It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with West Dean College over the last year as they grow their educational provision, now with a range of creative courses on offer at Dilke House, the new Central London Campus in Bloomsbury.

The College offers an extensive variety of arts and crafts courses such as drawing, conservation, painting, textiles, printmaking and writing, all of which keep the legacy of founder Edward James alive. 

We have previously worked with the College on a number of projects at their Sussex site, including condition surveys, the vast roof conservation and repair project which won a Sussex Heritage Trust Public & Community award in 2020, as well as refurbishment of estate and student accommodation. 

At Dilke House, we have been working alongside the College as project managers to renovate the seven-storey building in the centre of London’s knowledge quarter, liaising with both the management team and tutors to prepare the spaces to welcome students.

Our role during the works included researching materials, furniture, fixtures and fittings; preparing drawings and mood boards; managing budget and costings; administering the tender process; and liaising with contractors, including preparing design drawings for built furniture.

The campus was officially opened on 24 April 2024 by Kirsten Ramsay (BBC’s The Repair Shop) and courses are now underway.  In March 2021, West Dean College merged with KLC School of Design and after a period of operation out of their premises in Chelsea Harbour, later this year those courses will also be located at Dilke House.

Further information about the College and its courses is available here. 

If you would like to discuss a potential project, please contact us.