Driving positive change in the built environment: Our 2024 social value successes

Our 2024 Social Value Report is a testament to this belief, showcasing the tangible ways we are making a difference.

It’s about people

Social value isn’t an add-on; it’s a responsibility. It’s embedded in every project we undertake, from the schools that inspire future generations to the community hubs that provide vital support services. The spaces we design and maintain are not just places where people work, learn, or live—they are environments that promote wellbeing, inclusion and opportunity.

Empowering the next generation

The future of the built environment depends on the next generation of architects, building surveyors, designers and industry leaders. Through our extensive work experience programmes, student mentoring, partnerships with universities and initiatives such as Speakers for Schools, we are opening doors for young people from all backgrounds. Our RIBA AHR Scholarship continues to support Part 2 architecture students from underrepresented groups, ensuring that talent, not background, defines success in our industry.

Supporting our communities

Take our work on Honley Library, for example. Faced with closure, this community cornerstone is being given a new lease of life through pro bono design and planning support, ensuring its future as a hub for learning and connection. Similarly, in Fife, we have supported the transformation of an underused shop into a vibrant community space, offering residents access to vital support and fostering a stronger sense of belonging.

Our work on the Safer Hull Paragon Hub is another example of design delivering meaningful social impact. By transforming a disused retail unit into a safe, welcoming space for vulnerable individuals, we created a facility that provides access to vital services, reducing crime and enhancing public safety in the station.

Designing for wellbeing

Health and wellbeing are fundamental to every thriving society. Our carbon reduction efforts, sustainable design principles, and commitment to wellbeing-friendly spaces ensure that our projects contribute positively to both people and the planet. Whether it’s a Passivhaus-certified housing development that reduces fuel poverty or a university healthcare facility that improves access to essential services, we aim to actively enhance quality of life with our work.

The University of Salford’s Health Quarter is an example of this work, integrating public-facing clinical spaces with student learning facilities to improve healthcare access while providing real-world training opportunities for future professionals. The design prioritises inclusivity and accessibility, trauma-informed design and considers neurodiversity. The Clinic Building has also been designed for use by the wider community as part of the social prescription network. Whilst our work on the Rickmansworth Aquadrome Bridge will improve accessibility to green spaces, encouraging physical activity and enhancing the mental wellbeing of local residents.

Prioritising sustainability without compromising wellbeing

In the education sector, our design of Woodmill and St Columba’s RC High School in Fife set a new benchmark for energy-efficient learning environments. As the UK’s largest Passivhaus-certified school, this project not only provides a high-quality education facility but also significantly lowers energy costs for the school and ensures long-term sustainability.

The school was met with overwhelming positivity, hear from the pupils and teachers below and how they’re enjoying their new space.

A culture of friendship

Inside our offices, we uphold the same values, with initiatives such as our dedicated Wellbeing Champions, Mental Health First Aiders and a comprehensive wellbeing benefits package so that our own people feel supported and empowered.

Nurturing future talent

Additionally, our work experience programmes have supported 58 students across our offices, giving them hands-on exposure to the architectural and building consultancy professions. From shadowing design teams to participating in live project reviews, these experiences provide invaluable insights into career pathways within the built environment sector. Our collaborations with schools, colleges and universities also include mentoring sessions, portfolio reviews and career talks, equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to pursue careers in the built environment.

We are also committed to supporting alternative pathways into the profession. Our apprenticeship programmes have provided structured learning opportunities for individuals seeking vocational training, helping to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce. In 2024, we supported 10 apprentices across various disciplines, from architecture and landscape design to data analysis and surveying, ensuring that young professionals have access to industry-leading training and development.

Get to know a few of our apprentices here

It’s a team effort

Social value is part of our culture as a business - it’s a collective effort. Our colleagues are dedicated to making a positive difference by working closely with clients, charities and community groups. This includes fundraising for local causes, volunteering, pro bono design work or mentoring refugees looking to re-establish their careers in the UK.

Our fundraising and charity initiatives have made a real difference across the communities we serve. In 2024, our teams participated in 14 fundraising events, raising over £9,400 for charitable causes. From MacMillan Coffee Mornings and Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day to charity runs and local food bank collections, our employees dedicate time and effort to causes that support those in need. Additionally, our volunteering efforts have seen our teams donate over 140 hours to hands-on community support.

Our partnership with Refugees & Mentors has helped skilled professionals transition into the UK job market, reinforcing the idea that architecture is not just about buildings—it’s about people. Through mentoring and work experience opportunities, we have supported a refugee in regaining confidence and employment in the built environment sector.

We share all our fundraising efforts across our social media channels, LinkedIn and Instagram. Stay up to date with all the latest happenings by following us.

Looking ahead: A lasting legacy

As we launch our 2024 Social Value Report, we are not just celebrating our achievements—we are setting our sights on what’s next. The built environment plays a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and supportive society, and we are committed to leading that change. The real measure of our success is not just what we build, but the lives we improve and the communities we support.

View our 2024 social impact report

Gain a deeper insight into our achievements and progress towards social value here.