Design Works Engineering’s Post

Barnet Council has appointed Russell Curtis as Chair of the borough’s first-ever Quality Review Panel. The Quality Review Panel will test the fundamental design principles of planning proposals, playing a major role in the council’s commitment to exemplary, high-quality developments. Comprising 28 experts drawn from across the planning and design sectors, the independent panel will ensure design issues can be discussed at the early stages of the planning process. Its formation fulfils a key commitment of the council’s corporate plan. Russell Curtis is a well-known local architect and Founding Director of London-based firm RCKa, which specialises in innovative residential, community and commercial projects. Vice-chair Selina Mason, another local resident, is Director of Masterplanning and Strategic Design at Lendlease, focusing on urban regeneration masterplans. Cllr Ross Houston, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration, says: "I’m delighted that Barnet’s first-ever Quality Review Panel has now been formed, fulfilling a key pledge of the council’s plan for Barnet. The team of experts will help to deliver our commitment to high-quality development that complements the existing townscapes of our borough. At the same time, we’re strengthening our planning policies to focus on building communities, not just homes, to ensure that developments integrate well with surrounding areas, and to align with our ambitious environmental goals." https://lnkd.in/eZvyAsjS #qualityreviewpanel #designprinciples #panels #council #newappointment #development #planningpolicies #communities #environmentalgoals

Addressing the Missing Middle in Housing. This attractive and much-needed multi-residential housing development was achieved in the popular suburb of Hurstville through clever and efficient design on a complicated site. INSPIRED? – Read more in “The Missing Middle” blog – https://lnkd.in/gt8hiiU4 #dicksonrothschild, #MissingMiddle, #SustainableLiving , #DiverseHousing, #UrbanDevelopment, #SmartDesign

Another great achievement for #collinsrolston in the housing sector as we have secured a place to provide architectural services for social and affordable residential developments in a Regional Framework Agreement in the Republic of Ireland.  The four-year-long Regional Framework will deliver around 1,156 units in the counties of Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, Leitrim, Donegal and Galway.  The Framework is part of the Accelerated Delivery of Housing (ADP) program and promotes the adoption of Modern Methods of Construction. MMC or ‘smart construction’, is a faster way of delivering new buildings by maximising the efficiency of material and human resources. The project is funded by the Housing for All Strategy. “We are delighted to be part of yet another coveted program and contribute to a huge positive step towards creating a more sustainable and affordable housing market in Ireland,” commented Collins Rolston MD Mark Collins.  #collinsrolston #galwaycitycouncil#galwaycountycouncil#architecturalframework #architecture #housingproject #housinginireland #sligocountycouncil #roscommoncountycouncil #leitrimcountycouncil #donegalcountycouncil #residentialdevelopments

Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz highlighted the profound challenges of Australia's housing crisis, stemming from decades of inadequate supply and affordability issues. She emphasised urgent needs such as increased investment in social housing, streamlined planning systems, enhanced construction capacity, and strengthened rental security. Her call for bold measures and collaborative efforts resonates deeply with our commitment to addressing societal challenges through architecture. At DJAS Architecture we believe that secure, affordable housing is a fundamental right crucial for building a prosperous and inclusive society. Making a difference!

"City’s Compact Living Pilot helps developers tackle housing crisis" "The units [at 24 Westminster Avenue] are compact, thoughtfully designed and, according to DREAM Development Managing Director Gregory Minott, demonstrate the possibility for building affordable housing without subsidies." The Bay State Banner newspaper features construction progress of DREAM Collaborative, LLC's 24 Westminster Avenue, affordable housing without subsidy, and ADUs. Thank you to Yawu Miller for engaging us for this piece. Read here: https://lnkd.in/e5MA_q3N #affordablehousing #affordablehomeownership #development #developmentwithoutdisplacement #architecture #compactliving

We’re thrilled to be hosting Unlocking Nottingham: From Potential to Permission—a dynamic panel event designed to explore the exciting opportunities shaping Nottingham’s future! Join us on Thursday 23 January from 17:30 - 20:00, as Jenny Keen MRTPI, Sarah MacPherson MRTPI, Hannah Hamilton-Rutter and guest speakers Victoria Green and Paul Seddon discuss what landowners, developers, and their advisors, can do to take advantage of existing properties and land from small-scale conversions, adding additional storeys, to a complete redevelopment from the ground up. We will challenge the narrative that brownfield sites, conversions, and particularly historic buildings are ‘too hard’ or ‘too expensive’ to add commercial value to your portfolio. Following the development timeline from inception to delivery, we will cover the following key areas: - Demystifying design and heritage issues and opportunities - Making the most out of pre-application engagement - How the changing national and local plan context and legislation changes impact development in Nottingham Whether you're in development, design, or simply passionate about Nottingham’s future, this is your chance to be part of the conversation. https://lnkd.in/e-kYd6BE Nicki Edwards #UnlockingNottingham #UrbanGrowth #MarronsArchitecture #CityPlanning #SustainableDevelopment

AJC Group has submitted a Reserved Matters application to develop a 2.59-hectare site near Sturminster Newton into a sustainable community of 48 energy-efficient homes. The project, combining open-market and affordable housing, aims to address local needs, with construction set to begin in 2025. The homes will feature traditional designs inspired by the area’s architectural heritage. Simon McFarlane MRTPI, our Planning Director at AJC Group, said: “This part of Dorset has a significant shortfall in new housing, and projects like this are vital to ensure local people can remain in the place they call home.” Located 1.1km from Sturminster Newton, the site offers easy access to schools, shops, and transport links, forming part of AJC Group’s broader expansion across the Wessex region. Read the full story below: https://lnkd.in/e8hdeFMG #AJCGroup #SME #SMEHousebuilders #UKHousingMarket #RealEstateUK #AffordableHousing #HousingIndustry #Property #Housing #SustainableHomes

Architects and developers in the U.S. can learn more about design and affordable housing

Since the 1980s, KMA has been working with clients to preserve existing affordable housing projects. Per the National Housing Preservation Database, more than 50% of existing affordable housing projects are supported by Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs). In addition to LIHTC, Historic Tax Credits (HTCs) can be twinned in the capital stack for a project. In the next five years, 7% of publicly supported rental homes will face expiring affordability restrictions. Across the country these units require immediate investment to ensure the preservation of affordable housing units throughout the communities in which they are located. In addition, there has been a rise in the adaptive reuse of vacant properties into affordable housing. In some cases these properties qualify for HTCs which allow the existing building to breathe new life and revitalize the community without displacing the original neighborhood context. KMA Design Studio Affordable Housing Projects have mentioned in this video: Carl Mackley Apartments, Bergenview Urban Renewal Apartments, and The Duffy School Apartments. #preservation #architecture #affordablehousing #design #historicpreservation #sustainability

Buchan's Carol Leung joined peers for an engaging panel discussion at Sydney Build last week on ‘Reimagining Suburbs of NSW: Innovation at the Heart of Design’. The panel considered the modern definition of a 'suburb', evolving perceptions, and the sustainability implications of ongoing urban sprawl, along with the influence of housing policies on ‘good design’. One key topic explored was the Build to Rent (BTR) model, seen as a solution to provide higher-quality housing and adapt to changing demands. There was also discussion around evolving BTR into 'Build-To-Rent-To-Buy', as a way to potentially address the intergenerational housing wealth gap and revitalise neighbourhood communities affected by short-term rentals.   Changes in planning through the new TOD developments and Pattern Book of Housing were also recognised as a positive step forward, but that there was need for more open dialogue between government stakeholders, better oversight and longer-term thinking and a multi-disciplinary design approach to challenge the ways we densify to support a better outcome in the evolution of our suburbs and cities.   #buchan #design #architecture #masterplanning #urbanplanning #urbanrenewal #suburbanrenewal #BTR #community #sydney #sydneybuild