Whether it is building virtual tree houses, designing mazes or modelling spinning tops to be 3D printed, local educational company Building Imagination is redefining what after-school learning looks like.

Founded ten years ago, Building Imagination combines Jake's background as a designer, artist, and chess player with Emma's expertise in architecture and design.

What started as a creative spark has since evolved into a dynamic STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education organisation.

What started as a creative spark has since evolved into a dynamic STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning brand.

Building Imagination offers children aged 6 to 12 hands-on experience with Virtual Reality (VR), Game Design and Robotics.

"We want children to have a healthy relationship with technology, rather than consuming it, we want them to engage with it as a tool for their creative practice." Jake told Nub News.

Unlike the traditional classroom, where rigidity and box-ticking can sometimes leave students feeling disengaged, Building Imagination focuses on cultivating mental resourcefulness and unboxing a child's natural curiosity.

Lessons are kept open-ended and creative, allowing children to experiment without the pressure of "getting it wrong".

"I get satisfaction from children exploring their creativity," said Jake. "They love learning, and the stuff they create here, they are really proud of."

"They love learning, and the stuff they create here, they are really proud of."

Sessions are deliberately not confined to screens with pupils regularly engaging in tactile, offline projects like sketching out ideas, screen free coding and technical robotic builds.

Looking to the future, Jake believes preparing children for an ever-changing world is the most important lesson of all.

Without knowing exactly what the future of work will look like, Building Imagination aims to support young learners so they are problem solvers, and can tackle challenges with confidence.

In January 2027, Building Imagination will launch brand-new online chess classes, allowing children anywhere in the world to tune in and join.

Teachers wanted: Join the team

To support its growing after-school clubs across London, Building Imagination is currently recruiting new teachers.

The company is looking for creative candidates, ideally aged between 25 and 45 with a background in art, design, or related creative fields.

Although traditional teaching experience isn't required, experience working with young people and a passion to inspire them is key!

Building Imagination provides full training and ready-to-use lesson plans.

• Role details: After-school sessions running in 1 to 2-hour slots.
• Pay: £40 to £45 per hour. Online Teaching - Pays £25 per hour.

Parents interested in exploring what Building Imagination has to offer can arrange a free taster session tailored to their child's interests.

To find out more about their courses or to apply for a teaching role, visit the Building Imagination website here.

Building Imagination is a sponsor of Richmond Nub News, without our sponsors, our Richmond online newspaper would not be possible. Thank you.