Studio H 

Last update: 11.04.2023

Who are we?

​Studio H is interested in the contemporary landscape and the relationship between land-use, science fact & fictions and the cultural identity of a place. We nurture an individual and original design approach and are interested in novel and experimental methods of visualising architecture. Physical models, dense drawings and spatial testing form part of our design investigations. We see our unit as a testing ground and laboratory for imaginative thinking, research and enjoy speculating about future scenarios that we can’t fully foresee. The very best work challenges conventions, surprises and awakens our imagination!  

Studio H is a long-standing interior & environment design studio on The HBU-UCLan SMCCI's BA (hon) program and has been run since 2015 by Dr Timothy Chan along side with Meng Ran and Sean Dong. 

Connor Gallagher joined the studio in 2020. And Heloise Wynee joined the studio in 2022 Leading the Ma Course

Dr Timothy Chan

Course leader 

I float into space when I play the piano and I talk to the stars when I sing.

–  Dr Timothy Chan

I float into space when I play the piano and I talk to the stars when I sing.

–  Dr Timothy Chan

Timothy, a British interior designer, graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 2003, has been practicing interior design since 1992. Timothy spent 7 years working in Hong Kong explored and gained a rich east meets west culture design experience and knowledge in Asia, developing design expertise in commercial space planning and interior architecture, involved in a variety of projects in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and other major cities in China. 

In 2003 Timothy joined a couple of the multi-national design consulting firms as design director and associate, to develop new divisions in their interior design business in China as well as continuous professional development for young designers. Since 2016, Timothy has been course leader of BA (Hon) Interior Design in HBU-UCLan School of Media, Communication and Creative Industries.; managing and developing the interior design course; and training young designer for the new era in China. 

DBA, MDes, DipDes

Sean Dong 

Lecturer 

I float into space when I play the piano and I talk to the stars when I sing.

–  Sean Dong

I float into space when I play the piano and I talk to the stars when I sing.

–  Sean Dong

Sean has more than ten years working experience in interior design and graphic, in addition to be a design director in design teaching at design studio and companies, with Bachelor and Master educational background specialized in Art & Design at Tsinghua University, China and Interior Design at University of central Lancashire, UK. 

As a Senior Interior Designer was involved in activities of British BID (Business Improvement District). Designed logo for Chinese Students and Scholars Association UK. It has been enabled. Designed the “little cicada” campus services mobile phone App and awarded the invention patent certificate. Good ability to listen and sensitivity to the needs of design students or Interns. Sean is the vice director of design department, Senior Lecturer of Interior Design and Graphic Design of HBU-UCLan School of Media, Communication and Creative Industries. 

 MA, BA(hon), CSD, IFI

Meng Ran

Lecturer 

I float into space when I play the piano and I talk to the stars when I sing.

–  Sean Dong

I float into space when I play the piano and I talk to the stars when I sing.

–  Sean Dong

Meng completed her M.Arch in Urban Design at the Bartlett School of Architecture (University College London). Architecture as a mutable territory is formed and responsive to its environment and history, with research interest on PassivHaus, building energy conservation, sustainable building, ecological community and urban planning. 

Lecturer, HBU-UCLan School of Media, Communication and Creative Industries, Hebei University. Mainly teaching all levels of Interior Design students.

M.Arch

Connor Gallagher 

Lecturer 

'A image can say a thousand words, but a single quote can alter how you approach a problem'

–  Connor Gallagher

'A image can say a thousand words, but a single quote can alter how you approach a problem'

–  Connor Gallagher

Connor graduated from the UK, University of Central Lancashire in 2014. Originally from a Product design background, Connor has developed a multidisciplinary approach to design and is a passionate within 3D print and making enthusiast. Connor joined the HBU-UCLan Interior design team in 2020 during the Global Pandemic. A freelance designer since 2017, Prior to this gained an in-depth knowledge of disability focused design caused by an injury sustained, eventually leading to a focus on empathic design and disability design through a range disciplines.

Although relatively young in academia, Connor has already completed his MA in Supporting Deconditioning, which enabled him to expand his international outlook by spending time in Amsterdam, London, Berlin, and South Africa. He has a keen focus on developing young designers' technical proficiencies, digital portfolios, model making, and building their knowledge of designing with a user-centric approach. This preparation for industry and manufacturing is essential for success in the field.

Ma, Ma, B.Sc (hon)

Heloise Wynne

Lecturer 

I float into space when I play the piano and I talk to the stars when I sing.

–  Sean Dong

I float into space when I play the piano and I talk to the stars when I sing.

–  Sean Dong

Heloise graduated from the UK, University of Central Lancashire in 2014. Originally from a Product design background, Connor has developed a multidisciplinary approach to design and is a passionate within 3D print and making enthusiast. Connor is a recent addition to the HBU-UCLan Interior design team alongside UK product design team at Preston campus. A freelance designer since 2017, prior to this gained a few years’ experience as an industrial designer within the print and print finishing sector in the UK and Germany.

Although relatively young within academia completing his MA Visions of the Future enabled him to expand his international outlook by spending time in Amsterdam, London, Berlin and Beijing. Jon has a keen focus on developing young designers’ technical proficiencies, digital portfolio’s, modelling making and rapid prototyping knowledge in preparation for industry and manufacture.

Ma, Ma, B.Sc (hon)

The Structure of Studio H

Last update: 11.04.2023

Level 4

First year at Studio H

At our institution, we are dedicated to providing our students with a comprehensive education in interior design. We understand that a successful interior designer must have a sturdy foundation in design principles, which is why we place a strong emphasis on building these principles in our students. By doing so, we aim to produce well-rounded interior designers who have a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of design.  

Throughout this academic year, our students will have the opportunity to develop their technical skills in both digital and physical mediums. This includes honing their proficiency in software programs such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite. Additionally, they will gain experience in physical model-making, which is a crucial skill for any interior designer.  

Furthermore, we believe that effective communication is a vital aspect of being a successful interior designer. Therefore, we provide our students with opportunities to develop their communicative abilities. This includes practicing how to accurately discuss their ideas and concepts with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders involved in a project. By improving their communication skills, our students will be better equipped to bring their design visions to life and successfully collaborate with others in the industry.

Level 5

Second year at Studio H

At our institution, we believe that a strong foundation is essential for success in the field of design. That's why we focus on developing our students' skills and abilities to work not only as individuals but also as a part of a team. In the early stages of their education, we provide them with opportunities to work collaboratively, which helps them develop the interpersonal skills necessary for success in the industry.  

As the students progress through their education, they continue to build on this foundation. During this academic year, they will undertake a range of projects that are designed to help them develop a deeper understanding of design and users. By doing so, they will be better equipped to tackle the final challenges of their fourth year at the university. 

Through these projects, students will learn how to analyse user needs and preferences, conduct research, and develop innovative solutions to design problems. They will also gain valuable experience working with various design mediums and tools, both digital and physical, to bring their ideas to life. 

By the end of the academic year, our students will have a firm grasp of the principles and practices of design and will be well-prepared to tackle the challenges that await them in their final year. They will have developed the skills and abilities necessary to work collaboratively and communicate their ideas effectively, preparing them for a successful career in the design industr

Level 6

Final Year at Studio H

In their fourth and final year at our institution, our students have a well-rounded set of skills that they have developed throughout their education. This enables them to work independently and confidently select, research, and analyze data to run a full academic year project. By this point, they have honed their skills in various design mediums, both digital and physical, and have a deep understanding of design principles and practices. 

During this final year, students are given the opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity through a year-long project. This project is a culmination of their education, allowing them to demonstrate their proficiency in design and apply it to a real-world scenario. Students are encouraged to develop their own unique style and process, which works to their strengths as designers. 

This final project is an opportunity for students to showcase their abilities and apply their learning to a real-world scenario. Throughout the project, students are expected to work independently, but also collaborate with peers and seek feedback from professors to refine their work.  

By the end of this final project, students have demonstrated their abilities to work independently and collaboratively to create a well-thought-out and well-designed project. They have finessed their skill set to become a well-rounded designer prepared for the real world of design. The skills and abilities that they have developed throughout their education and demonstrated in their final project will set them up for a successful career in the design industry.

Level 4

Building a foundation

We build the student's design principles to help create a sturdy foundation to form a well-rounded Interior designer. This year the students will develop both digital and physical technical skills as well as build communicative abilities to discuss their ideas and concepts accurately.

Level 5

Working on the foundation to explore Working as a team

We work on the foundation to start developing the student's skills and abilities to work not only as an individual but as a team. In this year, the students build their understanding of design and users through a range of projects that will prepare them for the final challenges of their final year at the university.

Level 6

Becoming their own designer

By level 6, the students have a well-rounded set of skills allowing them to work independently to select, research, and analyse data to be able to run a full academic year project, finessing their skill set to become a well-rounded designer prepared for the real world of design. In this final project, students will develop their own style and process to design that work to their strengths as designers.

Studio H

The course goes beyond a room and lectures, but builds active working environment for intracohort interaction

World through our lens

Say no to the black and white reality! We are here to help you see the world with our creative insight within the most vivid colours. Below will help you build up knowledge behind the course.

Degree show online launch on the 22nd of May. Please follow for more updates 

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