Paul Monaghan has raised concerns about the government鈥檚 cuts in school building

The architect of the multi-award-winning Westminster Academy has mounted a robust defence of the profession鈥檚 role in school building.

Paul Monaghan, director and co-founder of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), warned the government its policies risked wasting six years of progress in school design.

Speaking at BSEC, Monaghan said the 拢32m Westminster Academy was evidence school design can benefit communities: 鈥淩esults have gone from one of the worst to one of the highest in just two years.鈥�

The architect criticised the trend towards compressing the design stage on tenders and raised concerns about government鈥檚 cuts.

He said: 鈥淭hey鈥檙e looking to save on acoustics, space and ventilation [鈥 There will be less modular solutions, break-out spaces and personalised learning.鈥�