We’re delighted to announce that Larry Botchway will be a judge for our V&A Innovate National Schools Challenge 2025 – 26.
Larry Botchway is an architect, tutor and engagement enthusiast, with experience in a variety of sectors. He co-founded the socially minded design and engagement practice POoR (Power Out of Restriction) collective. In addition to being one of RIBA Rising Stars of 2023, Larry has worked at We Made That, Haworth Tompkins Architects, and Perpendicular Architecture. He also has notable experience working with cultural institutions such as TATE, LW Theatres and the London Theatre Company.
We spoke to Larry about being on the panel and why design is important to him.
What are you most looking forward to as a V&A Innovate judge, and why?
I am most looking forward to hearing directly from the designers and problem-solvers of the future. At POoR Collective, we see every day how young people bring fresh perspectives and bold ideas that challenge the way things have always been done. Innovation does not begin in adulthood – it begins when young people are given the space, encouragement, and opportunity to express themselves. I am certain this year’s challenge will once again highlight just how imaginative, resourceful, and powerful young voices can be in shaping the world we live in.
What do this year’s themes of ‘Rest, Join, Reimagine’ mean to you?
To me, these themes feel both timely and inspiring. Rest reminds us that slowing down is not a weakness but a vital part of creativity and well-being – taking a step back often allows us to see problems and possibilities more clearly. Join speaks to the power of collaboration and community; the most exciting solutions are rarely built in isolation, but by people working together and sharing their skills and experiences. Reimagine is perhaps the most hopeful of all, inviting us to question what already exists and to dream of alternatives that are fairer, kinder, and more sustainable. Together, these themes remind us that design is not just about objects, but about people, relationships, and the world we want to create.
Why is design important to you?
Design matters deeply to me because it touches every aspect of our lives, often in ways we do not even notice. Yet, the design industries have not always been accessible to everyone. That is why I believe it is so important to open doors and encourage new voices into the field. When young people are empowered to think creatively about tomorrow’s challenges, they bring perspectives that are both fresh and essential. Their ideas give me hope, because they remind us that design is not just about aesthetics or function, but about shaping a world that is inclusive, joyful, and meaningful for all.
What invention or innovation could you not live without?
The invention I could not live without is the humble shoehorn. It may seem simple, but it is a beautifully practical object that makes life that little bit easier each day. For someone who loves shoes as much as I do, it is an essential tool that provides both convenience and care. To me, it represents the best of design: a thoughtful, functional solution that stands the test of time without needing to be complicated or flashy.
Can you share any top tips for the students taking part in V&A Innovate this year?
My advice would be to keep things simple and stay open. Innovation does not always have to be complicated or high-tech – sometimes the most powerful solutions are the ones that make life easier, kinder, or more joyful in small but significant ways. Be brave enough to share your ideas, be curious about the world around you, and be willing to learn from others as you shape your solutions. Most importantly, trust your own voice. The way you see the world matters, and your creativity has the power to inspire real change.
Register to take part in Innovate 2025 – 26
Could your students design with empathy and challenge the status quo? Register to take part on the V&A Innovate webpage and enter your students’ ideas by 6 March 2026.
V&A Innovate is the V&A’s annual National Schools Challenge offering students in years 7, 8 and 9 the opportunity to design a solution to a real-world problem inspired by the V&A’s collections.
