Blogs

The UK housing crisis is one of the most pressing challenges facing local councils today. With Christmas approaching, this season of generosity is a stark reminder that thousands of families and individuals remain homeless, without a safe or warm place to call home. As councils work tirelessly to address this issue, innovative strategies such as retrofitting and vacant property refurbishment offer hope for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Farah, our Marketing and Communications Officer for the Midlands, London and South East region, had the opportunity to volunteer at Ickenham Marsh with London Wildlife Trust. This charity promotes wildlife conservation and fosters connections between people and nature.

As the drive for net zero and energy efficiency intensifies, public sector organisations are under growing pressure to retrofit and decarbonise their buildings. According to the UK government, heating in buildings accounts for around 23% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

The architecture profession does not reflect the ethnic diversity of the communities it serves, especially in London. This gap is a major challenge for creating inclusive places and spaces. 

Our recent event in partnership with LHC explored ways in which we can and should change the way our industry procures architecture and design services in order to deliver better a built environment for local people. 

It has been six months since the LHC region officially extended its services to the Midlands. The LHC region previously focused solely on London and the South East, now encompasses the East Midlands, West Midlands, and East of England, which has bought a host of benefits to our clients.

In July, Annie Ngemi, our Business Coordinator at LHC, dedicated her time to a charity day with the Wonderful World Holiday Bible Club organised by Rayners Lane Baptist Church (RLBC) in Harrow. Rayners Lane Baptist Church (RLBC), a registered charity (#1129399), hosts a range of free events for the community, including the Wonderful World Holiday Bible Club, where children aged 5-11 can participate in a fun day filled with activities.

We are delighted to introduce Steve Fed, our new Technical Support Manager for the Midlands region. Steve's wealth of experience and expertise in the industry, along with his background in Architecture and his strong foundation in surveying roles within the Housing and Education sectors, make him a valuable asset to our team. 

The King’s Speech marks an important moment in any government as it sets its agenda for the next parliamentary period. For Labour, it represents their first opportunity to deliver change after a lengthy period in opposition. What does this mean for housing? 

My experience working within the public sector has been very meaningful and fulfilling. I provide support and advice on procurement processes, project management, and quality control, all of which aim to improve the community and quality of life.

Our recent Summer Conference on Fire Safety, Disrepair, and Modernisation was a great success, bringing together industry experts, professionals, and stakeholders to discuss vital topics shaping the built environment. Read the full article to learn about some of the key highlights from the event.