As designers, we recognise that our work has a direct and indirect impact on society, the wellbeing of individuals and the environment.
Where possible we aim to engage with operators, end users and the community to provide optimal design solutions and create spaces that promote wellbeing.
Post-pandemic, the requirements of our clients has highlighted the considerable importance of health and wellbeing in the design brief, with a greater value placed on access to green spaces, biodiversity and improved air quality.
For new build schemes we include these requirements in the design from day one.
For refurbishments we work with our clients to find the best solutions to integrate these needs into the existing building, whether it be to attract or retain tenants in a commercial property or for a private home.
By creating strong relationships with our clients, collaborators, suppliers and contractors, this enables us to ensure our Wellbeing, Social and Health & Safety goals are implemented throughout the duration of a project.
At all stages we work with these parties to explore new ideas, ensure best practice, and implement the aspirations of our clients and the requirements of the overall project strategy.
The International WELL building institute provides guidance to clients and designers and offers the most widely recognised certification demonstrating that a building actively supports health and wellbeing.
Our work against the WELL Guiding Concepts:
Air
We will contribute toward achieving high levels of indoor air quality across a building’s lifetime by designing to encourage high quality natural and mechanical ventilation and improving user accessibility to these sources.
Water
We will contribute toward achieving high levels of indoor water quality across a building’s lifetime by designing to encourage high quality natural and mechanical water flow and improving user accessibility to these sources.
NOURISHMENT
We will promote exposure to light and prioritise natural light, aiming to create lighting environments that promote visual, mental and biological health.
LIGHT
We will promote exposure to light and prioritise natural light, aiming to create lighting environments that promote visual, mental and biological health.
MOVEMENT
We will design to promote physical activity in everyday use and ensure that movement opportunities are integrated into the fabric of our designs.
THERMAL COMFORT
We will work to ensure there is adequate provision to heat and cool the spaces we design to ensure optimal thermal comfort for health, wellbeing and productivity.
SOUND
We will work to ensure there is adequate sound insulation to the spaces we design to ensure optimal comfort for health, wellbeing and productivity.
MATERIALS
We will avoid the specification of materials and substances that have potentially hazardous effects on the environment, human health and wellbeing during the construction, re-modelling, furnishing and operation of our
designs.
MIND
We will constantly seek opportunities to design in a way that promotes mental health and emotional well-being.
COMMUNITY
Our designs will provide space for the end user to support access to essential healthcare, build a culture of health that accommodates diverse population needs and establish an inclusive, engaged occupant community.
INNOVATION
Through our own research and through collaboration with our clients and project teams we will seek to develop unique strategies for creating healthier environments.
