Building Design

04/09/2026

Green light for FCBS’s 200-home mansion block scheme approved by Bath council: Architect praised for ‘imaginative’ design, but proportion of affordable homes drops compared with 2016 consent

Architect praised for 'imaginative' design, but proportion of affordable homes drops compared with 2016 consent

04/09/2026

Broadway Malyan and Stride Treglown directors appointed to BCO’s new presidential team: British Council for Offices welcomes new vice president and under 35s representative

British Council for Offices welcomes new vice president and under 35s representative

04/09/2026

Howells’ plans to redevelop Derby’s historic Assembly Rooms get final green light: Music venue that has hosted gigs by The Smiths, Oasis and Elton John has been shut for over a decade

Music venue that has hosted gigs by The Smiths, Oasis and Elton John has been shut for over a decade

04/09/2026

Cardiff in the spotlight: From coal capital to UK Design Capital finalist 🏛️✨

In the final feature of our UK Design Capital of the Year series, we explore how the Welsh capital is rethinking its industrial heritage to drive bold, climate-conscious regeneration.

From the transformational £1bn Central Quay development and the £100m Cardiff Crossrail scheme to world-class public spaces like Central Square, Cardiff’s dense, compact city vision is setting a new benchmark for placemaking.

Why Cardiff stands out:

🚆 Transit-Oriented Growth: Rejoining the city centre to Cardiff Bay with major transport infrastructure.

🌿 Heritage & "Unbuilding": Exposing historic architectural fabric to celebrate character while achieving high sustainability standards.

🎶 Event-Led Placemaking: Integrating culture, green space, and world-class architecture to draw top global talent.

Will Cardiff take home the crown against Bradford, Plymouth, and York? Find out live!

🏆 MEET THE FINALISTS & CELEBRATE THE WINNERS
Join city leaders, leading developers, and top architectural practices as we announce the UK Design Capital of the Year at the Architects of the Year Awards.

🎟️ Book your AYA ceremony tickets today to secure your place: https://awards.bdonline.co.uk/2026/en/page/tickets

04/09/2026

What made this project… Greenview House by Paper House Project: Finalist for One-off Small Project of the Year Award 2026, Paper House Project guides us through the specification challenges present at Greenview House

Finalist for One-off Small Project of the Year Award 2026, Paper House Project guides us through the specification challenges present at Greenview House

03/09/2026

Reform UK unveils sweeping plans to deregulate the planning system: Party wants to cut affordable housing requirements to 5%, scrap BNG requirements, section 106 payments and most building standards on brownfield housing schemes

Party wants to cut affordable housing requirements to 5%, scrap BNG requirements, section 106 payments and most building standards on brownfield housing schemes

03/09/2026

Pennycook confirms final new town locations to be chosen by end of the year: Programme will feature ‘bespoke’ planning policy and ‘site specific’ delivery vehicles

Programme will feature 'bespoke' planning policy and 'site specific' delivery vehicles

03/09/2026

Building Design has officially launched the WA100 2027 survey 🌍

Where will your practice rank among the world's top architectural firms as the definitive annual ranking of the world’s 100 largest architecture practices returns!

Now in its 23rd year, the WA100 serves as the primary global reference for clients seeking design expertise across every continent, providing deep sector insights, regional growth projections, and economic forecasts.

A look back at the 2026 findings:

🏆 Gensler retained the #1 spot for the 11th consecutive year.

📈 Foster + Partners surged 10 places to #13 globally, boosting architect headcount by 41% and increasing turnover to £800m–£899m.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 BDP held strong as the second-highest UK practice in 23rd place.

Is your firm ready to benchmark its growth on the global stage?

⏰ Deadline to participate: Friday, October 16

👉 Submit your practice for the WA100 2027 ranking: https://www.bdonline.co.uk/wa-100/building-design-launches-wa100-2027-survey/5143751.article

(Note: The full report publishes in January 2027—Building Design subscribers get complimentary digital access!)

02/09/2026

Dowen Farmer gets green light for 200 council homes in latest phase of Battersea Power Station masterplan: All homes will be for social rent in GLA-backed scheme

All homes will be for social rent in GLA-backed scheme

02/09/2026

Engineering consultancy ​AKT II rebrands as Tyréns AKT: Name changed to reflect firm’s parent company Tyréns Group

Name changed to reflect firm's parent company Tyréns Group