Saunders’ apprentice and first year architecture student, Jonah Howley, is featured in the latest issue of prestigious design journal, Deezen. The whole Saunders team is proud that Jonah’s concept for a ‘concrete playground’ was selected from all of the projects at London Southbank University’s end of year show to feature in Dezeen magazine. It is a fantastic achievement, which recognises his talent, dedication, and a lot of late nights juggling studying with training.

Jonah joined Saunders in 2019 after completing his A Levels. On the hunt for work experience, he was snapped up by our practice and later embarked on our apprenticeship scheme. Jonah has just completed his first year at London Southbank University (LSBU) where he is financially supported and mentored by the Saunders team.

When challenged to design a celebratory space for a community coming out of lockdown, Jonah chose an area in Lambeth, South London, that had been hit hard by business and leisure closures. Local residents had not been able to enjoy the South Bank studios, nearby Borough Market and The Cut, so Jonah designed a ‘Concrete Playground’ that was in keeping with the local style but offered an urban place 'to play' allowing for learning, socialising and experimentation for children and adults alike.

“Being featured in Deezen is such a positive start to the early stages of my career. I’ve put a lot of effort into getting ahead, including many late nights researching and learning, and it’s great to be recognised for this. I have to thank my mentors and the support that I get from Saunders. They have really had a huge impact on me and my training, teaching me what I need to know at this point of my career.”

Jonah will continue to work at Saunders throughout his training. He is looking forward to starting the second year of his BA (Hons) Architecture course at LSBU. Jonah has the goal to one day design buildings that have a huge impact on society, but a low impact on the environment: we know that Jonah will be ‘one to watch’ for the future.