Making a Positive Impact

Image: Staffordshire University Village Hub

Welcome to Corstorphine & Wright’s inaugural Impact Report.

These are exciting times: a decade of substantial growth and transformation across the Practice means we have much to share. With over 300 committed and enthusiastic colleagues across 11 studios in the UK, our Impact Report reflects on what has been achieved thus far and sets out the impact ambitions that will be reflected in future reports.

Our colleagues continue to form the backbone of our progress, contributing significantly to shaping our direction and driving environmental and social initiatives. Our ethos revolves around fostering longterm impact for our colleagues, clients, and communities. We are steadfast in our dedication to cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment, where every voice is valued, and individuals are empowered to reach their full potential.

At the heart of our design philosophy lies a commitment to social purpose and to maximising positive outcomes wherever we can. Whilst delivering social and environmental value to local communities and clients has always been integral to our culture, we felt we could do more, and do it better.

In 2021, we conducted a comprehensive review of our approach to social, environmental, and socioeconomic issues. This led to a new holistic strategy aligned with our values and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs,): one capable of delivering greater impact across more aspects of our business as well as tracking Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) data across our operations, projects, and performance, to ensure we continuously strive for improvement.

Our commitments centre on achieving Net Zero and minimising our Environmental Impact, embedding Social Value and opening doors to opportunities for colleagues and communities, and widening participation in architecture to improve diversity and inclusion within the profession. We acknowledge the power collaboration can bring and have established key partnerships to help us drive lasting change. As we move forward, we remain dedicated in our resolve to work closely with our supply chain to advance our shared social and environmental goals.

As we embark on the next phase of this exciting journey, we remain committed to collaboration, growth, learning and continuous improvement. We remain resolute in our mission to make a positive impact and to continue to strive for excellence, knowing that our collective efforts hold the power to shape a more sustainable, inclusive and exciting future for all.

Karen Crowe Director and Head of ESG

About Corstorphine & Wright

Corstorphine & Wright is an award-winning architectural practice ranked at number 14 in the prestigious AJ100.

We have a unique reputation - we’re known for creative excellence, social impact, and commercial understanding. That way, clients get intelligently designed places – places that invigorate communities and maximise long-term civic and commercial value.

Our 300+ strong team spans the length and breadth of the UK. We are currently working on over 450 live projects across a wide range of sectors including Residential, Masterplanning, Offices, Bluelight, Health, Care & Senior Living, Education, Life Science, Industrial, Defence and Secure Buildings, Retail and Leisure. We therefore see things others don’t and unlock opportunities clients hadn’t yet considered.

corstorphine-wright.com

Our Statement of Intent

Our Corstorphine & Wright vision is to be ‘the sustainable practice of choice’ - we commit to creating places that foster human connection, whilst adding commercial value and social impact, delivering meaningful and long-lasting benefits to the communities we serve.

We do this through our commitment to our values: working with enjoyment, collaboration, inclusiveness, integrity and innovation. Simultaneously, we ensure that we have appropriate policies and a clear, actionable, measured, and governed plan to address environmental and social issues.

We aspire to lead the way in addressing both regulatory requirements and doing the right thing.

Image: Makers Yard - Upper Trinity Street, Birmingham

Being honest and responsible and abiding by our Values

Working together for a common purpose

Being bold and pushing boundaries

Inclusivity

Loving what we do

Social benefit for all

Our Commitments

Corstorphine & Wright is committed to a business model that focuses on more than profitability. Our aim being, wherever possible, to minimise the negative impact our business has on the environment whilst maximising the impact we have on our colleagues, local communities, clients and other stakeholders, and wider society.

– Environmental - To ensure we are managing all controllable aspects that contribute to addressing the issues of climate change, waste reduction and having a positive effect on the environment.

– Social - To ensure we consistently live by our values in both our internal and external interactions, and that we demonstrate we are an ethical and equitable business that creates value for our employees and our communities.

– Governance - To ensure we implement our social and environmental plans effectively, monitoring and reporting on them with transparency.

Image: Frogpool Manor net zero carbon homes

Our Commitments

Image: Wilmslow Police Station - net zero operational and the first Passive House building for the Police in the UK

Being both a socially and environmentally aware and ethical employer ensures we achieve so much more as a business. Aligned to our Practice goals and underpinned by our key commitments, Corstorphine & Wright have the following Key Strategic ESG objectives and commitments:

Environmental Responsibility

– Carbon Neutrality by 2030

– Integrate sustainable design practices into all our projects

– Advocate for ways to address the Climate Crisis

Conduct a comprehensive carbon footprint assessment and follow our ISO 14001 commitments. Reduce our carbon impact by 30% by 2025.

Provide training, education and resources to all technical staff on sustainable design and follow our ISO 14001 commitments.

Develop awareness and training across all levels to be able to promote best practice to our clients and collaborators. Engage with and support UKGBC and others.

Social Wellbeing

– Support Local Communities

– Promote Diversity & Inclusion

Develop partnerships and educational engagement programmes. Support communities and charities. Contribute through Social Value activities on projects.

Implement diversity and inclusion initiatives within the practice, fostering a more inclusive work environment and promoting equity.

– Enhance Employee Wellbeing

Provide wellness programs, mental health support, and work-life balance initiatives.

Image: Corstorphine & Wright annual summer party 2022

Image: Canterbury and London teams attending Pride Canterbury 2023

Image: Unusual HQ, Northampton - applying the principles of the circular economy

Governance & Accountability

– Ethical Conduct

– Good Governance

Adhere to ethical business practices, transparency, and compliance with all applicable regulations and laws.

Enhance internal governance mechanisms, including board oversight and risk management.

– Reporting & Monitoring

Publish an annual ESG report detailing the practice’s performance against ESG goals and objectives.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Corstorphine & Wright has integrated the UN SDGs into our ESG Strategy because they represent a universally acknowledged blueprint for tackling pressing sustainability issues that fosters mutual understanding and communication among all stakeholders and aligns with our commitment to having a positive impact.

Ensure health life and promote wellbeing for all at all ages

Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable growth, full and productive employment

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable

Ensure equality and empower all women and girls

Reduced Inequality within and among countries

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Image: The Playhive, Stockeld Park ‘promote wellbeing for all at all ages’

A FRAMEWORK FOR MEASURING OUR IMPACT

FRAMEWORK MEASURING IMPACT

Image: Leake Street Arches, Waterloo “Leake Street Arches project offers an exemplar of placemaking excellence, and is transforming a challenging inner city urban environment in Waterloo.”

A Framework For Measuring Our Impact

Governance

To ensure we implement our social and environmental plans effectively, monitoring and reporting on them with transparency.

At Corstorphine & Wright, our mission goes beyond profitability: we aspire to create a world where architecture serves as a catalyst for inclusivity and opportunity. Our vision centres on diversity and equity as core elements driving positive change in the built environment. To achieve this, our practice is well equipped to nurture the right practice culture, effective leadership, engagement strategies, and metrics that align with our mission and business objectives.

To enhance our agility and promote interaction among directors across our studios, we’ve streamlined regional reporting. We’ve introduced regional boards in the North, Midlands, and Southern regions, chaired by local directors, to disseminate our ethos, vision, and values, driving our strategic agenda.

We’ve also established a dedicated Head of ESG and an ESG Steering Group to strategically pursue environmental, social, and governance goals. This framework allows us to proactively improve our environmental responsibility, social impact, and corporate governance in line with sustainable business practices.

This year, we welcomed Natasha Clarke as a Non-executive Director, leveraging her wealth of experience in People & Culture planning to ensure our growing practices maintain a culture where people feel genuinely invested and proud to work, both personally and professionally.

Corstorphine & Wright records and monitors data on the following:

– ISO14001 commitments & targets

– Business travel, commuting, & working from home – Social Value, including educational engagement, work experience, charitable fundraising & donations/sponsorship.

A Framework For Measuring Our Impact

Colleagues

We understand the importance of fostering a positive workplace environment that empowers individuals to reach their full potential. Our goal is to establish a secure and enjoyable working atmosphere where colleagues are encouraged to be the best version of themselves. Corstorphine & Wright is dedicated to eradicating discrimination and promoting diversity within our business. We aspire to make our team genuinely inclusive, welcoming individuals from all segments of society, ensuring each colleague feels valued and capable of being their authentic selves.

As an equal opportunity employer, Corstorphine & Wright is committed to treating all employees and job applicants with equity. This is reflected in our policies and the measures we take to hire, train, and advance individuals based on their merits, abilities, and qualifications.

Our talented team are at the heart of what we do.

In advocacy of Corstorphine & Wright’s DE&I commitments, in January 2024, The Board signed the New London Architecture Diverse Leaders Pledge. This sets several leadership commitments which will hold the business to account in relation to our DE&I commitments.

Within this pledge Corstorphine & Wright commits to:

–

Measure & publish both Gender & Ethnicity Pay Gaps, along with an action plan for closing them.

– Committing to zero tolerance of harassment, bullying and discrimination of any kind.

– Embedding mentoring, reverse mentoring and sponsoring within our organisation.

– Providing opportunities for different voices for the organization to be represented externally.

– Reviewing recruitment process to mitigate bias.

– We will support groups advocating for a fairer, more inclusive workplace.

– We will commit to tell stories of diverse people & provide a platform for better representation.

A Framework for Measuring Our Impact | Colleagues

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Strategy

To address both gender parity and wider DE&I aspirations, we have developed a Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan setting out the steps we are taking to ensure our aspirations are met within a reasonable timescale, and that all colleague’s voices are represented. Thus far, we have undertaken the following initiatives including:

– Implementing a strategy and action plan to address the barriers identified by minority groups

– Holding our first DE&I employee engagement workshop

– The introduction of several ‘Buddy’ networks for the benefit of new starters, those returning from a period of long-term absence away from the company and for those completing their Part 3 qualification.

– Policies developed for Wellbeing, Recruitment, Dignity at Work, Gender Reassignment and Menopause, a ‘Family Fit’ initiative was put in place to further improve our diversity and inclusion practices, for which we were rated ‘Good’.

Systems & Reporting

We want to create an organisation where discussions about DE&I are no longer required because Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is embedded within the fabric of the Practice.

However, to fulfil our DE&I commitments it’s essential that we have access to reliable data as well as appropriate monitoring and reporting procedures. The introduction of Exelsys means we can collect, monitor, and report effectively on a range of demographic data helping us to widen participation from underrepresented groups and ensure we meet diversity targets in relation to progression.

This area is monitored by our Head of People & Culture in line with our KPI’s and reported quarterly to ESG Steering Group.

Progression - Personal Development Plans

We understand the importance of being heard. Our People Plan initiative includes a balanced mix of scheduled formal discussions and informal conversations. Additionally, we are introducing greater clarity regarding internal career progression to provide colleagues with clear insights to their career advancement alongside tailored learning pathways. We are also prioritising transparency by creating and communicating a robust job level structure, job descriptions and associated salary banding.

Parental Leave

For those wishing to start a family we offer financial support through our enhanced parental leave and welcome flexible working patterns to strike the balance with family life.

Voluntary Giving – GOODPAYE

In February 2024, we partnered with GoodPAYE to enable our team to give to their favourite charities via salary sacrifice, meaning they are able to donate tax free.

GoodPAYE is a tech-for-good organisation that has a target to raise £100 million for charities by 2035 through payroll giving donations and we are proud to play our part in this. Launched in August 2022, GoodPAYE is on a mission to ensure payroll giving is available and accessible to every employee across the UK. P

Mentoring

As the Practice seeks to maximise our social impact, we have increasingly been monitoring the mentoring activities we provide to a range of external bodies. Several colleagues have been involved in delivering mentoring support for Women in Architecture, Women in Property, and the RIBA Mentor Scheme.

We anticipate this will increase significantly next year through our Partnerships with Partner Schools, the Social Mobility Foundation, and the Sutton Trust.

Mentoring Internally

Work Experience – We have an extensive Educational Engagement Programme. Our commitment to ‘Opening Doors’ means that colleagues are encouraged to develop their skills, knowledge, and interests through our work with schools, colleges and universities.

Image: Work Experience students on an accompanied site visit to Riverside Park, Ashford

A Framework for Measuring Our Impact | Colleagues

Health & Wellbeing

We take a holistic approach to nurturing the mental, physical, and financial wellbeing of our colleagues and we are dedicated to continually refining and enhancing our wellbeing strategy. Colleagues enjoy continuous access to a wide array of Health & Wellbeing initiatives, including a 24-hour Employee Assistance App that offers professional advice on topics such as finances, relationships, and career guidance. Additionally, each studio is equipped with a team of Mental Health First Aiders, and we provide financial support for diagnosis, referral, and fast access to private treatment through Westfield Health.

Our commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle, extends to the provision of fresh fruit, healthy snacks, and other refreshments in all our studios to support colleagues’ nutritional needs. All studios hold monthly breakfasts to encourage colleagues to take time away from their desks. Our Mental Health First Aiders run a range of activities throughout the year from Friday afternoon walks to ‘Time to talk’ sessions. This year we participated in the MIND Wellbeing Index, achieving a ‘Bronze’ level assessment. Following this, we have implemented a plan to improve how we support our colleagues more effectively. New improvements for 2024 include the introduction of Wellbeing Ambassadors, the introduction of a ‘My Benefits Guide’ plus a managers guide to boosting team wellbeing.

Lifelong Learning, Training & Development

We believe the promotion of lifelong learning is key to ensuring a stimulating and engaging working environment. To encourage every colleague to take advantage of our commitment to ‘Opening Doors’, we provide access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities delivered internally, or by externally Accredited providers, CPD’s, Roadshows, guest speakers, skills building platforms such as Knowledge Smart, and training platforms such as Pinnacle.

We also provide an in-house MCIAT mentored training programme to enable Architectural Technologists in the Practice to achieve their Member of Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists status.

A Framework For Measuring Our Impact

Community

We take a needs based community-driven approach to our work with local communities, aimed at creating a tangible and lasting positive impact, improving the wellbeing of individuals, and cultivating a more inclusive, just, and equitable society.

Our dedicated national Social Impact Team comprises 16 members from all studios, each bringing their expertise in engaging with educational institutions, local employment providers, and charity and community groups. This team plays a pivotal role in shaping our impact initiatives, fostering increased participation within our studios, and encouraging colleagues to contribute their ideas for initiatives that can further amplify our social impact. This approach nurtures a shared sense of responsibility and ownership for our initiatives amongst both the team and wider Practice.

we are an ethical and equitable business that creates value for our colleagues and our communities.

Image: Fosse Park West, Leicester

“The Crown Estate set very high project requirements for sustainability and wellbeing. In addition to 172 cycle spaces, electrical vehicle charging points and 500 photovoltaic panels to power the external lighting; welfare of the construction staff was given high priority with innovative initiatives to make the development of the project an inclusive and considerate workplace.”

A Framework for Measuring Our Impact |

Community Initiatives Plan

The Community Initiatives Plan (CIP) symbolises a holistic approach to doing more, better. It’s a ‘bottom up’ plan crafted by Social Impact Team members working with their studio colleagues to identify a range of local social and environmental community initiatives they are committed to getting involved with.

These range from taking sign language lessons to improve inclusion, to initiatives to clean up a local river and creating a wellbeing garden for a local school. Our CIP activity is tracked to enable studios to report on their Impact and set themselves new targets to increase their impact locally.

Educational Engagement

Engaging with students of all ages is fundamental to both our Social Impact approach, as well as its ambition. We want to help bring about meaningful and lasting change in our local communities, especially for those who wouldn’t usually see themselves reflected in our profession.

As part of both our ‘Opening Doors’ and ‘Widening Participation in Architecture’ commitments, we work with universities, colleges, secondary and primary schools across the UK. As a baseline, every studio must work with at least 1 Partner School to provide design support/education for Key Stages, deliver careers advice, and provide work placements (a minimum of 4 per studio per year).

Our intention is to develop long term relationships with Partner Schools and their students, particularly those who join us for work placements. Our aim is to provide support, encouragement, skills building, and employment opportunities for a diverse range of students many of whom lack the networks and support other young people can take for granted.

Our Partner Schools are local to our studios and meet the following criteria:

– Rated by Ofsted as ‘Inadequate’ or ‘Requiring Improvement’

– Lowest attainment levels in the area

– Highest % of students in receipt of Free School Meals

We continue to support architectural students throughout their studies by employing them from their forth year at university and financially supporting them through their professional development years. By providing them with opportunities to work on projects of varied scale and sector this provides an exciting and varied portfolio of work for their CV, helping them to stand out from their peers.

Our studios delivered 40 weeks of work experience in 2023.

A Framework for Measuring Our Impact | Community

Partnerships

We operate with a view ‘that far more can be achieved working together’. As a result, we work hard to broaden our social impact reach with organisations that share the same values and commitments. Two of our most recent partnerships are with the Social Mobility Foundation and the Sutton Trust, both of which share our commitment to improving social mobility and widening participation in all professions including architecture. Their students, who we are supporting with mentoring and work placements, meet the criteria we have in place for our Partner Schools.

These partnerships help to amplify our social impact as well as signal our commitment to a broader audience. We also partner with Camphill Village Trust, Clervaux Trust/Ruskin Mill College, RedSky Foundation, Child Autism UK, and Barnardos.

Pro Bono Work

Many of our studios provide their skill and time on a Pro Bono basis supporting meaningful community initiatives that will help make a difference. This year we have provided architectural services on this basis to the following organisations:

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A local Scout group based in the Midlands to deliver a new Scout Hall –

We are collaborating with contractors to deliver a viewing platform at Teesside International Airport for use by the local community

– We volunteer with Bright Horizons on their Bright Spaces project, which offers support to children and families across the UK

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–

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We have contributed 25 hours to career and feasibility work for Chatham Clarendon School

Provided ongoing architectural advice for Birmingham Dogs Home

Supported the Guiding Community in developing a Planning Application for improved facilities on their campsite in Malvern

– Conducted a feasibility study for improvements to a local church in Worcestershire

In some cases, we continue to support these initiatives with further advice.

A Framework for Measuring Our Impact | Community

Support for Charities

We have a longstanding history of support for local, national, and international charities, actively organising multiple events to aid various charitable causes.

These include:

– MND

– RedSky Foundation

– Disasters Emergency Committee

– Jeans for Genes

– Great Ormond Street Hospital

– Mind

– Marie Curie

– Save the Children

– Yorkshire Children’s Charity

– Local Food Banks

£22,621

Throughout 2023, the collective efforts of direct donations and studioled fundraising initiatives resulted in a combined total of £22,621.

We are constantly looking at ways in which we can support charities and community groups and have had several activities to raise money or collect donations.

This has included, purchasing circus tickets for children who wouldn’t normally have this opportunity, Easter egg collections, sponsoring sports kit and equipment for sports teams, suppoting community groups including soup kitchens and food bank donations.

A Framework For Measuring Our Impact

Environmental

Our strategy is to manage all controllable aspects that contribute to addressing the issues of climate change, waste reduction, and having a positive effect on the environment.

Image: Skelton Lake MSA, Leeds

Roadmap to 2030

A Sustainability Framework identifying a pathway to Net Zero was put in place at the beginning of 2022. This identified the initial steps to achieve our goal which included the following:

– Redrafting our Environmental Management Policy to incorporate Environmental targets

– Achieving ISO 14001 Environmental Management for both Design & Operations

– Measuring our carbon footprint

– Embedding a team of Sustainability Champions across the Practice to drive forward our Sustainability Framework in each of the studios

– Introduction of a comprehensive training and learning support systems to help upskill and provide opportunities for personal and professional development across the Practice.

Key Memberships and Accreditations

Following our recent inaugural Sustainability Conference, we are currently mapping out the next phase of our Roadmap.

A Framework for Measuring Our Impact | Environmental

Advocacy

We are committed to advocating for reducing emissions with our colleagues, clients, stakeholders, consultants and our supply chain. As we improve our capability and knowledge, valuable opportunities for advocacy present themselves.

Throughout 2023, these have ranged from speaking opportunities such as UKREIFF, Futurebuild, Women in BIM, Bisnow Life Sciences and Innovation Real Estate Annual Conference, to thought leadership with the AJ, Property Week, undertaking research with Northumbria University, and working with our Supply Chain on reducing their emissions.

Image: Associate Director, Erica Helmetag Coles (third from left), at Women in BIM 2023

Managing Our Design & Operational Emissions

ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certification reflects our steadfast commitment to environmental responsibility and continuous improvement. The certification process identified and addressed environmental concerns in both design and operations, establishing targets for indicators like annual energy usage, travel emissions, waste, and paper consumption.

Progress against environmental targets is communicated internally throughout the year. Our in-house Studio Environmental Tracker gathers operational data on energy, water, waste, and paper usage.

We measure and report our environmental impact annually. Twice-yearly reviews of environmental data inform the Board, guiding the establishment of new targets. Our design approach inherently emphasises sustainability, considering the whole life environmental footprint of projects, including embodied and operational carbon, and environmentally conscious material choices. Collaboration with clients ensures low carbon designs that meet practical needs.

Reduce

ISO 14001 Operational Environmental Targets include:

Business miles

Number of plane journeys

Waste Paper, printer ink etc usage

Increase

Recycling of operational waste

Use of renewable energy

Use of recycled equipment

Use of most efficient electrical equipment

In addition to the above, we introduced the following carbon saving initiatives:

A Practice wide salary sacrifice scheme for electric vehicles

Extension to our ‘Cycle to Work Scheme’ to include access to electric bikes

Refurbishment of several studios to include more LED lighting and improved air quality through biophilic design

A Framework for Measuring Our Impact | Environmental

Carbon Reduction Plan

In 2022, Corstorphine & Wright measured our Carbon Footprint (baseline year 2021).

A Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) has been formulated, establishing a goal of reducing our emissions by 30% by 2027 through a wide range of initiatives such as the implementation of an Electric Vehicle (EV) salary sacrifice scheme, engagement of renewable energy suppliers, and an ongoing programme of studio enhancements including a focus on minimising emissions through relocating to much more carbon efficient studios.

Our Darlington Studio has recently relocated to a newly retrofitted building with an EPC A rating and sourcing 90% of its energy from renewables, including solar PV and air source heat pumps.

A Framework for Measuring Our Impact | Environmental

Sustainability Champions

A fundamental aspect of our initial Roadmap to Net Zero was the formation of a cross studio team of Sustainability Champions. Consisting of colleagues from different of levels and roles within the Practice, our Champions have responsibility for increasing their skills and expertise, and cascading these into their studios through active promotion and knowledge sharing within each project team.

Developing Capability

Corstorphine & Wright has consistently delivered sustainable buildings that align with the highest BREEAM standards. In our dedication to crafting structures that attain operational net-zero status, our primary focus is on embracing a ‘fabric-first’ approach as the default in our design methodology.

To support these endeavours, our Sustainability Champions have achieved various Certificated Training programmes, including BREEAM Associated Professional Certification, Certified Passivhaus Designer, and WELL Standard Certifications. We currently have two colleagues undergoing Retrofit Co-ordinator Training. Their role encompasses the integration of this knowledge into projects and the dissemination of these skills throughout their respective Studios, and design teams.

Achieving Net Zero is contingent upon strengthening our sustainability capabilities, and a pivotal component of this effort involves leveraging Whole Life Carbon analysis software. We use One Click LCA Software to conduct comprehensive carbon analyses for our projects.

Whole Life Carbon analysis software via One Click LCA Software assists our teams with carbon analysis on projects

Circular Economy

We are committed to embedding Circular Economy (CE) principles into our operations and building design. This commitment is not just the right ethical choice but is also paramount to us reaching our Net Zero target. Our Sustainability Champions help prioritise the integration of renewable materials, modular designs, and strategies for easy disassembly into our projects.

We believe strongly that advocating for a transition from a linear “take, make, dispose” model to one where our designs optimise resource efficiency and help to foster a sustainable and resilient built environment, is key to the future of our planet and people.

To this end, Corstorphine & Wright is currently spearheading the design of Unusual Rigging’s new Headquarters building, a test-bed for CE principles and low energy design.

Our team take immense pride in being the first to implement several innovative and revolutionary products in a building capable of being dismantled and reused after a long and useful life.

A Framework For Measuring Our Impact

Clients

Although we have a large amount of repeat work from clients, we continually work to expand our client base, seeing this as a valuable opportunity to learn more about how others see us, and how we can improve what we do.

We feel our clients can expect more than just buildings from us; they can expect better places and spaces that deliver tangible value for both them and the local communities they serve.

We are increasingly focussed on using our business as a force for good to complement the well-crafted and sustainable buildings we deliver. Developing an authentic culture of listening, together with effective ways of capturing and monitoring client’s and end user’s in-use experiences, continues to be a most important goal.

What a pleasure it has been to have Corstorphine & Wright undertake the design of Unusual’s new HQ and research building. From the start, they embraced our vision of building a new office in accordance with the key principles of the circular economy, in many instances really challenging conventional assumptions about the structural materials used. It has been an inspiring journey to have equally passionate advocates for creating a ‘circular build’, at times making for strained meetings with some of the key stakeholders as they persistently presented more ecological options, over easy to source, tried, tested and less sustainable ones.

Subsequently, we are on our way to realising a very low embedded carbon build that operationally, will contribute a huge amount to our strategy as a business to be net zero by 2030. Jonny Plant, Henry Jones and the rest of the C&W team have a rare quality of courteously challenging and enquiring whether there is further scope to be explored in realising a ‘circular ‘ vision. They have persistently presented us with alternative materials (such as Breathaboard over plasterboard), which align with the ideas of regeneration by design and durable designing for eventual ease of disassembly.

As a client, I couldn’t recommend the whole team from architects to interior designers at C&W more. At a time of global ecological crises, there are few organisations out there who seem to be demonstrating ‘active hope’, who are showing that an economy that is truly regenerative and restorative by design is a possibility. The C&W team are just such an organisation.”

Tom Harper Managing Director, Unusual Rigging Ltd

Image: Unusual HQ, Northampton

A Framework for Measuring Our Impact | Clients

The impact your work has had on the health and wellbeing of Police Officers and Staff is incredible, as is the positive effect on detainee welfare which is key to the delivery of justice for victims of crime.

Understanding the brief is som much more than reading the scope.”

Paula Ibberson National Framework Lead for Construction at SCAPE

Image: BREEAM Excellent Custody Centre and Operational Hub for Exeter Police, Middlemoor HQ

Corstorphine & Wright has worked with our Practice for a number of years covering our new build surgery and a number of refurbishments to our properties. They have provided intuitive and imaginative solutions to our requirements and continue to support us with our estate challenges. A great team that is responsive and commercial.”

Jon Herman Business Manager, Belvoir Health Group

Image: Cotgrave Hub, Nottingham for Belvoir Health Group

A Framework for Measuring Our Impact

We see Corstorphine & Wright as a true key trusted partner for our business. They have a deep understanding of developments, unlocking project potential and adding real value that others have not been able to do. They do so in a professional manner, recognising the importance of delivering high-quality detail swiftly while still being able to have fun doing it!”

Dave McCallion Director, Willmott Dixon Construction

Image: Perry Barr, Birmingham

Corstorphine & Wright were appointed through the Customer to work alongside Salix Homes and Willmott Dixon, to design and construct 108 new apartments, and complete the refurbishment of 110 existing apartments, bringing them in line with current regulations, Including insulating the external facade with a render type finish, new window, and an amazing new winter garden type internal balcony.

Corstorphine & Wright Architects, led by Lead Architect/Director Kim Ebling worked hard to develop various refurbishment and new build options for the customer, with early plans to construct the new apartment attached to the existing block. Over time and through various meetings, the new apartments changed to be stand alone, 11 storeys high. Kim and the team worked through challenging fire details, with associated regulation changes and developed a design for the external of the building, bring in the existing block to make a stunning and beautiful external works package.

The Corstorphine & Wright team were always professional, maintained regular contact with Salix Homes and coordinated residents’ meetings to incorporate their views within the design.

WDC Team and Corstorphine & Wright worked to maximise the space and create standardise apartment layouts, through a collaborative design process with WDC and the Supply Chain, offering solutions to the scheme, whilst maintaining budget constraints.

The team continued to work hard after the project handover, to close out the planning conditions due to Council delays following Covid.

I’d certainly work with Corstorphine & Wright on any future project.”

Simon Atkinson Operations Manager, Willmott Dixon Construction

Image: Canon Green Campus development, the largest affordable housing development in Salford

GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING HERE

HAPPENING

Images: Young City Makers 2023 Partnership with St John’s Primary, Tower Hamlets London

Corstorphine & Wright recently sponsored a special #IWD Afternoon Tea Networking event held in collaboration with YABA, Yorkshire Asian Business Association during the week of International Women’s Day, supporting the theme Inspire Inclusion.

The event provided an open forum to share any barriers for women from different cultural backgrounds, into the built environment. The guest speaker was Muneebah Shaheen, Architect at Corstorphine & Wright who shared her own journey about becomming an Architect.

“Imagine a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #InspireInclusion.”

The event supported Women in Property’s Outreach Mission to highlight the property sector to all women, helping to create a more diverse and equitable sector. Additionaly, fundraising activities took place for Women’s Whispers, a charity that supports refugee families and women fleeing domestic violence in Bradford and Leeds.

It was such a privilege to take part in Women in Property’s Inspire Inclusion IWD afternoon tea event in Bradford.

Listening to Muneebah’s and Najwa’s stories was utterly inspirational, both have had the most powerful journeys bringing them to where they are today. Hearing about all the work the Yorkshire Asian Business Association are undertaking in the region was another special highlight, as was meeting Sunjeeda Hanif from the superb charity womenswhispers.org.

It was fab to have the photographer Priyanka Veeramachineni, also attend, she captured many special moments beautifully. Ladies from so many different sectors and backgrounds, all with different life stories coming together to celebrate what has already been achieved and to discuss how we can collectively work together going forward to further grow this important initiative – all voices should be heard and with days like this they certainly will bediversity and inclusion at its finest!!”

Julie Smyth Director, Corstorphine & Wright

One of our Part II Architects based in our Leeds studio recently returned to his old primary school to participate in a KS2 careers day, after the event he said:

It was an incredible experience to reconnect and reflect on my own journey. As I spoke to the students, I couldn’t help but recall that I never had the chance to meet anyone in the architecture field I was in until I had left High School.

That’s why I believe it’s essential for young children to have the opportunity to learn about various professions and meet professionals from different fields”.

Work Experience Testimonial:

Thank you for the exciting opportunity given to my daughter at the practice. It was an excellent learning experience for her, and it allowed her to confirm her interest in pursuing a career as an Architect.

Over the course of the work experience, it was incredibly rewarding for her as the team she worked with provided advice and experience which was truly invaluable.

Please extend my gratitude and appreciation to the team she worked with.”

As our site diary project comes to an end, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey it has been, and we just wanted to say a massive thank you to both of you guys. The opportunity to experience a site like Victoria House couldn’t top anything else and the amount of knowledge we gained wouldn’t be possible without you guys.

The experience of working on the Victoria House site has been nothing short of extraordinary. It has not only provided us with a unique perspective on the construction side of things but has also broadened our understanding of how important it is for an architect and contractor to communicate well. Having the ability to go on-site and observe how construction is done is now less confusing to us both, especially as Victoria House was one of the first-ever construction sites we entered.

We hope you guys continue to update us with the progress of Victoria House, and we wish you guys the best of luck on it aswell, especially updating the 400+ Drawings.”

Usman & Rahin University of Westminster

Images: Victoria House, London - conversion of a heritage asset into new Life Science hub

Young City Makers

2023 Partnership with St John’s Primary, Tower Hamlets London

I can remember in year 5 looking at the super cool city that year 6 had made and I was super excited to do it.“

Participating Student 2023

We are really proud of our teamwork throughout the project, we worked so hard to design our city and bring it to life during our model making sessions. We all played a part in creating this vision, to see it now on display feels like a miracle.”

Participating Student 2023

Over the past week I have been printing images made by your students during their mentor sessions in preparation for the next workshop on Saturday, and I am completely overwhelmed by the experiences, activities and the work that they have produced under your guidance. I often describe the mentoring part of Accelerate as a fundamental pillar to the programme’s success, and to the quality of educational service we are able to offer our students. This is almost entirely down to your efforts; your time, energy and enthusiasm.

Since February the students have collectively expressed how much they enjoyed their experiences with you, something that, due to nerves, first encounters and new experiences, isn’t always apparent at the time. It’s incredibly heartwarming at this point in the year to see the progress made by each student. I am reminded of the magnitude of this programme and its capacity to build confidence, drive curiosity and harness imagination.

There will of course be opportunities in the future for me to thank you in person (the final check in session and the Summer exhibition, both tbc). On behalf of all the students and staff, thank you. We’re incredibly grateful for your continuing support and to have you with us on this journey.”

Participating Teacher 2023

Community Engagement

Enabling the local community to get involved at the design stage is important to us. On our project for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, alongside the key project stakeholders, we worked closely with MND community to ensure they are at the heart of the development of the scheme.

Drop-in sessions have been held with clinical team members from Leeds Hospitals Trust to gain a wider perspective on the design of the building, and to engage with the wider MND community the progressing design has been shared via community newsletters and a blog.

Throughout the co-design process, the core principles were expanded and insights from patients and staff were captured to define this critcal new facility for the MND Community.

Image: The Corstorphine & Wright project team for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease hosting a stakeholder engagement workshop suring the concept design stage

Image: The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease

Nyami is a research-based design studio dedicated to advancing zero-carbon initiatives in underdeveloped nations. Their projects place a strong emphasis on fostering community growth both socially and economically, whilst raising awareness of the environmental footprint within the construction industry

Nyami values education that imparts knowledge through real-life experiences and cultivates a collaborative platform for innovative solutions. Their primary goal is to advocate for the significance of sustainable carbon-zero design and it’s enduring advantages.

The Nyami team aspire to create a positive impact on the communities they assist, as well as on the individuals actively involved in their projects.

Corstorphine & Wright’s mission aligns with Nyami’s about empowering communities and facilitating sustainable development initiatives.

The practice’s support for Nyami Studios includes financial donations towards the construction costs of the project, design and technical support, and time off work for employees involved in the projects.

Muneebah

Neil

Froilan

Good Things Are Happening Here

Nyami Studio - Impact Areas

Economic Empowerment

By contributing to Nyami Studios’ project, Corstorphine & Wright is fostering economic empowerment within the local community in Karachi through job creation and skills development in the creative industry.

Social Inclusion

The project promotes social inclusion by providing opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate in the creative process and contribute to meaningful cultural productions.

Success Stories

Teela’s Journey:

Teela, an 18-year-old boy from the village, possesses a remarkable talent for artistry. Teela has been able to hone his skills and express his creativity. As the construction of the school progresses, Teela eagerly awaits the opportunity to fulfill his dream of becoming an art teacher within the newly built school. Through his dedication and passion for art, Teela embodies the transformative power of education and community support.

Ashoq’s Development:

Ashoq, a motivated individual from the local community, has embarked on a transformative journey as a trainee project manager under the mentorship of Meirdad, the current project manager of the school construction project. Ashoq is gaining invaluable handson experience in project management and the utilisation of sustainable materials such as bamboo. Through mentorship and practical training, Ashoq is not only learning the intricacies of running a successful project but also contributing to the advancement of sustainable practices within the community. His growth exemplifies the potential for local talent to thrive and drive positive change within their own communities.

Corstorphine & Wright’s partnership with Nyami Studios exemplifies a collaborative effort to drive positive social change. By leveraging resources and expertise, both entities are maximising the project’s impact and reach within the community.

Looking ahead, Corstorphine & Wright remains committed to supporting Nyami Studios’ project and similar initiatives that promote social and economic development in developing countries.

GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

We will continue to diversify our supply chain to include local social enterprises.

– We aim to engage more colleagues in delivering support in our local communities.

– Our Community Foundation will enable us to support and deliver a wider range of initiatives and support.

– We plan to grow the number of Partnerships we have.

Community Colleagues

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We will continue to develop a range of initiatives to support women and enable them to remain and achieve their full potential in our Practice.

– We will develop a working environment in which diversity and inclusion can flourish.

– We will undertake a thorough review of our practices to ensure we eradicate bias, wherever possible.

Governance

– We will embed carbon literacy training as part of our onboarding process.

– We are continuing to develop our monitoring and reporting processes to reflect and capture the full extent of our environmental and social impact.

Our new Low Carbon Studio initiative will help us to meet our 30% reduction in operational emissions by 2027.

– We are continuing to support our Supply Chain to measure and report their emissions.

– We aim to undertake Whole Life Cycle Assessments on more projects in our drive to meet net zero carbon.

Environmental Clients

– We are committed to increasing the range of operational waste that we recycle. –

We will continue to improve the way we listen to our clients, and make the best use of their insight.

– We will advocate with our clients regarding how we can improve and support them in the important journey we are all on.

www.corstorphine-wright.com

contact@cw-architects.co.uk

corstorphine-wright @cwrightarch

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