Q1 2023 Review
Olly Wood
6 April 2023
I started the new year with a fresh burst of energy and renewed ambitions following significant practice growth throughout 2022. January saw the addition of two new team members, Tom and Joely, and a fulfilling opportunity to host a T-Level pupil for a two-month placement. Witnessing our team expand and providing students with an alternative means of learning about architecture has been a source of real joy.
This quarter has been marked by several project milestones. Our partnership with Arts University Bournemouth and Faithful & Gould continues, and we have submitted a planning application for a new, purpose-built net zero carbon structure to supplant their existing North Light Studios. We’ve also submitted a planning application for 260 new homes on a brownfield site in Horsham with Lovells.
One project that holds a special place in my heart is Stamford Road. It’s been great to see the scaffolding and crane removed, revealing the building’s form, and we’re hoping to see people moving in over the next few weeks.
This year marked my first visit to MIPIM, an event I had previously managed to side-step! I was pleasantly surprised by my experience, starting each day with a networking run along the seafront and attending events throughout the day. I heard many refreshing stories about how worthwhile and different the event has become in recent years and look forward to attending again.
As we head into summer, we’re gearing up for a charity 5-a-side football tournament to raise money for our chosen charity, Refugease. This organisation is doing some incredible work, and we’re pleased to support them. I’d also like to thank everyone who generously donated to my ‘jogs for charity’ last year – all 465km of them!
Finally, in May, I’ll be attending the Chartered Institute of Housing conference in Brighton and UK REiiF. Please get in touch if you’d like to meet up.