Submission by Julia Bennett Architects Limited.
Being a good ancestor
Practice
1. Does the practice have a clearly stated purpose aligned with the planetary emergency? We are looking for a bold ambition here, and a practice culture which recognises the need for long-term thinking. For example, a strong mission, a theory of change, or a sustainability roadmap.
Our Purpose Statement underpins our strategy and projects. Deeply embedded in the culture of our practice, it helps us set our greatest ambitions. It articulates our commitment to regeneration as a holistic design approach – crafting living architecture that supports a thriving future. We also integrate sustainable and mindful principles, drawing inspiration from frameworks such as the Honorable Harvest, which reflects Indigenous wisdom and reciprocity with the Earth.
Our approach prioritises retrofitting as a critical strategy to reduce the environmental impact of construction, focusing on energy efficiency and aligning with rigorous standards and industry guidance like Passivhaus and LETI. Through this lens, we pursue high-performance, low-impact architecture that fosters a symbiotic relationship between people and planet. Our work is driven by the belief that the built environment can not only minimise harm but actively restore ecological balance and resources.
2. Does the practice have a clear succession plan, which passes on ownership and protects the values and legacy of those who built and contributed to the practice? For example is the practice an employee owned trust.
No.
3. Does the practice share research and knowledge for the benefit of society and the wider world? For example, you regularly carry out post occupancy evaluation and share information with others.
We actively and generously share our knowledge through informal sharing communities with other regenerative practitioners. To contribute valuable insights toward a regenerative future, we are seeking funding to embed research within live projects – particularly focusing on natural materials and their whole life carbon impact. This work aims to deliver meaningful guidance not only to clients and the practice, but also to the wider industry and society.
We also advocate for in-use Building Performance Evaluations across our residential projects, recognising their potential to inform the retrofit sector and support evidence-based decisions by designers and policymakers.
While our digital platforms are still evolving, they are intended to showcase project learnings and research outcomes, further extending the reach and impact of our work.
Project
1. Does the practice advocate for long-term thinking at the outset of projects? Do you initiate projects with long-term thinking and challenge the client on design life? Also, can the practice demonstrate that this approach has worked – with a shorter or longer design life, or an innovative approach to financing or payback period?
From the very first client conversations, we embed systems thinking and long-term vision, highlighting the enduring value this brings – not only for clients, but for future generations and the planet. Central to this approach is our advocacy for whole life carbon assessments, which we have training to conduct in-house, strengthening both our expertise and the impact of our work. Recognising that cost can be a barrier, we proactively explore funding opportunities to support clients in adopting long-term, sustainable solutions.
Our design methodology is rooted in durability, adaptability, and responsiveness – crafting high-quality solutions that evolve with changes in family living requirements. We believe that future-focused thinking must be embedded at the project’s outset to ensure buildings are not just fit for purpose today, but resilient and regenerative for tomorrow.
2. Do your projects take account of the future climate and the need for resilience? For example, do the projects demonstrate flexibility, design for adaptation, design for disassembly, non-deterministic solutions, or demountable structures.
Future climate conditions and associated risks are integral to our design process. While this may not yet be fully visible in completed projects, we actively consider how both current and projected climate changes could impact living systems. For instance, in one of our ongoing projects, we are applying living systems design to address future flood risk in a regenerative and adaptive way.
In response to rising temperatures and overheating, we employ Passivhaus standard modelling tools to test different data and climate sets. This allows us to simulate various climate scenarios and integrate effective mitigation strategies directly into our designs. Through this proactive approach, we aim to ensure long-term resilience and comfort in the built environment, anticipating change rather than reacting to it.
3. Do the majority of your projects go beyond mitigating negatives and towards optimising positives? For example, are they meeting or exceeding the RIBA 2030 Challenge.
No.
Co-evolving with nature
Practice
1. Does the practice use biophilia within the office or regularly host meetings and retreats in natural settings? For example do you have extensive planting within the office or rely on natural patterns and imagery for stress relief or quiet areas.
No.
2. Can the practice share examples where it has considered nature in decision making? For example by having a nature proxy to encourage eco-centric decision making, using natural systems as inspiration for the company structure, recognising the seasonal nature of people’s capacity and workload or celebrating equinoxes and solstices together.
Yes, material stewardship is a core priority within our practice. We actively prioritise bio-based and low-impact materials, deliberately avoiding concrete and steel wherever feasible. Our commitment is reflected through our involvement with key networks – being part of Straw Building UK with our Director serving on its board.
Part of our ambition is to develop an in-house library of natural materials to support informed, regenerative material choices across our projects, as well as engaging the wider community through in-person talks for prospective clients, raising awareness about the environmental impact of conventional materials and the benefits of natural, low-carbon alternatives.
3. Is the practice supporting nature locally and nationally? For example, does the practice support local gardens, gardeners, planting programmes, rewilding programmes or advocate for changes in legislation to protect nature.
No.
Project
1. Can the practice demonstrate projects which strive to match the performance of a mature ecosystem? As a minimum this would mean achieving biodiversity net gain.
Our practice embraces diversity as a strength and actively fosters an inclusive, supportive culture. Though small, our team is composed of professionals from diverse cultural and national backgrounds, whose unique perspectives and experiences are genuinely valued and celebrated. We are also proud to be a female team, contributing to greater gender representation and empowerment within the architecture profession.
Diversity and inclusion are not only reflected in our day-to-day culture but are being formalised through a developing EDI policy, which aims to ensure that equity, inclusion, and representation remain embedded in our practice as we grow.
2. Is the practice working on material stewardship? For example, evidence could be shown through repeated use of low carbon materials, extensive material libraries and research or publications supporting responsible use of materials and elimination of waste.
We maintain a no-overtime culture and uphold equal, fair salaries across our team. Equity in compensation is a core value, and we are committed to fostering a work environment where time is respected and fairly compensated. While we consistently strive to meet just conditions for all staff, we also acknowledge the ongoing challenge of ensuring financial sustainability – particularly for small practices. This includes working toward fair and balanced compensation not only for employees but also for those bearing financial and managerial responsibility within the practice.
We view this as an evolving process and are committed to continuous improvement to ensure fairness and long-term viability for everyone involved.
3. Do the majority of projects demonstrate the use of biologically-inspired approaches such as Bioregionalism, Biophilia, Biomimicry, Ecomimicry (also referred to as Ecosystems Thinking, Industrial Ecology or Industrial Symbiosis) or BioTRIZ?
No.
Creating a just space for people
Practice
1. Does the practice have a progressive EDI policy and can you evidence many forms of diversity, which are welcomed and acknowledged, within the practice?
Our practice embraces diversity as a strength and actively fosters an inclusive, supportive culture. Though small, our team is composed of professionals from diverse cultural and national backgrounds, whose unique perspectives and experiences are genuinely valued and celebrated. We are also proud to be a female team, contributing to greater gender representation and empowerment within the architecture profession.
Diversity and inclusion are not only reflected in our day-to-day culture but are being formalised through a developing EDI policy, which aims to ensure that equity, inclusion, and representation remain embedded in our practice as we grow.
2. Does the practice operate a no overtime culture, meet the living wage consistently, and stipulate a fair salary ratio between staff of all levels?
We maintain a no-overtime culture and uphold equal, fair salaries across our team. Equity in compensation is a core value, and we are committed to fostering a work environment where time is respected and fairly compensated. While we consistently strive to meet just conditions for all staff, we also acknowledge the ongoing challenge of ensuring financial sustainability – particularly for small practices. This includes working toward fair and balanced compensation not only for employees but also for those bearing financial and managerial responsibility within the practice.
We view this as an evolving process and are committed to continuous improvement to ensure fairness and long-term viability for everyone involved.
3. Does the practice support charities, community groups, social enterprises, action groups and others through pro-bono work, charitable giving or in-kind donations?
We actively support local initiatives through charitable giving, in-kind contributions, and pro-bono work. One example is our ongoing involvement with The Redesdale Hall – a heritage municipal building in our base location. Our Director is part of the Trust, and we have provided pro-bono technical advice to explore retrofit strategies and fabric options to improve the building’s performance, as well as developing a Decarbonisation Plan to guide its future sustainability.
Supporting community-based and socially driven projects is an integral part of our ethos, and we continue to seek opportunities to contribute meaningfully to causes aligned with our values.
4. Does the practice publicly refuse to work with certain clients, suppliers or organisations on ethical grounds?
We are selective about the clients, collaborators, and suppliers we work with, guided by ethical, environmental, and social considerations.
We intentionally commit to projects that align with our values – particularly those with strong climate and sustainability ambitions. This approach sometimes means turning down opportunities for the practice, but we believe this is essential to maintaining integrity and advancing our mission as a regenerative practice.
Project
1. Do the projects demonstrate deep engagement with local stakeholders and end users? For example, is there evidence that your project engagement goes beyond consultation towards co-design?
No.
2. Do your projects create connected and resilient places which positively contribute to their neighbourhoods and allow equality of access? For example, do your projects create economic opportunity, retain value locally and generate social value?
No.
3. Do the majority of your projects promote equity in society, and consider all people, not only the building inhabitants? For example, do your projects show due regard for workers within the supply chain and take active steps to avoid modern slavery?
No.