The Studio Liverpool’s Former Student, Mika Kazassoglou, Takes Centre Stage at Autodesk University 2024

Autodesk University 2024 in San Diego brought together global leaders in design and manufacturing technology, offering educators, innovators, and students a glimpse into the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Among this year’s invited speakers was The Studio Liverpool’s own former student Mika Kazassoglou, whose sustainable housing project captivated industry professionals and underscored the potential of young talent equipped with digital and technical skills.

Mika’s project, a reimagined housing scheme for Liverpool’s dockside Festival Gardens, utilised a suite of Autodesk tools including Fusion 360 and Revit, showcasing an innovative approach to urban housing and sustainable development. His work received high praise from professionals in attendance, reflecting how young innovators are bringing fresh perspectives to global challenges. Dan Howard, employer partnerships lead at The Studio School, accompanied Mika at the conference and remarked, “It was inspiring to see Mika on an international stage, presenting work that pushes the boundaries of sustainable design. His ability to merge different Autodesk platforms to deliver a cohesive solution was widely acknowledged.”

This unique opportunity arose in part thanks to The Studio’s forward-thinking engineering programme, which integrates hands-on experiences and exposure to real-world projects through collaborations with industry leaders like Autodesk. The curriculum prepares students not only to excel in technical skills but also to innovate, providing a launchpad for Mika and others like him to contribute meaningfully to fields such as architecture, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable design.

The conference also allowed attendees to engage with cutting-edge tools and emerging technologies. Highlights included the AI Experience Zone, where new applications of artificial intelligence in design were demonstrated, alongside sessions on 5-axis CNC machining and generative 3D printing. Dan Howard participated in several hands-on workshops, exploring advanced machining techniques and design workflows that are integral to the new T-level course on offer at Liverpool Life Sciences UTC. This practical learning will directly influence future teaching approaches, helping students develop both technical expertise and digital fluency, essential for today’s advanced manufacturing industry.

Reflecting on the role of his education, Mika noted, “The structure of my education at The Studio gave me a solid grounding in engineering design, from workshops to industry talks and access to Autodesk software. It allowed me to work independently on my Festival Gardens project and ultimately showcase my work at Autodesk University, the best design and make conference in the world.”

The final day concluded with a collaborative design thinking workshop, which inspired new ideas for applying problem-solving techniques in educational settings. One of the key takeaways was the importance of bringing a multi-disciplinary approach to design and manufacturing. In a culminating activity, attendees assembled a functional keypad shortcutter, using parts produced through CNC machining, 3D printing, and laser cutting.

This project demonstrated the possibilities of Autodesk Fusion 360 to bring together various manufacturing processes seamlessly, underscoring the platform’s real-world relevance.

Reflecting on the impact of Autodesk University 2024, Dan Howard commented, “The event truly highlighted the transformation happening in digital design, where students with both technical and digital skills can step into advanced manufacturing roles. It’s a valuable pipeline that helps build future-ready talent.”

From Mika’s compelling presentation to hands-on workshops in AI and advanced machining, Autodesk University 2024 exemplified how The Studio Liverpool’s focus on digital skills is empowering students to reach new heights. The event was a testament to the importance of industry partnerships in education, enabling students like Mika to bring their innovative ideas to a global platform.