View Point: Dr Stephen Hamil

Dr Stephen Hamil of NBS explains why better data standards and Digital Product Passports are vital to fix the industry’s fragmented systems and safeguard its future. For several years now, UK construction has been beset by issues around material quality,... View Article

Connecting the dots

Tom Reynolds of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association explains why joined-up thinking in bathroom design is vital, and how collaboration across the sector can drive innovation, sustainability, and smarter regulation. It may be a small space in the grand scheme of... View Article

Engineering-out structural emissions early

Jack Brunton and Ioana Price of AECOM explore how designers can redefine carbon calculations by assessing carbon at the early design and optioneering stage. The built environment is a significant contributor to the UK’s carbon emission and is responsible for... View Article

Canary conservation

Ruth Slavid reports on how Buckley Gray Yeoman successfully pursued the most sustainable option for a real estate client in Canary Wharf – reusing one of the site’s original offices with a BREEAM Outstanding refurb, enhanced by some striking cladding.... View Article

Practice Profile: AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis is a firm that has redefined architectural practice, blending engineering precision with people-centred design, with sustainability and collaboration to the fore. Kim Neville reports. AtkinsRéalis’ journey began with an unorthodox move, establishing an architecture arm within what was formerly... View Article

Clerkenwell Design Week 2025

Clerkenwell is home to more creative businesses and architects per square mile than anywhere else in the world. It’s no surprise, then, that Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) has become a globally recognised platform for the design community to come together... View Article

Union City Blu

The new Radisson Blu hotel in the heart of Sheffield is a union of old and new, with HLM restoring and retaining a Victorian facade plus adding a major volume and maximising views over the adjacent public realm. James Parker... View Article

Practice Profile: ECD Architects

Founded in 1980 as Energy Conscious Design, the subsequently abbreviated ECD Architects merged energy research with architectural practice. It later joined multi-disciplinary construction ‘one stop shop’ N-able Group in 2007, which was in turn recently acquired by the RSK Group... View Article

It’s all happening at UK Construction Week London

UK Construction Week (UKCW), the UK’s No.1 construction destination, is gearing up for its milestone 10th anniversary edition from 07-09 May at Excel London – set to be its biggest and most expansive event yet. For the first time, UKCW... View Article

Pixelated vision

Architect MVRDV’s new collection of mixed use buildings in Abu Dhabi makes a break from the city’s architectural norm by breaking down facades into ‘pixelated’ forms. In the ever-expanding skyline of Abu Dhabi, where luxury towers often dominate the architectural... View Article

Illuminate sustainability

Incorporating natural daylight for sustainable design Natalie Goodridge of LAMILUX UK explains why incorporating daylight into architectural designs has become a central focus in sustainable designs. Integrating rooflights or roof glazing into a building design not only enhances aesthetic appeal... View Article

View Point: Magdalena Arent

Magdalena Arent, building performance consultant at architect Holmes Miller, discusses strategies for when a low energy building is required, but Passivhaus ‘doesn’t quite fit the bill,’ and something else on the sustainability standard menu is called for. Passivhaus certification has... View Article

A sensitive approach

Alongside the particular goals of a housing scheme for the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, its proximity to Grenfell Tower intensified the need for extensive collaboration with local stakeholders. Roseanne Field reports on how HNW Architects successfully delivered PRP Architects’... View Article

Futurebuild: Making an impact with sustainable innovation

Futurebuild 2025 promises to be a pivotal event for architects eager to embrace sustainable design and innovation. Taking place at London Excel from 4-6 March, the 20th edition of Futurebuild will spotlight transformative solutions that address pressing environmental challenges and... View Article

Ask the Architect: Matt Spinks

Matt Spinks from fast-rising Shropshire practice Johnson Design Partnership, answers ADF’s questions on his architectural journey from assistant to director, leadership challenges, and his vision for growing sustainable design. What made you want to pursue a career in architecture? From... View Article

A brighter future

As a celebration of Manchester’s cotton mill past, this major residential scheme by shedkm combines respect for historic fabric with striking minimalist additions to help catalyse regeneration. Stephen Cousins reports. Back in the 19th century, Manchester and the surrounding towns... View Article

View Point: Patrick Inglis

Patrick Inglis, president of ACA, describes the new safety information regime post-Building Safety Act, and why architects are best placed to take on the Principal Designer role, while being mindful of the risks. The Phase 2 report on the Grenfell... View Article

Fit for a healthier future

The transformation of Edinburgh’s long-empty Royal Infirmary creates a sustainable new home for the University’s new Futures Institute, a flexible workspace and education facility designed by Bennetts Associates. James Parker reports. According to the University of Edinburgh, the core mission... View Article

Ask the Architect: Sarah Small

Weymouth native Sarah Small is an associate and Passivhaus designer at Dorchester practice SPASE Design – here she answers ADF’s questions on what drives her, from early concepts to current schemes What made you want to be an architect? From... View Article