City of Stoke-On-Trent Centenary: Building the Century

In 2025, Stoke-on-Trent celebrates 100 years since being granted city status—a landmark moment for our community. To mark this centenary, the North Staffordshire Society of Architects (NSSA) is proud to present Building a Century, a special one-day event recognising both the city’s and the NSSA’s century-long contribution to shaping the built environment.

What to Expect

Event Running Order:

• 12:00 – Doors open, registration, exhibition viewing
• 12:30 – Introduction & welcome
• 12:45 – Exhibition introduction by David Chetwyn from Urban Vision
• 13:00 – Keynote talk by Fraser Godfrey from Howells
• 13:45 – Lunch, drinks & networking
• 15:00 – Student prize giving
• 15:30 – Closing remarks
• 18:00 – Event close

✨ Exhibition:

Explore a curated display tracing Stoke-on-Trent’s architectural evolution over the past century. From landmark buildings to transformative urban developments, the exhibition will showcase the people and projects that shaped the city.

🎤 Guest Speaker:

Hear from leading figures in architecture and urban planning as they reflect on Stoke-on-Trent’s past and look ahead to its future:

• Fraser Godfrey - Director, Howells
• David Chetwyn - Director, Urban Vision

🥂 Drinks & Canapés:

Enjoy a relaxed social atmosphere with refreshments, offering the perfect opportunity to network, connect, and celebrate with fellow attendees.

🤝 Community Engagement:

This event will bring together architects, students, community members, and local stakeholders to celebrate the city’s achievements and inspire the next generation.

Vision:

Building a Century is designed as both a celebration and a platform for dialogue. Through thoughtful curation and shared stories, we aim to:

• Honour Stoke-on-Trent’s rich architectural heritage
• Reflect on the present challenges and opportunities
• Inspire future generations to imagine what the next 100 years could bring

This is more than an exhibition—it’s a tribute to Stoke-on-Trent’s legacy, and an invitation to be part of its future.

Terms and Conditions

• A photographer will cover this event and the images may be used to publicise future RIBA events.
• By accepting an invitation or purchasing a ticket you consent to being photographed, filmed or recorded as a visitor attending the event.
• Cancellations must be made in writing to riba.westmidlands@riba.org. No refunds can be made for cancellations notified within 30 days of the event. To transfer your ticket/s to another individual/s, please contact riba.westmidlands@riba.org.
• Tickets to be transferred at least 14 days prior to the event. Complimentary tickets are strictly non-transferable.
• If the RIBA has to postpone or cancel the event the booker is entitled to a full refund of the ticket price only.
• On entry to the event you agree to accept and abide by any venue rules.
• The RIBA reserves the right to refuse admission to any ticket holder.
• The details you provide will be used in line with the RIBA's GDPR obligations. For information on how we will handle your personal data please see our Privacy Policy