Meet Suzanne Blair: GT3 Architects new Education & Masterplanning Lead

We’re delighted to introduce Suzanne Blair as GT3 Architects’ new Education and Masterplanning Sector Lead!

Suzanne is an Associate Director at GT3 Architects with over 13 years post-graduate experience. She is a key member of GT3’s Senior Leadership Team, managing all project coordination and acting as Studio Lead for our Newcastle office. She is an active member of several industry groups, using her platform to push for greener, more sustainable placemaking and championing the National Association of Women in Construction, where she currently sits on the committee.

Suzanne has extensive experience in the education sector particularly within past government initiatives such as Building Schools for the Future (BSF), the Academies Framework and the Priority Schools Building Programme (PSPB) and is passionate about creating aspirational education environments which support both teacher and student.

Suzanne comments:

“I am passionate about creating innovative and aspirational education environments that support teaching staff in providing a world class education to students. By taking a collaborative approach, we have a real opportunity to design buildings and learning environments that inspire and support young people, teachers and caregivers alike, influencing student achievement, behaviour and wellbeing. Education facilities – from primary schools right through to universities – have the opportunity to become community hubs that not only provide statutory and further education to young people but develop life skills, extra-curricular interests and support the wider community. Facilities such as gyms, halls, drama spaces, lecture halls and classrooms can provide opportunities for community groups, youth clubs and adult learning.”

Over the course of her career, Suzanne has led several large-scale complex masterplans across the UK, ranging from heritage sites to large mixed-use and residential schemes;

“Our goal as placemakers is to create environments that draw people in. The consequences of the pandemic are just beginning to be fully realised and there’s a real and urgent opportunity to reinvest in our public spaces particularly across town and city centres. As designers, I believe we need to use our voice and experience to help shape these changes. We should be looking beyond redline boundaries to design truly community-based environments, that support our existing ambitions and create long lasting value for future generations.”