Release Date 08 July 2016

An architect whose designs changed the way people work has been given an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science from the University of Reading.

Professor John Worthington was presented for his honorary degree on Friday 8 July 2016, by Professor Stuart Green, Head of the School of the Built Environment, as part of Reading's summer graduation ceremonies.

Working as both an academic and a practitioner in the field of architecture, Professor Worthington co-founded global design consultancy DEGW in 1973.

On being awarded the Honorary Degree, Professor Worthington said: "I am delighted to receive this honorary degree because it brings together all the things I have been doing in the past between academia and practice."

The University of Reading opens Britain's newest School of Architecture in September 2016.

Asked what advice he would give Reading's pioneer student architects, Professor Worthington said: "You have always got to give and you'll get back. Work with other students, and whatever you give outwards, you will get back."

'John is an architect who has made a huge contribution to the architectural profession, and way beyond' -- Professor Stuart Green

Presenting him for him honorary degree, Professor Stuart Green, Head of the School of the Built Environment, said: "John is an architect who has made a huge contribution to the architectural profession, and way beyond.

"If you work in an office environment, if you work in a hospital, if you work in a higher education environment, you are likely to be living with the legacy of John's work on a day-to-day basis.

"The unifying theme throughout his varied career is that of design as a way of thinking. John has contributed to this agenda across the full range of scales - from the chair to the city."

Professor Worthington studied at the Architectural Association in London, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California, Berkeley, before co-founding DEGW.

He has held academic positions all over the world, including at the Institute of Advanced Architectural Studies, University of York, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, the University of Sheffield, and the University of Melbourne.

In 1995, Professor Worthington undertook a major assessment of Architecture and Planning education across six European countries for the Dutch Government. He subsequently advised the Irish Higher Education Authority on the future of architectural education in Ireland.

He is currently a Commissioner of the Independent Transport Commission, leading the review of the spatial impact of high-speed rail.

• Build a career as an architect at Britain's newest School of Architecture: Be an architecture pioneer at the University of Reading