Autumn Statement comment: Policy must drive change

Statements from the Chancellor of the Exchequer aren’t always cause for celebration, but this one has left us feeling cautiously optimistic. Chris Coxon, Head of Marketing at Eurocell, takes a view. Wrapped up as the National Productivity Investment Fund –... View Article

Electricity kills – landlords deserve clarity around safety

The Housing and Planning Act has made it on to the statute books and it includes electrical safety provisions for the private rented sector. Phil Buckle, director general of campaigning consumer charity Electrical Safety First, explains why electrical checks are necessary. Electricity kills one... View Article

A lesson to learn

Creating educational buildings with zero energy usage and carbon footprints is perfectly possible. So why aren’t we building more? Neil Smith of design firm UK Energy Partners shares his thoughts. There’s no doubt the way we design and construct buildings consumes... View Article

Knowledge is power

Teachers know schools best and their input can be vital during a redesign. Pellings partner Nicolas Maari argues for the benefits of encouraging teachers to have a say in the design of UK schools. The soaring demand for school places... View Article

Opinion: Carbon neutrality – a norm, not an aspiration

Earlier this year the Government scrapped its zero carbon homes plan – again. Darren Evans outlines why architects and developers must not abandon the zero carbon agenda. In May of this year the Government overruled the House of Lords and scrapped the... View Article

Smart answers on smart homes

Ben Johnson, director of Powertrac Electrical Services, a Berkshire-based smart home and electrical contractor, answers some of the frequently asked questions on smart homes. What is a smart home? In short, a smart home intelligently automates and allows you to... View Article

Exclusive blog: Turning awards into media coverage

Alex Blyth, Joint MD at PR and new business agency Red Setter reveals how thought leadership can push your practice to greater heights. This week’s CGarchitect Architectural 3D Awards saw some outstanding examples of the power of design. Amongst our favourite winners was Alexey Zakharov,... View Article

CITB Statement: Apprenticeship Levy Update

In spring 2017 the way the government funds apprenticeships in England is changing. Some employers will be required to contribute to a new apprenticeship levy, and there will be changes to the funding for apprenticeship training for all employers. Steve... View Article

Better quality – the unexpected benefit from Brexit?

In the absence of a crystal ball, is it impossible to predict how construction companies will fare following the vote for Brexit? Phil Bloomfield, British Board of Agrément (BBA) Commercial Director writes. Within days of the vote being announced it... View Article

Practice profile – Chapman Taylor

Norman Hayden calls on architect Chapman Taylor which has been on an international journey, starting at Scotland Yard. The Metropolitan Police headquarters at New Scotland Yard, central London is one of the most recognisable buildings in the country. With its... View Article