Home Department of Architecture Alan Baldwin: Chief Custodian

Alan Baldwin: Chief Custodian

September 20, 2025

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Alan Baldwin is the Chief Custodian at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Architecture, a vital role in maintaining the academic environment and supporting daily departmental operations.

Alan Baldwin, Chief Custodian at the Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge.

Alan Baldwin holds the essential position of Chief Custodian within the Department of Architecture at the University of Cambridge, a role that, while not academic in nature, is absolutely foundational to the department’s success and scholarly output.

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His contributions are paramount to ensuring the physical environment of the department is maintained to the highest standard, providing a safe, clean, and functional space for world-class research, teaching, and learning to take place. In the bustling and creative atmosphere of an architecture school, where students and faculty are often engaged in hands-on work, model-making, and critical discussions, a well-managed and well-maintained physical space is not a luxury but a fundamental necessity. Alan’s work behind the scenes is what allows the academic mission to thrive without interruption. He is the guardian of the department’s physical assets, the steward of its daily operations, and a key enabler of its community life.

The scope of his responsibilities is broad, encompassing everything from routine maintenance and security protocols to providing vital support for academic events and special projects. He ensures that lecture halls, studios, and libraries are in optimal condition, directly facilitating the educational experience for hundreds of students. His expertise in facilities management and his proactive approach to problem-solving mean that any issues, from minor repairs to more complex operational challenges, are addressed efficiently and effectively.

This dedication allows faculty to focus on their research and teaching, and students to concentrate on their studies and creative endeavors, free from logistical concerns. Alan’s role is a perfect example of how the entire ecosystem of a university department works in concert to achieve its goals. He is a valued and integral member of the staff, and his daily efforts contribute directly to the department’s reputation for excellence and its ability to attract and retain top talent.