View Point: Gareth Abrahams of Changing Streams

A new ‘independent’ database of products has been designed to help specifiers substitute and reduce the use of plastic in buildings they are designing, and thereby tackle a major sustainability challenge. Architect Gareth Abrahams explains how the Changing Streams initiative... View Article

Ask the Architect: Jane Duncan

Former RIBA president, founder of her own practice and recipient of an OBE for diversity, Jane Duncan answers ADF’s questions about what continues to inspire her What was the highlight of your career as a designer? Most of my professional... View Article

Practice Profile: RX Architects

After working on projects in London and the south east for several years, Rob Pollard and Derek Rankin decided their true calling was to found a resi-focused practice in historic Rye. Roseanne Field reports on their successful partnership, and varied... View Article

Answering the call for adaptable further education facilities

Andrew Baker of Rio Architects looks at how further education providers are calling for adaptability in their buildings, and how designers can offer unified, coherent and practical facilities for student, giving a recent Welsh example Ongoing reforms in post-16 education... View Article

Ask the Architect: Gillian Burgis Smith

Gillian Burgis Smith details how she became an architect, overcoming some outdated industry mindsets and major health obstacles; and how she has positively harnessed her own experience to create inclusive environments for others What made you want to become an... View Article

Practice Profile: NBBJ

One of the world’s top architectural firms, US-founded NBBJ built a global reputation among healthcare and major corporate clients, but despite its size still aims to place people at the heart of all its buildings. Laura Shadwell reports Founded in... View Article

View Point: Rory Bergin of HTA Design

How can architects use place-specific data on design outcomes to have a meaningful impact in future projects? Rory Bergin of HTA Design proposes a change of approach ‘If you can’t measure it, you cannot manage it’ has been the mantra... View Article

Ask the Architect: Greg Blee

Greg Blee, founder of Blee Halligan, tells ADF how he found himself working in architecture almost by accident, and why he now focuses on creating projects overseas which blend into their landscapes What made you want to become an architect?... View Article

View Point: Shikha Bhardwaj from Hawkins/Brown

Shikha Bhardwaj from Hawkins/Brown says understanding whole life carbon is no longer a choice; it’s essential knowledge for architects on every project. She explains the standards which are emerging to embed carbon measurement into the industry We are all familiar... View Article

Practice Profile: T2S Architecture

Born in the pandemic, T2S Architecture embodies adaptability, cultural diversity, and a distinctive design ethos. Tom Boddy speaks to the founder about the pillars of the practice’s approach, in the context of the industry’s evolving challenges Founded in May 2021... View Article

The golden path to safety

LISTEN HERE Dean Asher from Polypipe Building Products offers some pointers for industry on how best to ensure it is complying with the Building Safety Act’s requirements, particularly the golden thread’s new responsibilities for design, build and maintenance Many in... View Article

Modular methods of construction

LISTEN HERE Is modular construction the missing jigsaw piece needed to solve the UK’s housing crisis? HKR Architects’ Ayna Azhigali says it is, and that aesthetics need not be an issue We are all acutely aware of the housing crisis... View Article

Going beyond fire compliance

Siderise’s Chris Hall asks whether an approach of merely complying with regulations in specifying passive firestopping in curtain wall systems is good enough, or if specifiers should be looking to other standards Curtain wall systems are typically constructed with a... View Article

How green is your aluminium?

Phil Slinger from the Council for Aluminium in Building provides expert insights on the current green credentials provided by aluminium production, and how EPDs and collaboration are supporting its specification Aluminium has enjoyed an extensive recycling lifespan since its commercialisation... View Article

Durability is the key to sustainable building envelopes

Clare Fenton of the Metal Cladding & Roofing Manufacturers Association (MCRMA) explains why durability must be a priority when specifying metal roofing and cladding panels and systems to deliver sustainable buildings As the physical separator between the interior and the... View Article

Practice Profile: Ackroyd Lowrie

LISTEN HERE In founding their own practice, Oliver Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd were able to pursue their passion for future cities, while applying lessons learned in their shared background as sustainability specialists. They tell ADF’s Laura Shadwell what drives them,... View Article

View Point: Dr Victoria Hutchinson

LISTEN HERE Dr Victoria Hutchinson from AtkinsRealis’ environmental practice explores how impact assessments can help unlock value as well as greater investment in projects – in a more favourable ESG context – and illustrates what this looks like Former Prime... View Article

How do we close the energy performance gap?

LISTEN HERE With a UK housing stock that doesn’t fare well in comparison to other European countries on energy efficiency, what is the solution to the UK’s thermal failings? Simon Blackham from Recticel Insulation explains how the industry is playing... View Article

A room with a flue

The future of home heating is largely focused on the use of heat pumps. Dennis Milligan from the British Flue and Chimney Manufacturers Association (BFCMA) looks at how they can be combined with wood burning stoves as secondary heating Although... View Article