East Midlands Institute of Technology

YMD Boon has maintained a long-standing partnership with Derby College, supporting the design and delivery of numerous projects over the past decade. Building on this relationship, we were appointed as Lead Consultant to design and deliver the new East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIoT) Centre at the Roundhouse Campus in Derby, providing Architecture and Principal Designer services.

Working closely with the College, we assisted in securing Department for Education (DfE) funding before leading a multidisciplinary team to develop the new facility. The project involved extending the existing Stephenson Building to create a modern, high-quality teaching and learning environment, including offices, classrooms, laboratories, a VR room, workshops, and café facilities.

Situated next to the Grade II listed Roundhouse and Derby train station, the scheme required sensitive design and careful coordination with heritage and planning authorities. Early engagement with stakeholders ensured planning approval was achieved without delay.

The EMIoT Centre’s design balances contextual sensitivity with a distinctive architectural identity aligned with DfE branding. Open-plan workshops occupy the ground floor, with specialist labs and teaching spaces above, promoting collaboration and flexibility.

Delivered on a live campus, the project incorporated a robust Health & Safety strategy and achieved a BREEAM “Very Good” rating through sustainable technologies such as photovoltaic panels and air-source heat pumps, ensuring a high-performing, future-ready facility for Derby College.