Tom Henly

Designer and maker, currently working as a Research Technician (Mechanical) at the University of Bristol. RIBA award winner. Hands-on experience across fabrication, design, and prototyping. Interested in precision, materials, and the practical realisation of ideas.

Profile

Part 1 Architecture graduate from The Bartlett, UCL, currently working as a Research Technician (Mechanical) at the University of Bristol. Strong practical and technical foundation across fabrication, prototyping, and mechanical systems. Experienced in workshop environments - woodwork, metalwork, 3D printing, laser cutting, and manual CNC. Track record of initiating and delivering projects independently. Methodical, hands-on, and comfortable with precision work at any scale.

Experience
Research Technician (Mechanical) 2025 - now
University of Bristol

Fabrication and prototyping within a specialist research team. Technical support across materials, processes, and mechanical systems.

Architectural Assistant 2024 - 2025
Knox Bhavan Architects, London

Architectural assistant role at an award-winning London practice. Contributed to live projects including design development, technical drawing, and model-making. Work selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.

Stage & Set Design 2024
Wibbly Woods Festival - with Loci Design Collective

Stage and set design for an outdoor festival, working as part of a design collective. Responsible for concept development through to physical realisation on site.

Summer Show Coordinator 2022 - 2024
Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL

Led exhibition design and manufacture for the annual Bartlett Summer Show across three consecutive years. Responsible for curation, project management, budgeting, and physical installation.

Founder, RELAY Series 2022 - 2024
Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL

Initiated and organised a recurring event series connecting architecture students across year groups with alumni. Secured UCL funding, coordinated with staff, and grew attendance to 30+ per event.

Work Experience 2018 - 2019
HS2 / Greater London Authority / BT Group

Placements across infrastructure, public sector, and telecoms. Exposure to large-scale project environments at an early stage.

Awards
2022
RIBA London Student Award
Royal Institute of British Architects
2022
Summer Show Prizewinner - Recycling & Response to Local Fabric
Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL
2024
Work selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
Royal Academy of Arts, London
Skills
Workshop Model-making, woodwork, metalwork, 3D printing, laser cutting, manual CNC milling, lathes
Digital Rhino 8, Grasshopper, AutoCAD, Fusion 360, VRay, Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom
Design Technical drawing, hand drawing, graphic design, exhibition design, set design
Photography Professional digital and film - competent across both
Education
BSc Architecture 2021 - 2024
The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL - London
Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art & Design) 2020 - 2021
Wiltshire College
A-Levels - Mathematics, Physics, Photography 2018 - 2020
Beechen Cliff School, Bath
Contact