Bio-Integrated Design MArch alumni spotlight: Vivek George Sanu

What inspired you to study the Bio-Integrated Design MArch at The Bartlett School of Architecture?  

Bio-ID felt really fresh to me. In 2018, it was such a radical concept. I was always trying to push myself beyond the box of regular architecture. The structure of Bio-ID, where one can explore the worlds of biotechnology and architecture in a single course, felt exciting. It was challenging, and the opportunity to be a trailblazer in the field was exactly the incentive I was looking for in a master’s course. 

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most or had a significant impact on you? 

• The interaction with the tutors. 
• The access to state-of-the-art labs and the B-MADE workshop. 
• The course was structured in a way that encouraged exploratory research, with tutors offering both freedom and guidance to help us achieve the best outcomes. 
• The setting at Here East was also very conducive to holistic learning. The open studio concept made it easy to see what students from other courses were working on, which helped me build networks with people from diverse backgrounds. 

Can you tell us about your current role and what it involves? 

I’m currently working as an architectural designer at Cook Belacevic Haffner & Partners (CBHP) in London, an office spearheaded by the legendary Sir Peter Cook. My role focuses on developing parametric design workflows across our projects. Much of our work is based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). 

What skills, knowledge, and experiences gained during the course have been most useful in your career? 

The computational design skills I developed at Bio-ID have been the most valuable. 
My knowledge of biomaterials and interdisciplinary practices has also helped me make meaningful interventions during the design process. 

Studying at Bio-ID was definitely not a cakewalk - it pushed me to my limits. But that’s exactly what I wanted from a master’s. It opened new possibilities for me as an architect. The course challenged me to think beyond my previous boundaries, and I now feel part of a much larger, impactful community. My time at Bio-ID gave me the confidence to explore and ask the right questions without fear. 

What resources, networks, or opportunities (inside or outside The Bartlett) helped you advance in your career? 

The network that The Bartlett offers is amazing, and it has helped me so much in landing interviews in the early phase of my career. The Bartlett tag really helps to get my foot in the door.  

What advice would you give to future students aspiring to pursue the course?

Don’t come to the course just because you want a stepping stone to a typical architecture job. Use the opportunity to truly transform yourself - as a person, a designer, and an architect. Explore something new, something you’ve always wanted to try but didn’t have the tools or confidence to pursue. Trust the process, and the results will come. Bio-ID is a fun but challenging environment where you’ll grow, learn, and build meaningful networks.