A lesson to learn

Creating educational buildings with zero energy usage and carbon footprints is perfectly possible. So why aren’t we building more? Neil Smith of design firm UK Energy Partners shares his thoughts. There’s no doubt the way we design and construct buildings consumes... View Article

Knowledge is power

Teachers know schools best and their input can be vital during a redesign. Pellings partner Nicolas Maari argues for the benefits of encouraging teachers to have a say in the design of UK schools. The soaring demand for school places... View Article

Opinion: Carbon neutrality – a norm, not an aspiration

Earlier this year the Government scrapped its zero carbon homes plan – again. Darren Evans outlines why architects and developers must not abandon the zero carbon agenda. In May of this year the Government overruled the House of Lords and scrapped the... View Article

Smart answers on smart homes

Ben Johnson, director of Powertrac Electrical Services, a Berkshire-based smart home and electrical contractor, answers some of the frequently asked questions on smart homes. What is a smart home? In short, a smart home intelligently automates and allows you to... View Article

Exclusive blog: Turning awards into media coverage

Alex Blyth, Joint MD at PR and new business agency Red Setter reveals how thought leadership can push your practice to greater heights. This week’s CGarchitect Architectural 3D Awards saw some outstanding examples of the power of design. Amongst our favourite winners was Alexey Zakharov, who... View Article

CITB Statement: Apprenticeship Levy Update

In spring 2017 the way the government funds apprenticeships in England is changing. Some employers will be required to contribute to a new apprenticeship levy, and there will be changes to the funding for apprenticeship training for all employers. Steve... View Article

Better quality – the unexpected benefit from Brexit?

In the absence of a crystal ball, is it impossible to predict how construction companies will fare following the vote to leave the EU? Phil Bloomfield, British Board of Agrément (BBA) Commercial Director writes. Within days of the vote being... View Article

Practice profile – Chapman Taylor

Norman Hayden calls on architect Chapman Taylor which has been on an international journey, starting at Scotland Yard. The Metropolitan Police headquarters at New Scotland Yard, central London is one of the most recognisable buildings in the country. With its... View Article

Site lines – Martin Townsend, BRE Global

Martin Townsend, director of sustainability at BRE Global, looks at the importance of building standards which reflect local needs across the globe, in order to share best practice and drive change. There is a rapidly growing appetite for rating methodologies... View Article

Calming the commute – Nille Juul-Sorenson from Arup

Nille Juul-Sorenson from Arup looks at how intelligent railway station design can help to make commuters’ lives easier. A  recent European survey conducted by Ford has revealed that the most stressful part of a working day is likely to occur first... View Article

Controlled spirals

Antonia Harding of British Spirals & Castings dispels the myth that spiral staircases are dangerous and explains how they can be used effectively and safely in your project. With their architectural beauty and space-saving benefits, spiral staircases can be the perfect... View Article