Architect and Studio Tutor with Ateliers ‘Some Kind of Nature’ and ‘Non Standard Habitats’
As a qualified Architect and Practice Founder, Neil has built on over 30 years of realising projects and nearly 20 years of studio teaching, consolidating a critical approach to professional architectural practice with an integrated, environmental and social agenda.
His professional practice at an ethically led design cooperative has pursued sustainable new build and refurbishment across varied building typologies, including public, voluntary, domestic, educational and small/medium scale commercial sectors, with projects recognised by the AJ Retrofit awards. Diverse roles have included Project Architect, Lead Consultant, Sustainability in Design (SiD) advisor, Visiting Critic, Mentor, Director, and Self-builder.
Neil delivers design, technical and sustainability tuition to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Significant detailed design experience within practice, substantial on-site involvement during construction and practical involvement in trades has led to extensive material and technical knowledge of building systems, particularly when considering sustainable, low embodied energy solutions to help mitigate the effects of climate change. Project based research on methodology and appropriate solutions to deliver low carbon development has enabled him to bring both theoretical and applied environmental design knowledge to studio teaching.
With regard to successful contributions to knowledge in his fields of interest, emphasis has been placed on research into theoretical, creative and practical processes to combat climate change.
Neil is passionate about students understanding the role architects have to play in addressing environment issues as a significant part of future practice.
‘Retrofit’, as an environmental preference to new build and engineered timber structures as low carbon building solutions are two of Neil’s energetically pursued interests. He is particularly interested in improved thermal performance envelopes for existing structures to reduce operational embodied energy, including assessment of associated risks, practicalities and appropriateness of materials selection.