Home Department of Architecture Amabel Richardson: Fabrication Technician

Amabel Richardson: Fabrication Technician

September 21, 2025

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Amabel Richardson is a Fabrication Technician at the University of Cambridge‘s Department of Architecture, providing essential technical expertise and support for students’ and researchers’ model-making and fabrication projects

Amabel Richardson, Fabrication Technician at the Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge

Amabel Richardson holds the vital position of Fabrication Technician at the Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge, a role that sits at the very heart of the department’s hands-on, project-based pedagogical approach.

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She is the guardian of the department’s workshop facilities, a space where theory meets reality and where students and researchers bring their conceptual designs to life through models, prototypes, and installations. Her role is far more than technical; she is a key educator and facilitator, providing the necessary guidance, expertise, and safety instruction that enable the next generation of architects to explore materials and construction methods in a tangible way. She is an essential part of the academic and creative ecosystem, bridging the gap between digital design and physical realization.

The modern architecture studio is a dynamic environment that relies on a wide range of tools, from traditional woodworking machinery to advanced digital fabrication technologies like laser cutters and CNC machines. Amabel’s proficiency across this spectrum is what makes her such a crucial asset. She not only maintains the equipment to ensure it operates safely and effectively but also advises students on the most suitable materials and techniques for their specific projects.

Her deep knowledge of fabrication processes allows her to mentor students through complex challenges, helping them to avoid pitfalls and achieve a higher level of craftsmanship. This practical guidance is a core component of architectural education, instilling in students a deeper understanding of material properties, structural integrity, and the very real process of building. Her contributions are therefore directly tied to the department’s mission of producing skilled, innovative, and well-rounded architectural professionals.

Beyond the technical duties, Amabel contributes significantly to the department’s culture of innovation and collaboration. The workshop is often a hub of creative activity, and she fosters an environment that encourages experimentation and shared learning. Her presence makes the workshop a safe and welcoming space for students, regardless of their prior experience with fabrication.

By ensuring that students feel confident and supported in their hands-on work, she empowers them to push the boundaries of their designs and to take intellectual risks that would be impossible in a purely theoretical context. In this sense, her role is just as academic as that of a lecturer or a professor; she is educating students in a different but equally critical dimension of their craft. Her work is a powerful reminder that an institution’s academic excellence is built on a diverse range of expertise, with every role, from the administrative to the technical, playing a fundamental part in fostering a vibrant and productive community.