Following its successful inaugural cohort, the University of Westminster has expanded the Chris Wilkinson Scholarship into an ongoing annual award, thanks to a new co‑funding commitment from Diana Wilkinson, wife of the late Westminster alumnus and renowned architect Chris Wilkinson, and WilkinsonEyre. Set up in memory of the company’s Founder and Westminster alumnus Chris Wilkinson, the University’s Architecture scholarship, in partnership with WilkinsonEyre, honours his legacy and commitment to architecture while helping to make architectural education more accessible.
The scholarship, jointly funded by WilkinsonEyre and Chris Wilkinson's family, aims to make studying architecture more accessible by providing a bursary of £10,000 to second-year students studying on the University’s Architecture BA Honours course over their last two years of studies, ensuring long‑term impact for future generations of aspiring architects.
Chris studied at Westminster when it was known as the Regent Street Polytechnic. He went on to work with some of the most influential architects of the 20th century, including Denys Lasdun, Norman Foster, Michael and Patty Hopkins and Richard Rogers, before founding his own practice in 1983. Excited by the possibilities of new technology and deeply inspired by art, he became known for an approach that sought to bridge art and science, expressed through books such as Supersheds, Drawing What I See and Drawing What I Think. He was widely regarded for his exceptional design skills, approaching each project with a commitment to finding what he described as the beautiful idea. His design solutions often emerged through a combination of disciplined thinking and creative clarity, reflecting his distinctive blend of artistic insight and technical precision.
His contributions to architecture have been widely recognised. He was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Millennium Honours list, taught at Harvard between 2003-04, became a Royal Academician in 2006 and was made an honorary member of the American Institute of Architects in 2007. WilkinsonEyre went on to win the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize in both 2001 and 2002.
Aasbah Kazmi, last year’s recipient of the scholarship, said: “I am absolutely honoured to be receiving the WilkinsonEyre Scholarship this year. Having studied architecture for over four years, I can confidently say that architecture is something that can be experienced beyond the classroom, whether through roaming the streets of London, visiting design studios, exhibitions and workshops, or simply observing how people interact with the spaces around them. I hope to use this scholarship to broaden my resources, knowledge and understanding of the endless possibilities within the architectural industry. Most importantly, I hope these experiences will continue to inspire me to explore new ideas and create meaningful designs of my own.”
Aasbah Kazmi
About the scholarship, Diana Wilkinson added: “As a former student of Westminster, Chris was passionate about architecture and would have loved the idea of a scholarship in his name. Kind and considerate, he thoroughly approved of supporting those who really need and deserve help. Our chosen student, Aasbah, has admirably shown all these qualities, and it will be a real pleasure to see her career develop. Meeting her family made clear how important their support has been and where her determination comes from. We wish her every success in the future.”
The scholarship contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
To help support the next generation of innovators by supporting scholarships and initiatives like this, organisations can contact the Development Team.
Discover more scholarships and bursaries available at the University of Westminster.
Learn more about Architecture, Interiors and Planning courses at the University of Westminster.
Chris Wilkinson as a student
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