Robbie Park recruited to help bring consultancy’s international design success to UK market

Space Zero, the design consultancy behind some of the world’s most impressive school campuses, is turning its attention to the UK’s independent schools with a key new hire.

Robbie Park has joined the team as Business Development Manager, bringing Space Zero’s global school design experience back to the UK at a time when independent schools are facing new pressures and rapidly changing expectations.

Based in Manchester, Space Zero has delivered more than 1,000 school projects in 26 countries, working with international operators such as Affinitas, International Schools Partnership, Inspired Education, Wellington College, Taaleem, Dwight, Nord Anglia and Cognita.

The team now sees a clear opportunity to “import its own export” and bring this experience to the UK’s 2,500 independent schools. Many independent schools are rethinking how their estates support learning, wellbeing and competitiveness as they prepare for VAT challenges while also responding to rising parental expectations. Robbie’s role will be to work closely with heads, bursars and governors and turn

Space Zero’s international experience into practical, affordable solutions for UK schools. Wayne Taylor, CEO of Space Zero, said:

“Independent schools are now competing on experience as much as results. The spaces they create play a huge part in that, and we aim to help schools design environments that reflect their identity, their ambitions and what families are looking for. Robbie’s appointment gives us the capacity to have more of those conversations and support schools with fresh thinking. We’ve delivered ambitious, innovative campuses overseas for more than a decade; now we want UK schools to benefit from the same level of insight and expertise.”

Space Zero’s work goes well beyond traditional design. The company brings together educational insight, international best practice and long-term estate planning to help schools modernise in ways that genuinely improve the student and parent experience. Its integrated offer combines architecture (via Kampus International), interior design, FF&E, and a Strategic Services team that supports schools with space optimisation and campus planning.

This joined-up approach helps schools make better use of their existing footprint, adapt to new teaching approaches and plan confidently for the future, rather than relying on short-term or reactive fixes.

Robbie, 25, holds a Chartered Management degree from Buckinghamshire New University, completed as part of a seven-year degree apprenticeship with Akona Solutions. During his time there, he helped establish the company’s Middle East markets, generating around £3 million in
sales within a single year. An endurance athlete, he brings the same focus and resilience to his new role, where he will build long-term relationships with independent schools across the UK and shape solutions that support their academic and operational priorities.

Robbie said:

“Endurance racing has shaped how I approach challenges, and I’m bringing that focus and tenacity to this role. Independent schools are dealing with a lot right now, but there’s a real opportunity to modernise with confidence. Space Zero has shown internationally that great design can lift the whole school experience and helping bring that ambition back to the UK is something I’m genuinely excited about.”

To learn more visit https://spacezero.co.uk/