New London Architecture (NLA) has announced their new series of Expert Panels, and we're very pleased that Tom Bentham - Director, Partner, and Education Leader at Max Fordham - has been confirmed to join as an Education Expert.

The panels bring together industry experts from across the NLA membership to advise on their core programmes, provide thought-leadership on design, development and construction in London and respond to new policies or consultations.

Focusing on the future needs of the education, healthcare and knowledge economy sector, the Education Expert Panel will explore how we can make sure to plan and design the right spaces for high tech, life sciences and innovation that will lead the UK economic recovery in the future years.

All panels are formed of 12-15 individuals, representing the public and private sectors across development, design, planning and construction in London, and providing a unique voice to comment on the key issues facing the capital. 

Tom has 20 years of experience in environmental design and MEP engineering for education facilities at all scales, ranging from school extensions to masterplans for university estates. He has helped deliver over 50 education projects, including the RIBA award winning Royal Wharf Primary School in London and the Stirling Prize shortlisted Magdalene College Library in Cambridge. He is particularly interested in how environmental design can support learning, and how accepted approaches might need to evolve as we work towards Net Zero and adapt to a changing climate.