Sustainability & ESG

Sustainability is fundamental to the way we approach architecture. We believe good design should create places that are environmentally responsible, socially valuable, resilient and capable of adapting to change.

Our approach begins with doing more with less. We seek to retain and enhance existing buildings wherever possible, prioritising refurbishment, retrofit and adaptation over demolition and rebuild. Where new development is appropriate, we consider the building’s whole life — from material selection and construction through to operation, maintenance, adaptation and eventual reuse.

We design with energy efficiency, low-carbon construction and long-term performance in mind. Passive design principles, natural daylight and ventilation, fabric-first approaches, efficient building services, renewable energy and appropriate low-carbon technologies are considered from the earliest stages of a project. We also aim to reduce embodied carbon through the careful selection of durable, responsibly sourced and lower-carbon materials, while minimising waste and encouraging reuse.

We recognise that sustainability is about more than energy and carbon. Our projects aim to contribute positively to their communities by creating healthy, inclusive and accessible environments that support wellbeing, encourage connection and respond sensitively to their surroundings. We consider landscape, biodiversity, active travel, public realm and the relationship between buildings and the wider community as integral parts of the design process.

Our ESG approach reflects this wider responsibility.

Environmental — reducing operational and embodied carbon, promoting retrofit and reuse, improving energy efficiency, supporting biodiversity and reducing waste and resource consumption.

Social — creating inclusive, accessible and healthy places that support wellbeing, community, connectivity and quality of life, while considering the needs of people who will use and maintain our buildings throughout their lives.

Governance — working transparently and responsibly with clients, consultants, contractors and communities. We promote clear decision-making, responsible procurement, compliance, ethical professional practice and measurable environmental and social objectives.

We believe sustainability should be practical, measurable and embedded in design decisions, rather than treated as an additional layer applied at the end of a project. Every site, building and client has different opportunities and constraints, so our approach is tailored to the specific context.

Ultimately, our ambition is to create architecture that uses fewer resources, performs better, lasts longer and contributes more — delivering lasting environmental, social and economic value for our clients, communities and future generations.