SMR Architects’ Post

Not sure of the background to this but once again the fragility and slim margins of survival for architectural practices is brought into sharp focus. Many of us are not naturally business orientated but that is no excuse for late or deferred payment of fees, or expecting professional services to be provided at a fraction of the budget which doesn’t even allow many projects to be delivered ‘at cost’. Award winning practices should not be going to the wall, but it just goes to show that platitudes and gongs are worthless if they do not allow businesses to survive and prosper. I’m aware that I’m banging on a lot about this on here at the moment, but whilst fees continue to be compressed and the risk placed on architects continues to increase, there is little in the way of protection that seems to be available, and the RIBA continue to stay silent on the issue of fees and remuneration, instead choosing to promote an £85 million ‘house of architecture’ vanity project. So what to do… 1. Reintroduce the mandatory fee scale. 2. Make payment of fees properly enforceable with full legal weighting from the professional bodies we pay annual subscriptions for to chase bad debtors for non-payment of fees. 3. Have a long hard look at the procurement of architectural services and how client bodies should be held more accountable for their fiscal responsibilities. 4. Reduce the use of D&B contracts and limit novation. Things need to change. Now. #architect #architecture #fees #business

Architects are not just designers of buildings; we are also at times called upon to be custodians of history. Nowhere is this more evident than in historic neighborhoods like Austin's Hyde Park, Old West Austin, or Guadalupe. Here, the past plays a pivotal role in the future. While we produce designs that are honest in their contemporaneity, we must also be mindful of the sensitive balance between the present and preservation.⁠ ⁠ It's important to be familiar with historic design standards before embarking on a design project in a historic neighborhood. In Austin, as in many cities, the local Historical Landmark Commission (HLC) upholds the integrity of these cherished locales by enforcing historic design standards.⁠ Knowledge of the HLC and being able to work with them is vital. Why? ⁠ First and foremost, it ensures that your vision aligns with the unique character and charm of historic neighborhoods. Historic design standards provide invaluable insights into the architectural styles, materials, and elements that define and are appropriate to your neighborhood's historic fabric. By ensuring that a new design or addition is both unique, and congruent with these standards, we honor the past while promoting the harmonious growth of the community.⁠

Lendlease Proposes Updated £1.9bn Smithfield Plans in Birmingham Lendlease, in collaboration with its design team featuring David Kohn Architects, has resubmitted plans for the £1.9 billion Smithfield area project in Birmingham's city centre. Last October, modifications were reported as the developer had to make significant design adjustments to its original planning application filed a year ago. This was prompted by objections from Historic England regarding potential harm to the historic cityscape and concerns from the government's heritage watchdog about disturbing 'significant medieval remains.' The revised plans also incorporate adjustments to comply with forthcoming changes to fire safety legislation, necessitating a second staircase in residential buildings over 18m tall. The masterplan for the 17ha site, home to Birmingham’s historic markets, was devised by Prior + Partners with New York High Line lead James Corner Field Operations. It features contributions from RCKa, Stirling Prize-winners dRMM and Haworth Tompkins, as well as local practices Intervention Architecture and Minesh Patel Architects. Significant alterations were made to the proposed market designed by David Kohn Architects and Birmingham-based ‘artist-run multiverse’ Eastside Projects. Originally set above the buried remains of the historic moat and manor house of the de Birmingham family, the indoor markets (Plot 5A) will now be relocated north to avoid the archaeology. https://lnkd.in/dGzuW7_t

It's great to see this article about the approval of our plans for Derby's Friar Gate Goods Yard in Architects’ Journal. Adam McPartland, Director of Glancy Nicholls Architects, said: “We are overjoyed that the required funds can now be invested into saving these distressed 150-year-old listed buildings. Glancy Nicholls Architects has proudly brought its expertise in restoration and retrofit design to visualise the sustainable future of two of Derby city centre’s most notable historic structures.   “From the outset, the overarching brief from Wavensmere Homes was for a huge emphasis to be placed on exemplary placemaking. By having a mix of commercial uses within the two buildings – and opening the inaccessible site up to create a series of new linear parks – hundreds of people will be able to appreciate these heritage assets on a daily basis.   “The designs for the 227 two- and three-bedroom townhouses that will surround the two listed buildings are bespoke. Curved and terraced street scenes will celebrate the beauty and vista of the Bonded Warehouse, while incorporating a range of energy saving technologies and strategies. "A four-storey apartment building containing 49 apartments will also reinstate the lost streetscape of the Stafford Street frontage. The highest EPC rating of A is being targeted for the new houses, with all plots designed to be future-proofed ahead of the 2025 Future Homes Standard.” Read Anna Highfield's article here: https://lnkd.in/e4FRthwd

As conversations around historic preservation juxtapose with evolving cityscapes, Birmingham's Ringway Centre has become the focal point of a debate. Agitating the norm, campaigners are challenging the city council's decision to dismantle this iconic mid-20th-century structure, citing its significant contribution to the urban fabric and modernist architecture of Birmingham. Designed by the celebrated architect James Roberts, also renowned for the city's Rotunda building, the Ringway Centre has been a unique emblem of Birmingham's embrace of the automobile during the '60s and '70s. Opened during a time when the city underwent a substantial architectural redesign, the Ringway Centre's sweeping curve design made it a part of the city's "concrete collar." Despite the structure lying dormant as businesses moved out, advocates argue that the Ringway Centre holds immense potential for repurposing. They highlight successful retrofitting projects like Park Hill in Sheffield and Birmingham's Beneficial Building to underline how these buildings can regain their relevance without tearing them down. Acknowledging the city council's commitment to achieving net zero carbon by 2030, campaigners propose that retrofitting the Ringway Centre to become an energy-efficient building is a more sustainable choice than its demolition. However, proponents of change contend that the demolition will better cater to pedestrian mobility and better reflect the city's shifted focus from car-oriented design. How these varying perspectives will shape the future of this remarkable structure underscores the complexity of the evolution of our urban landscapes. #engineering #architecture #urbanplanning #history #sustainability

Touching the sky has never been just about height. The Wilshire Grand Center in Los Angeles stands as a testament to this, not merely scraping the sky, but weaving into the fabric of urban development and technological innovation. Beyond its impressive stature as one of the tallest buildings in the U.S., it's the story of ambition, resilience, and pioneering spirit. This architectural marvel showcases cutting-edge construction techniques, with a top that defies the traditional spire, marking a new era of skyscraper design. But it’s not just what meets the eye. Its foundation, deeply anchored into the earth, represents the unseen strength and foresight that goes into such grand creations. The Wilshire Grand is more than a building; it's a beacon of sustainability, boasting energy-efficient systems that challenge the norms of high-rise constructions. It’s a hub of commerce, hospitality, and leisure, all while being an integral part of Los Angeles' skyline and identity. As professionals, we can draw inspiration from the Wilshire Grand Center. It reminds us that reaching new heights in our careers isn't just about the accolades or titles. It's about the foundation we build, the innovations we bring to our fields, and the legacy we leave behind. What architectural feat inspires you in your professional journey? Share your thoughts below.

As stewards of our architectural heritage, commercial construction companies specializing in historic building preservation play a vital role in ensuring that these treasures of the past continue to enrich our communities for generations to come. However, navigating the complexities of historic preservation requires a delicate balance between honoring the past and meeting the present needs. #HistoricBuildingPreservation #CommercialConstruction https://lnkd.in/eWGCgTt5

The key to designing successful tall buildings: As tall buildings rise, so does the need for thoughtful design and public trust, writes Tom Mitchell, partner at Metropolitan Workshop LLP

I am back in Preston and that means a visit to one of my favourite buildings Preston Bus Station: A Monument to Modernist Vision and Civic Resilience In the heart of Preston, Lancashire, stands a structure that embodies the intersection of ambition, design, and public service: Preston Bus Station. To many, it's more than just a transport hub—it's a symbol of civic pride, architectural brilliance, and resilience in the face of change. Opened in 1969, this iconic building was once Europe’s largest bus station, a bold testament to the optimism of the post-war era. Its sweeping, curved concrete lines and vast scale reflect the modernist vision of architects Keith Ingham and Charles Wilson, creating a sense of flow and dynamism that mirrored the progressive aspirations of the time. Yet, the story of Preston Bus Station isn’t just about its striking design. It’s a story of survival. In the early 2000s, the station faced the very real threat of demolition. For some, it was a relic of a bygone era, out of place in a rapidly evolving city. But for others, it was a landmark worth fighting for. A passionate campaign led by local communities, architects, and heritage groups culminated in 2013 when the building was awarded Grade II listed status, securing its place in the city’s future. Since then, Preston Bus Station has undergone a transformation, balancing its historic significance with modern functionality. The redevelopment, completed in 2018, saw a sensitive restoration that respected the original design while improving facilities for today’s commuters. It’s now a bustling hub once again, serving as a gateway to Preston and a reminder of the city’s rich architectural heritage. Preston Bus Station is more than just a place where buses come and go—it’s a symbol of how communities can come together to preserve their heritage, how thoughtful design can endure the test of time, and how modernism, even in concrete, can remain a living part of our urban landscape. Next time you’re in Preston, take a moment to appreciate this remarkable structure. It's not just a bus station; it’s a piece of history that continues to serve the community, connecting people and places while standing tall as a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring relevance of great design. #Architecture #Heritage #Modernism #PrestonBusStation #CivicPride #UrbanDesign

Hello London Architects! 👋 Ever opened a golden envelope? Well, imagine this post is one gleaming with potential and opportunity. We're #NU & Award-Winning Cochrane Design, in the business of turning architectural dreams into brick-and-mortar realities. 🏗️ Our Specialty: We've built our reputation brick by brick, focusing on creating high-end projects in London. Our work is a testament to quality, innovation, and sustainable design. 🌆 Why We're Reaching Out: London's skyline is an architectural marvel, and we're eager to collaborate with the creative minds sculpting our city's future. We've admired your visionary projects – from the sleek lines of modern design to the respectful restoration of historic buildings. 🤝 Our Proposal: We want to connect with forward-thinking architects as passionate about transforming London as we are. Let's collaborate to make those blueprints a reality! Whether it's a residential haven, a cutting-edge commercial space, or a unique, sustainable project, we're here to build it. ☕ Let's Talk: Interested in a chat over coffee or a virtual meet-up? We'd love to discuss how we can work together to contribute to London's architectural legacy. 📞 Get in Touch: Feel free to reach out directly here on LinkedIn or contact us at info@nuprojects.co Together, let's shape the future of London's architecture, one innovative project at a time. We're not just building structures; we're building the future. #LondonArchitecture #BuildingDreams #Collaboration #Innovation #SustainableDesign