Beyond Design is an internationally recognised design- led and innovation driven practice delivering architecture and urban design solutions. Environmental, social, and economic values lie at the core of the practice and has a reputation for delivering beautifully designed buildings that are energy efficient, easy to build, well rooted in the local context as well as heritage, and that represent and serve the community.
Projects such as Wanstead High School, the CEAT Research and Development Centre, and Tottenham Hotel showcase the firm's versatility across the education, commercial, industrial, hospitality, and residential sectors. For each project, Beyond Design seamlessly aligned client aspirations with innovation and technical expertise to deliver exceptional results.
Currently, the firm is engaged in a diverse range of projects, from small-scale, value-driven private developments to large-scale masterplans focused on residential-led mixed-use regeneration and industrial growth. Regardless of scale, the team remains dedicated to creating architecture and urban solutions that drive a positive, lasting impact.
What do you think is the most important issue for architects to focus on right now, and what are you doing as a practice to tackle it?
Architecture is at risk of becoming a vocational career, with young professionals often drawn to better-paying and more rewarding opportunities in other industries. As a RIBA Chartered Practice, we are committed to shifting the perception of architects and reinstating their position as key contributors. As a practice, we adopt a proactive approach by forming collaborations, joint ventures, and partnerships to create opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. Beyond the expected collaboration with other members of the design team, we actively leverage our professional network to unlock opportunities while demonstrating the value architects bring to real estate and construction鈥攏ot only through design and compliance but also by contributing through innovation and strategic thinking to achieve long-term outcomes.
Our approach has led us to pursue our role as architect-developers, which in turn has given us greater agency to champion and deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits through our work. By adopting this approach, we ensure we remain relevant and at the forefront of meaningful change.
What do you think architecture practices need most support with during a recession?
During a recession, fewer projects and slower timelines put businesses at risk of collapse. To mitigate this, it would be great if RIBA could take a proactive approach by developing a comprehensive database and creating opportunities to connect developers and investors with architects. This could evolve into a sought-after advisory service and networking platform that helps build connections, leading to opportunities for credible practices.
Additionally, RIBA Membership could include training programmes that help practices enhance their skills in areas such as photography, marketing, bid writing, and web design; enabling them to reduce costs and expand their capabilities. Focusing on generating revenue, cutting costs, and unlocking new project opportunities can help businesses navigate economic challenges.
To create such opportunities and foster cross-industry dialogue, we have partnered with a leading planning consultancy to launch Beyond Talks鈥攁 series of panel discussions and networking events aimed at driving collaborative problem-solving in the real estate sector. This platform brings together architects, engineers, and project managers alongside local authorities, contractors, developers, lenders, and other key industry voices. The goal is to foster meaningful collaborations where stakeholders listen, reset expectations, and work collectively towards viable solutions.
By championing open dialogue and strategic partnerships, we ensure that the practice remains proactive, resilient, and well-equipped to navigate today鈥檚 challenges.
What鈥檚 the most exciting project you鈥檝e got coming up and why?
One of the most exciting upcoming projects is an industrial masterplan in South India, where Beyond Design is leading a bottom-up co-design process. This collaborative approach involves partnering with experts in place-branding, placemaking, and storytelling to bring the masterplan to life.
The project reflects a strong, long-term relationship with the client, one of India鈥檚 largest industrial and services conglomerates. Beyond Design鈥檚 previous work with them鈥攊ncluding R&D centres and commercial space design鈥攈as paved the way for this new opportunity: crafting a vision-driven masterplan for their largest manufacturing plant to date.
This project is particularly exciting because it highlights the value of a bottom-up approach to master planning. Through extensive stakeholder engagement, workshops, cultural immersion, and the development of an emerging place identity, we are shaping a vision that goes beyond conventional planning to encapsulate sustainable, people-centric growth.
Sustainability is at the project's core; incorporating natural materials, traditional techniques and motifs, and active community engagement. It also integrates interventions of cultural and heritage significance, ensuring that the outcome is both innovative and deeply rooted in its context. What makes this project truly significant is the collective effort and collaboration of all involved, which has amplified its relevance and impact.
The feedback from stakeholders has been overwhelmingly positive, with many already adopting and envisioning these principles within their current operations. This work sets a cohesive vision for strategic growth, extending across other facilities and future expansions within the conglomerate, with the ambition of creating a long-lasting, sustainable legacy.
How do you incorporate environmental and social sustainability into your work?
Environmental and social sustainability are fundamental to every project at the studio. We meticulously assess these factors to ensure they align with both the project's goals and the client's aspirations, guaranteeing its success. Sustainability manifests in various forms depending on the context, and we collaborate closely with clients to identify and integrate these elements, ultimately driving greater project value.
Our adaptability and commitment to contextually rooted designs ensure that our projects serve both their immediate users and the broader community. We prioritise using local materials and techniques, aiming to reduce waste and minimise material usage wherever possible. By partnering with local manufacturers and exploring innovative sustainable construction methods, we forge meaningful collaborations that advance environmentally conscious solutions.
We integrate environmental and social responsibility throughout the procurement and delivery phases by continuously challenging the design team and fostering innovation. We ask questions like," How can this be made lighter?" and "Can it be demounted and reused?" ensuring sustainability extends beyond the design stage into construction. On a recent commercial project where construction has just begun, applying these principles has led to reduced project timelines, better cost management, and a positive team mindset. The project is also set to achieve a Platinum LEED rating and will have the lowest energy consumption on the campus.
How do you think we can make architecture more accessible to people of all backgrounds?
The first principle of accessibility lies in creating visible figures of representation in positions of power within the industry, breaking away from traditional moulds. When people see individuals who reflect their own backgrounds and experiences in leadership roles, it not only challenges stereotypes but also inspires others to envision themselves in similar careers.
This visibility fosters a sense of possibility, encouraging a new generation to aspire to positions of influence and empowering them to understand how they, too, can shape the future of the industry. Representation acts as both a catalyst and a blueprint for others to follow, reinforcing the idea that success is not limited by one鈥檚 background but rather shaped by the impact they can make.
Accessibility can be significantly increased by incorporating design programmes and thinking into primary and secondary school curricula, providing exposure to the field from an early age, much like other core subjects. However, this exposure should also extend to diverse fields, broadening students' perspectives and helping them understand the interdisciplinary nature of design.
By introducing strategic and innovative design thinking, along with insights from various disciplines, students can develop a natural affinity for architecture and the creative process, fostering a deeper understanding of its impact and potential. This early engagement not only piques interest but also lays the foundation for a seamless progression into the field, making architecture more accessible and relatable to a broader, more diverse group of future professionals.
As a minority-led and diverse practice, we have first-hand experience of the barriers to entering and sustaining a career in architecture. We are committed to fostering a more accessible, equitable, and diverse industry. We actively support these goals by participating in initiatives such as RIBA EDI Leaders' Action Group and by promoting diversity and mental well-being within our practice.
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