UCEM and LSA Announce Heads of Terms Agreement for Potential Strategic Merger
Posted on: 28 February, 2025
The University College of Estate Management (UCEM) and the London School of Architecture (LSA) are pleased to announce exciting plans for the LSA to become a key part of UCEM, in support of our vision to become the centre of excellence for built environment education. Heads of Terms were jointly agreed and signed on 19 February 2025.
Capitalising on the strengths and aligned ambitions of both institutions, this strategic merger will advance and secure both institutions’ core missions to widen access to high quality professional education that leads to a more sustainable and equitable built environment.
The name of the ‘London School of Architecture’ will be retained, recognising the School’s well-established and distinctive identity and forward-thinking model for architectural education which is embedded within its Practice Network. The LSA will stay at its new studio at Beechwood Road in Dalston.
Peter McCrea, Chair of the UCEM Board, said, “UCEM is the leading provider of higher education to the built environment. The Board is delighted about the potential that this strategic merger will offer both institutions. With UCEM’s vision to become the centre of excellence for built environment education, growing our provision in the field of architecture through LSA’s expertise alongside our current offer, is an exciting prospect for students and industry.”
Lucy Carmichael, Chair of the LSA Board, said, “LSA’s approach to architectural education enables students to ‘earn while they learn’ ensuring our diverse and talented student body are critically engaged with practice and highly employable. We are excited about the opportunities created by joining forces with UCEM. This alliance will redefine a sustainable model for the LSA by driving forwards our ambitious shared aims within the wider context of professional built environment education.”
UCEM and LSA are working through due diligence and engaging with critical stakeholders, including the Office for Students, students, teaching staff, industry networks and partners. It is anticipated that, subject to the agreement and execution of definitive written agreements, the strategic merger will be completed by May 2025.
Press Release – UCEM LSA Strategic Merger
For more information contact Kim Davies at k.davies@ucem.ac.uk
Lucy Carmichael, Chair of the LSA Board
