Useful Simple Trust

"No design brief I have ever seen has required a plan for end-of-life recovery." For nearly three decades, Professor Sophie Thomas has challenged how we design, consume, and discard. From leading The Great Recovery to pioneering sustainable materials, she has driven circular design thinking forward. Sophie spoke to Katie Walsh, Founder of THE RE-PETE PROJECT- a fellow B Corp transitioning the fashion industry from linear to circular - to answer 10 questions, sharing her insights on why designers must rethink the process, working backwards to drive progress, and the vital role of collaboration across the supply chain. 🔗 Read the interview in full here - https://lnkd.in/eTG3nznd Thomas.Matthews | Useful Simple Trust  #CircularEconomy #SustainableDesign #RethinkingWaste 

This week’s announcement by The Crown Estate is a significant step forward in tackling some of the UK’s housing challenges. By partnering with visionaries such as GS8, igloo Regeneration, and TOWN., these projects aim to redefine what is possible in sustainable design, energy-efficient construction, and creating inclusive, thriving communities. These initiatives in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Cheshire are opportunities for local communities to shape how housing can reflect their needs and aspirations while setting a new standard for the industry. We look forward to working alongside igloo, TOWN and The Crown Estate, to set a new model for housing delivery that brings long-term benefits the communities they serve within planetary limits.  🔗 View the announcement in full here - https://lnkd.in/eev-FX4w.  Useful Simple Trust | Useful Projects  #HousingInnovation #CommunityBuilding #SME

We are seeking an experienced Associate Structural Engineer to bring strong design, delivery, and leadership skills to our Structures team. This role offers the opportunity to lead exciting projects, mentor a talented team, and contribute to research and innovation in structural engineering. ✅ As an Associate, you will ensure the successful delivery of projects aligned with our ethos and objectives, while also playing a key role in commercial management and business development. ✨ This role is ideal for someone with a blend of technical expertise, leadership potential, and a passion for building meaningful client relationships. Learn more and apply here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/exZ8kE3e.  Useful Simple Trust  #AssociateStructuralEngineer #StructuralEngineering #JobVacancy  

We are seeking an Associate Director to play a pivotal role in advancing energy planning. This is a rare opportunity to work on pioneering energy transition projects with forward-thinking clients, helping shape a more sustainable future. As part of our Sustainability Masterplanning team, you will collaborate across Expedition Engineering Ltd and Useful Projects to create and implement innovative net zero strategies. Your role will include: 🟢 Shaping business strategy as part of our leadership team. 🌱 Overseeing impactful project delivery while mentoring and growing our energy team. ♻️ Leading key projects such as energy strategies for developments, decarbonisation plans, feasibility studies, and district energy concepts. 👥 Working with a mix of private and public organisations, tackling challenges across regional, district, and building scales. If you are looking to lead in the energy transition and thrive in shaping solutions that make a difference, we would love to hear from you. Explore this opportunity and apply here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e_sWhrdv Useful Simple Trust #AssociateDirector #EnergyAndCarbon #Engineering 

🚨 New Vacancy Alert 🚨 We are looking for a Chartered Engineer to take a leading role in delivering impactful structural engineering projects. As a Senior Structural Engineer, you will: ⚙️ Manage small engineering projects or key components of larger ones, ensuring alignment with objectives and our core values. 💫 Lead and coordinate teams to deliver high-quality results. 🤝 Play a pivotal role in training and mentoring colleagues, helping to shape the next generation of talent. 🧠 Develop your skills, with tailored support and a clear focus on professional growth. If you are driven by meaningful work, technical excellence, and the opportunity to mentor and lead, we would love to hear from you. Learn more and apply here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/epbwSuBf. Useful Simple Trust #SeniorStructuralEngineer #StructuralEngineering #JobVacancy 

The UK’s new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are here. Shifting the cost of packaging disposal from taxpayers to producers, this change aims to reduce material footprints, encourage sustainable packaging, and revolutionise the design industry. Sophie Thomas, Founding Director of Thomas.Matthews, joined Margaret Bates to discuss the role of designers in this shift with Rob Alderson at Design Week: EPR aims to mainstream sustainability conversations, empowering designers to push for responsible solutions, and it is crucial that designers engage clients in positive conversations about future-proofing their packaging strategies as the financial and environmental stakes rise. 🗨️ As Sophie explains: “Every brief needs to be rewritten, and every step needs to be rethought. We need to stop designing for obsolescence and start building things to last. If a client wants to use something that’s beautiful but not recyclable, then they could end up paying considerably more. The responsibility of the designer to really understand the materials becomes very critical at that point.” More than just regulation, this is an opportunity for innovation – a brilliant step forward, not just for packaging, but for design sustainability overall. Read the article in full here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eZCVanWU. #PackagingDesign #CircularEconomy #Innovation 

On the sixth day of Christmas, we reveal… Judith Sykes FREng! Judith is shaping national infrastructure by embedding sustainable design principles with the National Infrastructure Commission’s Design Group. 🎁 Shape the future, register today - https://lnkd.in/ewYDrEaF #Fuurebuild2025 #Sustainability #InfrastructureDesign #ShapeTheFuture #FutureLeaders #SustainableDesign #NIC

How can design create a sense of belonging in urban spaces? Our work with London Borough of Newham and Stratford Original explored this question through a series of creative interventions aimed at making Stratford Town Centre more welcoming. Drawing inspiration from its grid-like Victorian shopfronts, we developed brightly coloured murals and a broader visual identity to highlight the area’s character and history. Engaging with local poetry groups and using tactile design elements like letterpress-inspired graphics, we created bold designs that celebrate Stratford’s past whilst looking to its future. These interventions were part of a two-year public realm improvement plan, bringing a renewed sense of pride and value to the local community and businesses. 🔗 Learn more about how we can help places connect with people here - https://lnkd.in/eZm6zMPA.  #CommunicationDesign #CulturalPlacemaking #StratfordCityCentre 

Earlier this month, Anna Biggs enjoyed volunteering with Sustrans on ‘The Hidden Engineering Behind Public Spaces, Art, and Play’ project. As a collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering, the project targeted young people from backgrounds underrepresented in engineering, with the aim of shining a light on the role of engineers and designers in spaces not generally thought of as ‘engineered’, including parks, public art, and broader public realm. Anna helped in the design and running of the bespoke walking tour for the local young people, across the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) area. Having worked closely with the OPDC in her role as a Sustainability Consultant over the last year, Anna helped identify sustainable design elements along the route. After the tour, the students were tasked with developing their own ‘masterplan’ for the public realm, to which Anna commented: “I was particularly impressed by the suggestion of cycle lanes, electric bike hire schemes, cycle parking, and even a new pedestrian/bike-only bridge. They were also keen to integrate more greenery and ponds into the parks to support wildlife and prevent flooding. It was a great experience seeing a younger generation learning so quickly about sustainability and engineering.” A huge thank you to Sustrans for organising and all the participants for getting stuck in! Expedition Engineering Ltd | Useful Projects| Useful Simple Trust  #LearningAndDevelopment #HiddenEngineering #SustainabilityMasterplanning 

As the year draws to a close, we at the Useful Simple Trust want to thank our clients, friends, and collaborators for being part of our journey. Together we have pushed boundaries, created impact, and continued to work hard to benefit people and planet. This year, our collective work has been a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation, and we want to thank you for your partnership and trust. Wishing you a happy holiday and New Year filled with joy, peace, and continued success. Let’s keep trailblazing together in 2025! This year, in memory of our dear friend and colleague Simon Bradbury, we are supporting Melonoma Focus - https://lnkd.in/eZgT5Jwb. Expedition Engineering Ltd | Useful Projects | Useful Studio - Architecture | Thomas.Matthews   #HappyHolidays #SeasonsGreetings #MerryChristmas