio work, as well as being surprised with thought-provoking debates on the role of an architect, and topics like sketching vs. photography. In short, be prepared to think outside the box!

What has been great about your course so far?

In terms of the course, there is a great amount of knowledge accumulated through all the reading, as well as writing tasks. And it also doesn’t shy away from the creative aspect. Our projects are exciting, and we are always encouraged to explore different mediums.

Personally, the city itself if something that I still find incredible – it’s a very special place with a unique atmosphere. Making friends on my course from different colleges and going to formal dinners with them is always exciting.

What do you like about studying at Lucy Cavendish College?

Compared to other colleges, it is a smaller community with close knit friend groups, and a very friendly atmosphere. The library is a very appealing place to work, and I will be spending a lot more time there for the next two years, for sure.