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 in 2025 enabling ECD to expand its services.
Joint managing director James Traynor reflects on the practice’s journey, noting that, like many others, the firm has “fluctuated in size, with the UK economy and industry trends.” Currently experiencing its largest growth phase, ECD anticipates further expansion, as the UK economy begins to strengthen.
With offices in London and Glasgow, ECD recently expanded into Preston to better serve the North of England. Traynor explains that the expansion was “important,” as previously, projects were managed by staff commuting from London or Glasgow. Recruitment has been straightforward, he says with hires coming from across the North West, alongside staff who “deliberately moved“ for a role at the firm.
Company ethos
Over its 45-year history, the practice has continually evolved. Traynor explains that the company’s founding identity as ‘Energy Conscious Design’ was simply because it encapsulated “what we did.” The firm embraced retrofit as a key means to sustainability, aligning with the straightforward principle of “keeping things, not just throwing away.”
The company has a strong focus on social housing, “it’s probably our largest client base,” says Traynor. In addition, the firm also works on non-domestic retrofits, collaborating with schools, higher education bodies, and councils. Additionally, ECD explores low-energy design in new builds, having recently completed its first Passivhaus-certified school for Central Bedfordshire. Traynor emphasises, “We still believe a fabric-first approach for healthy buildings is the right way to go.”
ECD’s core values of a collaborative commitment to quality were established and written down via a company-wide process five years ago. Traynor notes that they guide every project, client relationship, and internal collaboration, reinforced by a ‘values booklet.’ Traynor says this is far from PR window dressing: “It really manifests in all members of staff, who all lead by example.”
Convincing people of the importance of building sustainably hasn’t always been easy, and such moves were often the target of cost-cutting. “It has taken time,” Traynor admits; for the first 10 years, it felt like no one was listening, and sustainable measures were often cut out.”
He summarises the practice’s ethos in three words: “Keep it simple,” giving an example of this pragmatic philosophy in practice: “We try to ensure that the building fabric is optimised so that costly M&E services aren’t needed for operation and maintenance.” This, adds Traynor, “requires attention to detail in construction, which is why we believe Passivhaus is the right methodology, but ultimately results in better buildings for our clients.”
ECD is deeply committed to pursuing Passivhaus principles where it can, and has an impressive 16 certified Passivhaus Designers and an in-house Certifier in its ranks. The firm sponsors staff certification, ensuring they are well-prepared through PHPP training and key process guidance before tackling the rigorous exam. As a result, Traynor states, “they already know their stuff” by the time they sit down to take the test.
Design approach
While the company doesn’t subscribe to a ‘signature’ design approach, its commitment to sustainability is evident in all their projects. One of the ways ECD Architects approach energy-efficient design, says Traynor, is to prioritise early-stage performance modelling. For the last few years, the company has utilised PHPP and DesignPH as ‘primary modelling’ tools to understand the likely energy performance of projects at an early stage.
A key part of their offering is providing an initial assessment free of charge. “This gives us the information to help clients make informed decisions from the outset,” Traynor explains. “Even if a client chooses not to pursue Passivhaus, EnerPHit, or AECB standards, the methodology still delivers a far more reliable model of a building’s expected performance.”
Through its recent Knowledge Transfer Partnership with University College London, the firm is exploring possible ways to use artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve the efficiency of its workflow. “We are initially focusing on the retrofit process,” says Traynor, “as it generates vast amounts of data that we believe can be managed more effectively.” Looking ahead, they are also exploring how machine learning can enhance
future projects.
One recent sustainability-oriented project by ECD Architects of note is Wilmcote House, an 11-storey residential block in Portsmouth that underwent a deep EnerPHit retrofit, dramatically improving its energy performance and extending its lifespan. Originally built in the 1960s using a large-panel system, the building was thermally inefficient and expensive to heat. Rather than opting for demolition and rebuilding, ECD Architects proposed a deep retrofit to significantly enhance energy efficiency, reduce fuel poverty, and improve living conditions.
Another key example of the firm’s Passivhaus work is Thornhill School in Linmere, Central Bedfordshire. It expanded the school from one-form entry to a three-form entry, adding a new building that was the first of its kind in Bedfordshire to be designed and certified to the Passivhaus standard.
Knowledge sharing & collaboration
Traynor says he firmly believes in knowledge sharing, and how a commitment to openness and collaboration benefits the firm. However he adds that it also has a broader benefit for the industry. The firm has established partnerships with universities to support this goal. “We have partnered with educational bodies to both disseminate information and upskill students to meet the needs of emerging best practice.”
Internally, ECD Architects also demonstrate the benefits of transparency and collaboration by sharing information on ‘practice and performance’ with all members of staff. “We aim to create a collaborative working environment where all staff understand both their role in the company, and how they can contribute towards our shared success.”
The practice has developed various forums to encourage and nurture collaboration, incorporating a blend of online and in-person formats. “Junior staff are assigned a mentor, and we regularly support colleagues through professional examinations,” explains Traynor. “We encourage staff at all levels to contribute to this, with focused themes on a variety of topics.” Additionally, project knowledge is shared through regular design reviews, and there are several working groups dedicated to considering legislative changes and various aspects of business improvement.
Future outlook
Of many notable achievements throughout ECD’s history, Traynor reflects on one in particular as having had the most significant impact. The Wilmcote House project, culminating in 2018, addressed fuel poverty and carbon emissions in a large 1960s housing block with another deep EnerPHit retrofit. He continues, “The resulting outcomes from this have been measured and disseminated by many different organisations,” and says the project is recognised as best practice in its field, winning several awards. Traynor explains that this project has been a key contributor to the firm’s success in winning other high-rise refurbishment projects.
Finally, having recently become part of the RSK Group, Traynor hopes that this further evolution will act as a springboard for ECD’s continued success.