From this broad base we have developed specialisms, enabling us to offer a detailed knowledge, grounded within a wider context, of acoustics, computer modelling and building physics, specialist CAD, environmental audits, urban design and masterplanning. Buildings are responsible for over half the carbon emissions produced by our society.

We aim to minimise their impact on the environment by making use of passive design, considering building form and how it influences the environment within. From the start of a project we work with the design team to develop the form, fabric and orientation of buildings or groups of buildings to make the best use of solar gain and daylighting, minimise overheating, provide ventilation and control energy use. We identify ways in which energy consumption, use of resources and the production of waste can be reduced.

Recently completed work includes award winning arts projects such as the refurbishment of the Royal Festival Hall, The Young Vic and the RAF Museum in Cosford, innovative education work including the City of London Academy and Telford College in Edinburgh and sustainable exemplars such as Heelis, the National Trust HQ, Swindon, RSPB Rainham Marshes and Beaufort Court Zero-Emissions Office, Hertfordshire. We are currently working on over 100 projects at various stages of completion including Transforming Tate Modern in London, MAXXI gallery Rome’s new centre for contemporary arts and the Royal Museum of Edinburgh.

We also advise on strategies for generating renewable energy to help our clients meet the requirements of initiatives like the London Plan, which currently requires that 20% of the site’s energy demand be met by renewable means. Over forty years, the success of our approach has brought us many awards, including The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development and Building Magazine Sustainable Engineer of the Year Award 2008. We continue to develop and explore new ideas, working methods and technologies to stay at the forefront of our industry.