Housing is for people. The spaces our buildings and the surrounding landscape . around buildings should allow for children to play out with their friends, people sit on benches to chat, a place where we feel safe even at night, where neighbours look out for one another.
Collaborative Design
Over the last decade, we have developed extensive experience in delivering Community Led housing projects. We have put local residents and communities at the heart of of our design process, making sure that the projects we design are true to their place.
We have worked with Community Land Trusts, almshouse charities and local organisations to deliver affordable homes, community facilities and neighbourhood masterplans that celebrate what makes an area unique.
Stage 1: Engagement
Over time, we have refined a community led design process that balances local insight with technical expertise. These stages provide a structured approach to understanding place, exploring opportunities and developing solutions that reflect the needs of communities while meeting project objectives.
Technical review and site analysis
We assess the site's physical, environmental, planning and infrastructure context to identify key constraints and opportunities, providing a robust evidence base to inform future design decisions.
Collaborative Design Development
Through workshops, sketching, modelling and stakeholder engagement, we explore options for movement, access, public realm, landscape and development form, helping to establish a clear and deliverable vision for the site.
Delivery & Implementation Strategy
We evaluate construction methodologies, phasing approaches and sustainability measures, including SuDS and biodiversity enhancements, to develop practical strategies for successful project delivery.
Stage 2: Presentation
At this stage, the findings and ideas developed through engagement and analysis are brought together into a clear set of proposals. We use presentations, consultation and design review processes to test emerging concepts, refine the project brief and build confidence among stakeholders, communities and decision makers.
Presentation of Findings & Design Options
We present the outcomes of Stage 1, including key insights, opportunities and constraints, alongside a range of design options and appraisals. This helps stakeholders understand the rationale behind each approach and provides a basis for informed discussion and feedback.
Brief Development & Design Refinement
Using feedback from the community, project team and key stakeholders, we define the project brief and develop initial design proposals. This process ensures that emerging designs respond to local priorities while remaining technically robust and commercially deliverable.
Planning Engagement & Review
We engage with planning authorities through pre-application discussions and design review processes, gathering feedback on the developing proposals. The outcomes are then reported back to stakeholders and used to refine the scheme before progressing to the next stage.
Stage 3: Design Development & Consensus Building
Following the presentation and review of initial proposals, the project moves into a more detailed design phase. Through drawings, models and visualisations, we test ideas, communicate proposals clearly and continue working with stakeholders to refine the scheme and build consensus around a preferred solution.
Detailed Design Development
We develop the preferred option through architectural drawings, plans and technical studies, ensuring the design responds to project objectives, stakeholder feedback and site-specific requirements.
Visualisation & Model Making
Physical card and timber models, CAD models and CGI visualisations are used as design tools to test ideas, explore alternatives and communicate proposals in an accessible and engaging way.
Feedback, Refinement & Consensus
We present the evolving design to stakeholders and the wider community, gathering feedback and responding to comments. Through an iterative process of review and refinement, we work towards a shared vision and broad consensus before progressing to the next stage.
