WWA Studios

🏗️ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗢𝗮𝗸𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 It is great to see the progress made at Oakwood Court Sussex Housing & Care by Niblock Building Contractors. The exterior of the building is complete, with fantastic progress being made internally. It is great to see the rooms taking shape, and the surrounding trees help set the building in the landscape and will provide a calming and green environment for future residents. We look forward to further progress and everyone on site is doing an excellent job. It is great when the building looks like the CGIs! #WWAStudios #Architecture #UrbanDesign #TownPlanning #CareHome #Extension #Development #Sussex

💡 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆-𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? Recent changes to UK town planning policy and advancements in energy storage technology have made it possible for communities to harness local power. Learn how Community Land Trusts and Battery Energy Storage Systems are creating a pathway to energy autonomy while overcoming planning challenges. Take a look at our latest article, where our expert planners thoughtfully explore this complex topic in detail >>> https://lnkd.in/dHmRJ6vR #WWAStudios #Architecture #TownPlanning #UrbanDesign #CommunityEnergy #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #TownPlanning Ifti Maniar - BArch MA MSc MRTPI

💡𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳💡 With public sentiment shifting towards sustainability, retrofitting buildings has become a smarter, greener alternative to demolition. But did you know that engaging a certified Retrofit Coordinator could make all the difference—especially for publicly funded projects? At WWA, our dual-qualified Architects and Retrofit Coordinators, Matt Jackson and Ewan Green, ensure every retrofit project is approached holistically, balancing design, cost efficiency, and energy performance. From understanding existing building fabric to creating phased energy-saving plans, their expertise helps clients save money, reduce carbon emissions, and avoid costly mistakes. Here’s why retrofit matters: 🏡 80% of today’s buildings will still be in use in 2050. 🌍 Retrofitting reduces embodied and operational carbon significantly. ⚡ The UK needs to retrofit 97% of its homes by 2040 to meet Net Zero targets. Read the full article in the following link: https://lnkd.in/d9-PpnPD 🛠️ Want to future-proof your building while saving energy and costs? Contact Matthew Jackson or Ewan Green to learn how our Retrofit Coordinator services can help you. Contact us on 📞 0208 941 5161 (London Studio) or 0123 552 3139 (Oxford Studio). #WWAStudios #Architecture #UrbanDesign #TownPlanning #Sustainability #Retrofit #Architects #ClimateAction #RIBA2030Challenge

📢 We are delighted to share that we have been successfully appointed to South East Consortium’s Asset & Development Consultancy Framework, which was launched on the 21st of January 2025 and is now live for customers to use. The framework is free to access and connects you with a range of experienced consultants delivering services to the public sector who are ready to support you with your projects. WWA is listed as number one under Lot 7, offering planning services. We can offer a wide range of advice on all matters concerned with planning, development, and environmental issues surrounding building projects. Alternatively, if you would like a free consultation with our Planning Director, Ifti Maniar - BArch MA MSc MRTPI, contact us on 0123 552 3139. To view the website, click on the following link>>> https://lnkd.in/ewC9eXJM #WWAStudios #Architecture #UrbanDesign #TownPlanning #PlanningDevelopment #BuildingProjects #Developments #Environment

🎉 Celebrating 140 Years of Design Excellence! 🎉 In 1885, John George Timothy West, an Abingdon native and visionary architect, founded what we now proudly know as WWA. Working from his home, The Knowl on Stert Street, West combined his architectural practice with roles as an estate agent, surveyor, and even debt collector—ensuring he could pursue his passion for design during a time when architecture alone was rarely profitable. West’s early projects included the chapel and gymnasium for Abingdon School, the Free Library on High Street, and the Tesdale Terrace housing row. His legacy grew through his contributions to community buildings like the Wantage Community Hospital and Abingdon’s Isolation Hospital, alongside his active service as a mayor, councillor, and churchwarden. J.G.T. West’s son, Archibald (A.B. West), began his career as a government surveyor and later joined his father’s practice in the 1092’s. As the practice evolved, Archibald handed over the business to his son, Duncan West, in the 1950’s, who later merged the company with Philip Waddy’s firm in 1986, forming the foundation for West Waddy. The firm expanded into a planning consultancy in 1999 and, more recently, merged with London-based Archadia to shape the innovative, multidisciplinary practice we proudly are today. From its origins in Abingdon to becoming a trusted name in architecture, town planning, and urban design, WWA remains dedicated to crafting exceptional spaces that reflect a commitment to creativity, sustainability, and community. Here’s to 140 years of shaping the built environment—and many more to come! 🏛️✨   #WWAStudios #Architecture #TownPlanning #UrbanDesign #140Years #ArchitecturalHeritage #BuiltEnvironment #DesignLegacy #DesignExcellence

WWA was approached to provide planning advice for the redevelopment of a former commercial chicken farm, a site with a challenging planning history, including multiple refusals and a dismissed appeal. Recognising the significant objections any new commercial development would face, our team carefully reassessed the site’s potential. Through a thorough review, we identified a compelling planning argument: leaving the site undeveloped would result in an ongoing eyesore. By emphasising the benefits of the proposed scheme—including rural employment opportunities, highway improvements, biodiversity net gain, and landscape enhancements—we demonstrated that these outweighed the general presumption against development in the semi-rural location. After months of negotiations, WWA secured outline and reserved matters approval for seven rural business units, parking, and landscaping. This project will transform the site, enhancing the area’s character while delivering sustainable economic and environmental benefits. Our team has extensive experience in rural planning, delivering strategies that serve the best interests of our clients, the wider community, and the environment. Call us today to find out how we can maximise your site’s development potential! ☎️ 0123 552 3139 #WWAStudios #Architecture #UrbanDesign #TownPlanning #PlanningApplications

🚀 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆! Ready to elevate your town planning career with an award-winning team? WWA is hiring a Town Planner to join us, offering fantastic benefits, hybrid working, and plenty of room for growth! 🌟 Think this could be your next move? Then have a look at our vacancy and complete our short questionnaire or tag someone who might be interested! Join us as a Town Planner >>> https://lnkd.in/dr5HKMaS #WWAStudios #Architecture #TownPlanning #UrbanDesign #CareerOpportunity #TownPlanner #JoinOurTeam

🎉 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗝𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗲! 🎉 This year, we bid a fond farewell to two of our longest-serving and most valued team members, Jean Hanna and Steve Pickles, as they embark on their well-earned retirements. 🌟 JEAN HANNA With an incredible 26 years of dedication to the practice, Jean retires as our Design Director—starting with Archadia and continuing through the merger with West Waddy to form WWA—Jean’s legacy is truly remarkable. From projects like Hythe in Egham, Maidment Court, and Eden House, as well as her incredible input with Charlie Ratchford Court, to name a few, Jean’s contributions have shaped the very fabric of our work. Known for her creativity and flair in design, Jean’s ability to find space where no one else could (perhaps thanks to her love of jigsaw puzzles!) has been nothing short of a superpower. As Mark said, “Jean taught me so much, from designing accessibly during my early career to providing invaluable guidance at the director level and in board meetings. A standout moment for me was Jean’s leadership during Patrick’s retirement, guiding a young design team through a challenging transition. Her mentorship and effort were instrumental in making that period a success, and the business owes Jean a great deal of gratitude for it.” 🌟 Steve Pickles After 17 years with West Waddy and later WWA, Steve retires as our Senior Town Planner, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy. Having joined in 2007 after serving as Senior Policy Planner at Oxford City Council—where he played a pivotal role in shaping the Local Oxford Plan—Steve seamlessly transitioned from the public to the private sector, becoming an indispensable asset to both our company and our clients. As Philip said; “Steve’s near-encyclopaedic knowledge of planning law and policy has been a cornerstone of our success, enabling us to navigate complex planning landscapes with confidence. His meticulous attention to detail and extraordinary work ethic have contributed to an outstanding planning success rate, including a remarkable year with a 100% planning approval rate—a testament to his expertise and dedication.” Steve has been a reliable and dedicated team member, earning the trust of colleagues and clients with his collaborative spirit and loyalty. As he moves on to enjoy his well-earned retirement, Steve leaves behind an incredible legacy of professional achievement and personal kindness. His influence will continue to resonate across the practice for years to come. 𝗔 𝗙𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 Jean and Steve, your contributions to WWA are immeasurable, and your presence will be deeply missed. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your dedication and professionalism over the years. Here’s to a happy and fulfilling retirement filled with new adventures and cherished moments! 💫 #WWAStudios #Architecture #TownPlanning #UrbanDesign #Retirement #ThankYou #TeamWWA #Legacy 

🎄 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗪𝗔 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺! 🎄 We’d like to extend our warmest wishes to all our clients and collaborators for a joyful festive season and a New Year filled with success, happiness, and prosperity. ✨ ⭐ Please note: Our offices will be closed from Wednesday, 25 December 2024, and we’ll reopen on Thursday, 2 January 2025. ⭐ Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to working with you in the New Year! 🌟 #WWAStudios #Architecture #UrbanDesign #TownPlanning #MerryChristmas #HappyNewYear2025Season

We’re proud to sign a letter to Rt Hon Rachel Reeves today, to send the message loud and clear: #KeepFundingL7Apprenticeships. Employers need high-level skills, the UK economy needs high-level skills, and workers need the opportunity to upskill. WWA is proud of our record in training and supporting our staff to gain additional qualifications. We currently have a member of the team undertaking his Level 7 apprenticeship, and the benefits when compared to a traditional study of the masters degree are clear. The employee is better prepared for the working life of an architect and also has no debt on completion of the course. We urge the defunding of such courses to be reconsidered. To read the press release, view the letter and signatories, more information can be found in the following link: https://lnkd.in/de7X4ThV #WWAStudios #Architecture #UrbanDesign #TownPlanning #Education #Apprenticeships #KeepFunding