“University of Greenwich offers an excellent academic education within a vibrant community. As a student, use these opportunities to develop your skills and personality”

Memories of Greenwich 

When thinking of Greenwich, I remember the focus on applied urban design studies. Besides lectures and studio work, we students spend much time in field trips. Back in the mid 1990s the Thames riverside of South East London was of post-industrial quality. At this time, most of the Thames riverfront was not accessible for the general public. Many so-called lost places were waiting to become discovered. It was a great playground for architectural students of University of Greenwich. But we also depended on friendly security people, to open locked gates for us.

What I learned at this time, was to understand and to investigate an architectural project in it’s urban, social, environmental, historical and economical context. It was never about pure design and shape. Today, it’s so impressive to see how the riverfront between Dartford and Greenwich Peninsula has changed within the last 25 years.

At Greenwich I also learnt to integrate into interdisciplinary design teams. Often supported by expert consultants and tutors. It wasn’t unusual to share a student project with landscape design students and supported by a technical engineering tutor. Quiet early in my education, I learned to understand the complexity of a design process. Later, this was helpful when making the first steps in my career, especially how to work in a team of different professionals.

Life after Greenwich 

Now, I am working as an interior designer and strategic workplace consultant. I run my own business, GNDMC – Gregor Neidig Design Management Consulting – based in Baden-Baden, Germany. I have clients and projects all over Europe which involves a lot of travelling. My customers are technology, automotive, health, financial services companies, and educational institutions. Spaces for work or education changes constantly, driven by globalisation, cultural change and the digital revolution.

Dynamic ways of organisation, flat hierarchies, improved communication technology, working from home, a new generation driven mind set, have a huge impact in the definition of “how to life, work and learn”. Skilled young people, often of diverse cultural or educational background, set completely new standards in the global labour market, too. The current virus infection pandemic has another strong influence on how we design workspace. This will speed up the process mentioned above.

I look forward and am curious about how we will work in future.