Kevin McCloud started his career as a theatre designer

He will receive the honour at the Faculty of Arts graduation ceremony at Plymouth's Guildhall.

McCloud, a designer and author, gave a talk at the university's Peninsula Arts lecture series last year.

He has a degree in the History of Art and Architecture and started his career as a theatre designer.

'Beautiful friendship'

He then went on to design exhibitions, graphics, products and spaces.

He currently runs a product design practice, which specialises in lighting and furniture, and has designed lighting for some of the finest buildings in Europe and many great houses, including Ely Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle.

Steven Parissien, dean of the university's Faculty of Arts, said: "We are thrilled to be able to honour Kevin.

"He has become one of the UK's foremost experts on architecture and design.

"This award is not just a celebration of all Kevin has done for design so far, but represents the beginning of what we hope will be a beautiful friendship between Kevin and our Architecture and Design departments in the future."

Recently retired University of Plymouth governor and architect John Warren will receive an honorary Doctorate of Arts at the same ceremony.