Robert

Verified Tutor

★★★★★

28 reviews

£25/hr

Available

£25/hr

RobertView profile

Architecture Lessons

Verified Tutor

★★★★★

28 reviews

Verified data

Response rate 100%

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Reviews from Robert's students:

I cannot recommend this tutor highly enough. I had the privilege of being taught and mentored by them for over five yea...

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Architecture
Plymouth
Professor with 30 years experience and 25 award winning stud...

Price

£25/hr

Level of the lessons

Adults

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Professor with 30 years experience and 25 award winning students - my approach is to reveal your potential. First tutorial !

Advert description

“The greatest good that you can do for another is not just share with your riches, but to reveal to them their own.” (Benjamin Disraeli) Dialogue: My teaching approach is based on discussion to help reveal (more deeply) students' own intentions, ideas, and ways of working. This forms a ground from which further discussion (and development of the student's work) can take place. Sketching: This discussion is supported with live sketching (by me as the tutor) to help explore and illustrate possibilities. Precedents: Further discussion considers precedents (examples and/or writing) by others that reflect the student's own intentions, ideas, and ways of working. These precedents are worth exploring and may provide a useful frame of reference to advance student's thinking. Lesson length:-minutes, depending on the stage the student is at.

28 reviews from Robert's current and former students

Liam Chamings and 27 others recommend Robert

Liam Chamings

★★★★★

I cannot recommend this tutor highly enough. I had the privilege of being taught and mentored by them for over five years throughout my architectural studies, and their guidance played a significant role in both my academic development and my confidence as a designer. They consistently struck the right balance between being supportive and challenging. Rather than simply providing answers, they asked thought-provoking questions that encouraged me to critically evaluate my own ideas, ultimately leading to much stronger outcomes. Their feedback was always constructive, honest, and tailored to the project's stage, knowing exactly when to push for deeper critical thinking and when to provide reassurance. One of their greatest strengths is their depth of knowledge. Every tutorial was incredibly informative, drawing on relevant precedents, theory, and professional practice. They regularly recommended books, journal articles, case studies, and wider literature that not only strengthened my p

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Haidar Al-Sitrawi

★★★★★

Robert was one of my design tutors back in 2004-2007 at the University of Plymouth studying bachelor of architecture. What stayed with me along the years thanks to Robert, is his approach to architecture having a humanistic and community strengthening role. He taught us that architecture should belong and is essential to all in society and all have/should have the right to participcate in shaping their world through architecture. His tutoring and material delivery methods as well as his communicative and pleasant character makes it even more enjoyable to have him as a tutor.

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Katie

★★★★★

Robert (Bob) is a brilliant collaborator in the design process. His tutoring style is incredibly fluid. He sketches along with you to help draw out and visualize your own concepts. He never imposes a direction, but instead uses his skill to help you articulate and express what you are already working toward. I would highly recommend Bob to others.

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See all the reviews

(28 reviews)

Liam Chamings

July - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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Haidar Al-Sitrawi

June - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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Katie

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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Conor Toland

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bob was a consistent, reliable and most importantly, enjoyable foundation to my 3 years of undergraduate and 2 years of postgraduate studies in Architecture at Plymouth University. Despite the years that have passed and the progression of my career, Bobs teachings have stuck with me; whether it was his passionate overarching teachings on Dialogism and Mikhail Bakhitin or embracing international methodologies or his tips and tricks on diagramming. In particular, Bob was very good at drawing out my own thoughts and perspectives on society and the built environment and guiding me to articulate my own praxis. This helped develop and catalyse my interests in landscape urbanism, viewing the urban realm as a palimpsest and combatting the climate and biodiversity emergency. Additionally, when occasionally deep philosophical concepts were starting to go over my head, Bob always had a way of drawing it back to a new or familiar architectural precedent or concept to connect my learn

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Clemens Plank

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Robert is one of the best teachers I have met in my career at a faculty of architecture. He combines deep knowledge with clarity, enthusiasm, and a genuine interest in students and colleagues. Working with him is always inspiring and intellectually engaging.

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Rob Simmonds

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Patient and understanding tutor who will work with you to bring the best out of you. Hard working to ensure that if you didn’t understand something that by the end of the session you would. A wealth of knowledge and experience that was regularly called upon to enrich your experience. Very lucky to have Bob as a tutor during a key point of my education.

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Jemma Paris

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had the pleasure of being taught by Bob in my BA Hons Architecture degree and M.Arch at Plymouth University. I can honestly say he has been one of the most influential figures in my architectural career. He is truly unique in his ability to support and nourish your own ideas, pushing you to question and breakdown concepts resulting in a meaningful stronger project to be proud of. His own personal life experience, patience, humor, love of pedagogy, community and culture always enriched our tutorial sessions. There are often times I hear his voice still when working and questioning within architectural practice today. Through his teaching I found confidence in my own ideas, he taught me to value what I brought as an individual to architecture. His enthusiasm for architecture is contagious and a joy to be part of. It was a privilege to be tutored by Bob and an honour to recommend his tutoring.

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Eva Pontika-Glenton

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bob Brown (as we always called him) played a pivotal role in our architectural education, guiding us through those formative — and often raw — early years of adulthood during BA(Hons) Architecture. He was consistently encouraging, kind, and genuinely invested in our development. Even more so, Bob was central to shaping our more critical and questioning years during the MArch Masters at Plymouth University. He had a remarkable ability to help us see beyond the obvious, prompting us to interrogate the wider socio-political, economic, ecological and cultural contexts of our projects. What set Bob apart was his refusal to impose an agenda. Instead, he created space for us to pursue the ideas that sparked our curiosity, encouraging deep research and exploration. He taught us that the “problem” is often the solution, and that architecture is ultimately a facilitator — a response to specific conditions, people, and places it serves.

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Charlie Pontikas-Glenton

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bob Brown has been one of the most quietly influential figures in my architectural education. What always stood out was his ability to broaden the way we thought about design. He had an exceptional grasp of architectural theory, influential writings, and the thinkers who shaped the discipline, and he could draw on that knowledge in a way that felt accessible rather than intimidating. A single reference or book suggestion from Bob often opened up an entirely new way of seeing a project. He brought a calm, generous presence to tutorials. Instead of steering us toward a particular solution, he encouraged us to question our assumptions and look beyond the immediate brief. His questions were never leading; they simply nudged you to think more deeply and more widely. What I appreciated most was his openness. Bob never imposed an agenda or ideology; he created space for genuine exploration. His influence continues to shape how I think, read, and approach design today.

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Ilona Hay

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bob is a very experienced architecture tutor and academic. He has vast knowledge from across the world, which includes not only architectural disciplines, but urban design, as well as theory. He also has London practice experience, which is invaluable to students. His involvement with the Royal Institute of British Architects and University validations, means he understands requirements that students need to meet in their Programmes. Finally, his delivery and approach to students is friendly and encouraging, which is very important for building student confidence. He comes highly recommended.

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Giles

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bob is an incredibly insightful, considerate and engaging tutor and mentor. I wholeheartedly recommend his skill, knowledge and expertise.

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Kleio Voulgaraki

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bob was an exceptional tutor and role model throughout my Master’s studies in architecture. His passion for both teaching and the profession was evident in every lecture and conversation. He had a unique ability to challenge students while remaining genuinely supportive, always encouraging us to pursue our individual interests and grow with confidence. Bob treated both his students and architecture itself with deep respect and gratitude. His lectures were always engaging—often beginning with 70s or 80s music, which instantly lifted the room and started the day on a positive note. He made complex ideas feel accessible and human through clear, communicative language and personal experiences. Many of his lessons have stayed with me and continue to shape the way I think about architecture. He is one of the main reasons I still feel motivated about working in this field. I could not have asked for a more inspiring and supportive mentor, and any student would be fortunate to learn from him

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Andrea Atkins BA.Hons, M.Arch, ARB, RIBA

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bob was an excellent tutor during my architecture degree and M.arch. He has a rare ability to really listen and understand how each student works, and he helped me recognise the ways I could be most productive and confident in developing my ideas. At times I felt intimidated by the creativity and knowledge of my peers, but Bob supported me in finding my own strengths and in presenting my work in a way that felt authentic to me. He is always calm, thoughtful and encouraging, his sense of humour creates a relaxed environment where it’s easy to discuss ideas openly. He brings an incredible depth of architectural knowledge to tutorials, often referencing precedents and examples that help clarify ideas. He also has a brilliant ability to communicate concepts through quick, clear sketch diagrams, a skill I always admired. I would highly recommend Bob to any student looking for supportive and insightful guidance.

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Madhusha Wijesiri

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had the privilege of studying under Robert Brown during my architectural education at the University of Plymouth, UK. His teaching had a profound impact on the way I think about design. Unlike many tutors who focus heavily on weaknesses, Robert had a remarkable ability to identify the strongest idea within a project and guide students on how to develop it into something exceptional. This approach was incredibly motivating and helped build confidence while pushing projects to a higher level. He was always attentive, patient, and genuinely interested in listening to students’ ideas before thoughtfully guiding them toward stronger and more successful design outcomes. Even more than 15 years after graduating, his teachings still resonate with me. The methodologies he instilled continue to influence my professional practice today and are principles we now use in our own studio when mentoring young architects. I highly recommend Robert Brown as an inspiring and impactful educat

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Gabi De Albuquerque

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bob was the course lead and one of my tutors during my master’s degree at Plymouth University. He was, and still is, a very influential figure in my development within architecture. Bob helped me understand that architecture is much more than simply designing buildings, it involves critical thinking, theory, and a deeper understanding of design. He encouraged me to question ideas and approach projects with intention rather than just drawing without purpose. He supported and mentored me throughout my studies, helping me find my own direction and confidence in my work. I’m very grateful for his guidance and the knowledge he shared. I couldn’t have asked for a better tutor.

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Daniel Rayson

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Robert is an inspiring tutor, who helped me realise my full potential and is a key reason for my ongoing success. His passion and commitment to my education has forever been appreciated - his lectures live long in the memory and have formed a base for the way I design today. He teaches with a great mix of knowledge and humour that is entertaining and enlightening in equal measure.

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Ashley Harrison

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Robert (Bob) was my tutor throughout my Master’s in Architecture at the University of Plymouth. Over those two years, his passion, expertise, patience, and support helped me find my feet in the profession and rediscover my enthusiasm for architecture. Bob encouraged me to explore my own interests and develop a direction that played to my strengths, which proved invaluable to my growth during the course. I owe a great deal of my early professional development to his guidance.

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Floella

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My experience of lessons with Bob at University for Degree and Masters have been a long standing source of reference and inspiration. At each turn Bob encouraged further exploration of ideas and designs, provided references and precedents from eclectic fields whilst also encouraging study of the existing conditions in a holistic sense, (physical, environmental, social, political etc). Bob has a infectious passion for people, places and design and a broad knowledge which is shared intuitively. I refer to these lessons often in practice, continuing to find the fun in design development.

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Pete W - Architect

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had the privilege of studying under Bob Brown at the University of Plymouth, completing both my BA hons (2004–2007) and MArch (2009–2011) under his guidance. Bob’s approach to teaching is profoundly rooted in strategy and critical thinking. He pushes students to thoughtfully challenge the world around them, while simultaneously guiding them to discover the core motivations behind their own work. He doesn't just teach design; he helps you cultivate your personal 'architectural discussion’. Through his supportive, insightful, and deeply people-focused mentorship, Bob has helped to shape generations of talented, empathetic, and principled architects. He inspires those he teaches to look far beyond the 'what' of the built environment, always urging them to answer the 'why.' It is an honour to recommend him.

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Tom Wolfe

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I have been fortunate enough to know Bob for over a decade having been taught by him in both my BA and MArch architecture degrees. While I have had a number of tutors over the years, Bob has made by far the biggest impact on my learning and shaping the way in which I view architecture to this day. His care, attention and genuine interest in helping each and every student is something that can not be over looked. By creating an environment in which I was able to explore my own interests be it in architectural design or critical thinking, Bobs support and encouragement was a welcome constant that I could always rely on. I can't recommend Bob enough for anyone looking to further their architectural education and life long learnings.

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William Newbury

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bob Brown is quite simply the best academic tutor I have ever had. Bob was my tutor between 2016 and 2018 while I studied my Master’s in Architecture at the University of Plymouth. I often struggled with developing clear design concepts, but Bob’s kind, patient and insightful approach helped me work through the roadblocks that existed in my own thinking. He was able to see something in my work that I couldn’t yet see myself, and gently guided me in the right direction. I am now a successful architect running my own practice in Cornwall, and I attribute a great deal of that success to Bob’s guidance and belief in me. In 2023 I was invited to return to the university as a tutor myself, working alongside Bob teaching first-year students. It was a privilege to finally call him a colleague. I know many of my friends from the course would say the same. Bob is a huge asset to any institution and truly one of the best mentors an architecture student could hope for.

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Claire Lingham

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bob stands out as the most influential teacher I have had the privilege to know in my life. During both my Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies, he was a consistently inspiring and passionate Architect. His patience, enthusiasm, and ability to draw out the best in each of us pushed us beyond conventional boundaries and encouraged us to stay true to our design convictions. He has played a major role in the success of my Architectural career, and I admire his exceptional sketching abilities and his clear, conceptual thinking

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Simon

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Roberts tutoring has had a profound effect on my career. His vast experience and guidance was always incredibly focused, detailed, robust and tailored directly to me. He goes above and beyond in his care and attention. He is sincere and thorough in all aspects of his tutoring and care of his pupils and i recommend him highly to anyone who is lucky enough to have found him.

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Simon Baker

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bob was my studio tutor during my Graduate Diploma at the University of Plymouth, and he later went on to become Head of School. His passion for responsible architecture—particularly in relation to community regeneration, identity of place and its people —underpinned his teaching and guidance. This not only significantly enhanced my architectural education and critical understanding, but also continues to inform my architectural approach to this day. Bob consistently demonstrated exceptional patience and generosity with his time, working carefully through areas I found challenging and helping me to resolve and strengthen my proposals. He stands at the very top of the list of tutors I have had the privilege of being taught by, and I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking outstanding educational support and architectural mentoring

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Zoe Latham

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I have had the privilege of being tutored by Bob at both postgraduate and doctoral levels. Bob possesses extensive knowledge in architecture and urban design and has guided myself and others through a wide range of research and design trajectories. He listens attentively to ideas and provides support in a kind, encouraging manner, fostering confidence and intellectual growth. Bob’s insights are consistently informed by his international professional experience and his work within the educational remit of the RIBA. He is trustworthy, reliable, and highly responsive, and his guidance is both inspiring and thought-provoking. I have no hesitation in recommending Bob as a tutor; his expertise, mentorship, and dedication make him an outstanding educator.

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Benjamin Giles

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had the pleasure of being taught by Bob for two years during my Master’s in Architecture, having also known and worked with him throughout my undergraduate degree. He is an exceptional architecture tutor, particularly strong in theoretical design, contextual thinking, and helping students develop a clear and confident intellectual position. What sets Bob apart is his ability to tease out what genuinely interests a student — especially at postgraduate level — and help them trust their own creativity. Through his teaching, I learned to believe in my ideas, value my own design voice, and understand that everyone has something unique to offer as an architect. That confidence has stayed with me well beyond university. Bob’s teaching style is prompt-driven, critical, and intellectually rigorous. He sets clear start and end points, frames the wider context, and then challenges you to find your own way there.

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Andrew Morris

March - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bob has tutored and mentored me for over 14 years. Without his insightful and supportive input, my career within architecture would not have been as fruitful as it has. He taught me throughout my undergraduate and master's degrees, always providing clear, constructive feedback that helped me bridge the gap between theory and practice. His ability to explain complex design concepts in a relatable way is exceptional. I highly recommend Bob to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and encouraging tutor who is genuinely invested in their students' long-term success.

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Leah

January - 2026

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Robert brings a clear passion to his lessons, presenting complex topics at a pace that is accessible for all levels of experience. Robert is a patient tutor with a wealth of knowledge and creates an open space to ask questions about the subject.

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★★★★★

28 reviews

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Hourly rate £25/hr

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Professor with 30 years experience and 25 award winning students - my approach is to reveal your potential. First tutorial !

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