Introduction
The intersection of academic training and professional practice often creates the most compelling voices in contemporary design discourse. A recent example is Ninu Sonuga, an MA Interior Design graduate from the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), who has been selected for the eighth cohort of New Architecture Writers (N.A.W.). This prestigious programme, run by the Architecture Foundation and the Architectural Review, brings together emerging critics of colour to develop fresh perspectives on architecture and cities. Ninu’s focus on regenerative design, particularly in Sub‑Saharan Africa, highlights how postgraduate study can equip designers to tackle pressing global challenges through writing, research, and critical practice.
Who Is Ninu Sonuga?
Ninu completed his MA Interior Design at UCA’s Farnham campus in 2025, where he cultivated a strong interest in the social and ecological dimensions of space. His final project explored adaptive reuse of abandoned public buildings in Lagos, Nigeria, examining how state‑owned structures that have lain vacant for decades reflect broader patterns of governance, disposability, and urban equity. This work formed the basis of his application to New Architecture Writers, where he submitted a short piece titled ‘Sovereign Rot’. The writing interrogates the politics of abandonment and asks who cities are truly built for.
Beyond academia, Ninu works as a designer and visual artist, blending practice with critical inquiry. His Instagram account @ninuworldwide showcases a portfolio that moves between speculative design, material experimentation, and documentary photography, offering a multidimensional view of his interests in regenerative systems.
What Is New Architecture Writers?
Founded in 2017, New Architecture Writers aims to diversify the field of architectural criticism by supporting emerging writers from under‑represented backgrounds. Each cohort receives a ten‑month programme of mentorship, workshops, and editorial guidance from established design critics and editors. Participants produce a series of written briefs, engage in peer feedback sessions, and attend talks that expand their understanding of contemporary architectural debates.
The programme’s emphasis on collaboration counters the often solitary nature of writing. As Ninu notes, “Writing can be quite solitary, but I’m also really looking forward to being in conversation about and workshopping ideas through mentorship and peer feedback.” This environment encourages participants to refine their voice, develop argumentative rigor, and connect their scholarly interests to real‑world design issues.
Regenerative Design as a Research Focus
Regenerative design goes beyond sustainability by seeking to restore, renew, and revitalise ecosystems and communities through design interventions. For Ninu, this means investigating how local knowledge, indigenous materials, and traditional building techniques can inform contemporary practice in Sub‑Saharan Africa. His proposed work will examine case studies where design projects have successfully reinvigorated degraded landscapes, strengthened social cohesion, and created economic opportunities.
By situating his research within the New Architecture Writers framework, Ninu aims to produce critical essays that not only describe regenerative strategies but also question the power dynamics that shape who gets to define what regeneration looks like. This aligns with a growing trend in architectural discourse that values situated knowledge and challenges Eurocentric paradigms.
The Application Process: From ‘Sovereign Rot’ to Cohort Selection
Applicants to New Architecture Writers submit a short piece of writing that demonstrates their critical voice and interest in architecture or urbanism. Ninu’s ‘Sovereign Rot’ stood out for its clear narrative, rigorous research, and compelling visual accompaniment—a series of photographs and diagrams he created himself. The selection panel looks for originality, a clear point of view, and the potential to contribute to broader conversations about equity and ecology in the built environment.
For MA graduates, the application process offers a valuable opportunity to translate dissertation or project work into public‑facing criticism. It also serves as a bridge between academic study and professional engagement, allowing students to test their ideas in a supportive yet challenging setting.
Programme Structure and Learning Outcomes
Over ten months, cohort members meet fortnightly to work on assigned briefs, attend workshops, and receive one‑on‑one mentorship. The briefs vary in scope, ranging from analytical essays on specific buildings to speculative pieces that imagine future urban scenarios. Workshops cover topics such as narrative structure, editing techniques, multimedia storytelling, and ethical considerations in criticism.
Participants emerge with a polished portfolio of written work, enhanced confidence in public speaking and debate, and a network of peers and mentors that can support future collaborations. For Ninu, the programme represents a chance to sharpen his ability to articulate complex ideas about regenerative design to both specialist and general audiences.
Why This Matters for MA Graduates at UCA
Ninu’s selection underscores the value of postgraduate study at the University for the Creative Arts as a launchpad for interdisciplinary practice. The MA Interior Design curriculum encourages students to think critically about space, materiality, and social impact—skills that are directly transferable to architectural writing and criticism. By engaging with external platforms like New Architecture Writers, graduates can:
- Develop a public‑facing critical voice that complements their design portfolio.
- Gain exposure to editorial processes and professional standards in publishing.
- Connect with a global network of practitioners, scholars, and activists.
- Enhance employability in roles that require research, communication, and critical thinking, such as curatorial work, consultancy, or academia.
Prospective MA students interested in pursuing similar pathways should consider how their coursework can feed into external opportunities, and seek guidance from tutors and careers services early in their studies.
How to Get Involved with New Architecture Writers
If you are an emerging writer, designer, or architect passionate about diversifying architectural discourse, the New Architecture Writers programme accepts applications annually. Keep an eye on their website newarchitecturewriters.org and follow their Instagram @newarchwriters for announcement dates. Preparing a strong application involves:
- Identifying a topic that merges your design practice with critical inquiry.
- Producing a concise, well‑illustrated piece of writing (typically 500‑800 words).
- Highlighting why your perspective is needed in the current architectural conversation.
- Including any relevant visual material that supports your argument.
Even if you are not ready to apply, you can still benefit from the programme’s public outputs. Many cohort members publish essays, podcasts, and video essays that are freely accessible online, offering valuable reading material for anyone interested in contemporary architecture and urbanism.
Practical Next Steps for Aspiring Architecture Writers
Whether you are currently enrolled in an MA programme, considering postgraduate study, or working professionally, there are concrete actions you can take to develop your voice in architectural writing:
- Start a blog or Substack: Use platforms like Substack to publish regular reflections on projects you encounter, exhibitions you visit, or texts you read. Ninu maintains a Substack page at n1nu.substack.com where he shares work‑in‑progress and finished pieces.
- Seek mentorship: Reach out to critics, editors, or academics whose work you admire. Many are open to informal conversations or portfolio reviews.
- Attend lectures and exhibitions: Events hosted by the Architecture Foundation, the RIBA, or local galleries often include talks that can spark ideas for writing.
- Leverage university resources: At UCA, the Careers and Professional Practice team offers workshops on portfolio building, personal statements, and networking—skills that are equally useful for writers.
- Stay informed: Follow journals such as The Architectural Review, Domus, and ArchDaily to understand current debates and identify gaps where your voice could contribute.
By combining academic rigor with a willingness to engage publicly, you can follow in Ninu Sonuga’s footsteps and help shape a more inclusive, ecologically conscious conversation about the built environment.
Conclusion
The announcement that an MA Interior Design graduate from the University for the Creative Arts has joined the eighth cohort of New Architecture Writers is more than a personal achievement; it signals a broader shift toward valuing diverse, critically engaged voices in architecture and urban design. Ninu Sonuga’s focus on regenerative design, rooted in the specific contexts of Sub‑Saharan Africa, exemplifies how postgraduate research can transcend the studio and enter the public sphere through writing, critique, and dialogue.
For prospective students, current learners, and professionals alike, this story offers a clear pathway: harness the analytical and creative skills developed during master’s study, seek platforms that amplify under‑represented perspectives, and contribute to the ongoing conversation about how we design, inhabit, and sustain our cities. Whether your interest lies in material innovation, social equity, or ecological restoration, the intersection of design practice and architectural criticism offers a fertile ground for meaningful impact.
If you are inspired to explore similar opportunities, consider the following steps:
- Learn more about the MA Interior Design programme at UCA and how it supports critical practice.
- Visit the New Architecture Writers website to read current cohort publications and find application details.
- Follow Ninu Sonuga on Instagram to see his design work and writing process.
- Contact UCA’s admissions team for advice on postgraduate courses and funding options.
- Explore the application process for postgraduate study at the University for the Creative Arts.
By taking these steps, you can position yourself to contribute to the evolving discourse on architecture, cities, and the regenerative futures we all strive to create.
