Ask the Expert: Luke Osborne

James Parker speaks to Luke Osborne at Senior Architectural Systems, about why greater transparency in Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) is essential to help architects make informed specification decisions. Why does the fenestration industry need a more transparent, evidence based approach?... View Article

The final member of the Shard family earns its Place

Albert Giralt of Renzo Piano Building Workshop reflects on Shard Place, the final piece of the Shard Quarter, and how its design completes a 25-year vision for London Bridge. Almost 25 years have passed since Renzo Piano Building Workshop was... View Article

A greener kind of grandeur

The transformation of the former US Embassy in London into a five-star hotel by David Chipperfield Architects delivers an adaptive reuse with high-end luxury and BREEAM Outstanding sustainability credentials, despite whole life carbon compromises, says Stephen Cousins. At a time... View Article

Ask the Architect: Benedict Zucchi

Benedict Zucchi, chair of BDP’s Global Board, speaks to ADF about his design philosophy, the role of architecture as a civic art, and how collaboration, context and sustainability will shape the profession. After spending more than 30 years at BDP,... View Article

A visit to a volcano

A redesigned visitor centre in a remote part of Iceland saw a collaboration between British and Icelandic practices to immerse visitors in the landscape, provide an engaging exhibition, and protect users from a harsh climate. Roseanne Field reports. The volcanic... View Article

Commercially sensitive

Jemma Saunders at Crown Paints says colour has long been seen as a ‘finishing touch’ in commercial settings, but it is key to get it right for increasingly multi-purpose spaces. Colour shapes how a space feels and how well it... View Article

Practice Profile: Nissen Richards Studio

Since establishing their ‘wife and husband’-led practice in 2010, Pippa Nissen and Jim Richards have cemented a reputation for translating narrative into spatial experience. Kim Neville spoke to them about their creativity, collaboration and continual learning. Nissen Richards Studio was... View Article

Commercial cool comfort

Steve Molloy from Daikin explores how well-designed HVAC systems can contribute to thermally resilient commercial buildings as the Earth continues to warm. With four of the UK’s hottest years on record occurring between 2022 and 2025, the conversation around climate... View Article

The case for an evidence base

Adam Boumnaia from product testing laboratory Attain RTC details the exhaustive methods used to help translate fire test results into reliable, evidence-based applications under the UK’s evolving standards framework. In recent years, the UK construction sector has transitioned from historic... View Article

A different view of durability

Manuela Fazzan at wienerberger UK explores why adaptable as well as durable housing design is essential for future resilience in the housing sector, as demands evolve. Current housing specifications are often driven by immediate compliance targets, but the future of... View Article

Entering a safer future

Darren Hyde at the Automatic Door Suppliers Association says architects can balance architectural vision with the competing demands of safety, security and accessibility when designing modern building entrances. Entrances are among the most defining elements of architecture. They frame the... View Article

Designing out water waste

Washrooms are a significant source of water waste; early design decisions can determine how buildings perform for decades, so specifications must tackle both usage and leakage to reduce consumption. Richard Braid at Cistermiser explains. Energy performance has long dominated design... View Article

Hybrid education theory

Louise McHugh at Breathing Buildings puts the case for hybrid natural/mechanical ventilation to balance air quality and energy efficiency, to support school learning. The publication of updated Government guidance in February 2026 has reinforced the importance of ventilation in education... View Article

Going underground

Jon Whittingham at T-T Pumps explores how below-ground drainage and pumping strategies need to influence early architectural decisions, particularly where adoptable and package systems are required to manage site constraints, flood risk, and complex water movement on constrained urban sites.... View Article

Ask the Architect: Christopher Gray

Christopher Gray, director at SLR Consulting, tells ADF how he has nurtured the importance of landscape-led masterplanning in his career, and why resilient green infrastructure including sensitive SuDS has to sit at the heart of future development. What made you... View Article

Ask the Expert: Jonathan Lowy

James Parker speaks to Jonathan Lowy, operational marketing manager at VM Building Solutions UK, about changing perceptions of zinc; exploring its growing use in architecture, sustainability credentials, long-term value, and enduring misconceptions. How has architects’ perception on using zinc evolved... View Article

Conquering the castle

Transformed from a forbidding symbol of Norman power to an accessible heritage destination, Norwich Castle has undergone one of the UK’s most ambitious historic refurbishments. Stephen Cousins reports When William the Conqueror laid siege to England in 1066, ravaging vast... View Article

A strong footing for learning

Flooring in education must balance safety, durability and acoustics over time. Melissa Heath from leading manufacturer Amtico explores why long-term performance needs to be more effectively considered during specification. Education environments are among the most demanding interior settings. From primary... View Article