SKARCHITECTS

Big thanks to The Bespoke Brick Company for hosting an amazing CPD at their stunning showroom last week! We kicked off with a Brick Geek CPD session, followed by an introduction to the innovative Lowie brick range.  With an 80% emission saving, we’re excited to see more of the Lowie brick being used in future projects! #SustainableBuilding #LowieBricks #CPD #Innovation #EcoFriendlyBuilding

Yesterday, we were honored to attend the opening of HARP Southend's Homeless Charity newly refurbished care home for individuals who have experienced homelessness. Our team is incredibly proud to have breathed new life into this characterful space, transforming it into a warm, welcoming, and homely environment. Each space, from the architectural details to the soft furnishings (which were chosen by HARP's wonderful team), was designed with the aim of creating a place that feels like home - a space of comfort, belonging, and dignity. With residents moving in next week, we look forward to seeing this building become a true sanctuary for those who need it most. Here’s to creating spaces that support and uplift 🌱✨ #homeslessness #architecture #home #design

We are delighted to hear after appealing the original decision for Tylers Avenue, the planning inspector has upheld the application and planning permission has been granted.

It was great to learn that our recent planning application for improvements at Lancaster School, Southend-on-Sea, received conditional planning approval.   Technical design is now underway, and we are working closely with BRONTIDE CONSULTING LTD, Crucis Designs Limited, and Pace Consult Ltd with the aim of delivering the additional teaching spaces and a new multi-use hall for the start of the 2025 school year.   Our application featured great visuals of the proposed multi-use hall; these CGIs were produced by Miru Visuals.

SO pleased to have received planning permission at Lancaster School.

Thrilled to announce that we won Small Project of the Year and received a Highly Commended for Residential Project of the Year at last night’s British Construction Industry Awards for our Bluebird project! We are both surprised and delighted by this recognition. A heartfelt thank you to HARP Southend's Homeless Charity for their incredible support. #BCIA #BluebirdProject

A really interesting day at the Building Magazine Building the Future Conference followed by the Building Awards & Architect of the Year shortlisting party earlier this week. Some of the key topics discussed were Grenfell and what we need to learn from past mistakes, The Building Safety Regulator and the realities of the gateway process, how we can get young people interested in a career in construction and the need for collaboration throughout the industry. We particularly enjoyed Matt Bennion's closing statement, 'bring it on'. We are excited for the Architect of Year Awards in October and had a good time at the shortlisting party. It was fun chatting with David from Kensa Group and Hony Premlal MBA CIHCM and Beatrice Afua Addo. FRSA, FIoL, PGBA, BA (Hon’s) CIHM, MBASW. #building #awards #architecture #buildingindustry #buildingmagazine #buildingthefutureconference #architectoftheyear

We are thrilled and honoured to announce that Bluebird has been shortlisted for the prestigious RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize 2024!   This follows our Stephen Lawrence Prize shortlisting in 2018 for the White Heather House women’s shelter, and this recognition is especially meaningful to us as it highlights our continued commitment and partnership with HARP in creating high-quality accommodation for some of our society’s most vulnerable individuals. We deeply admire the incredible work HARP do, and we are proud to have worked with them to deliver Bluebird and contribute to their mission.   This reflects the perseverance, talent, and tenacity of Project Architect Danielle Simpson, especially impressive at this early stage in her career.   Congratulations to all the other architects shortlisted! We are delighted to be in such esteemed company with a range of fantastic projects. We look forward to celebrating together.

What an enjoyable way to spend a sunny afternoon! This week we had the privilege of visiting three 2024 RIBA East Regional Award-winning projects in Cambridge; Dining Hall by Feilden Fowles Architects, John Bradfield Court by Allies and Morrison, and WongAvery Gallery by Níall McLaughlin Architects. Huge thanks to the South Essex Chapter, Homerton, Darwin and Trinity Colleges, and the architects for organising and hosting us. #riba #architecture #cambridge

Some more great news! Our practice has been shortlisted for Building Design's Architect of the Year Awards for Public and Social Housing Architect of the Year and Social Value Award.