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Christmas Jumper Day 2024

Christmas Jumper Day 2024

This year's Christmas jumper day effort. #christmasjumperday @savethechildren #whowearsitbest #architects #saycheese #jumper #christmas #festive

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Season’s Greetings from all at IID

Season’s Greetings from all at IID

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Project Takeover 02 – Manor Lodge

Project Takeover 02 – Manor Lodge

With The Hive @manorlodgeschool The outdoor play space was as much a part of our architectural brief as the internal space for free play and learning. Featuring timber equipment by @duncanandgrove the outside learning areas provide opportunities for exploration and adventure too. 📷 @studiostagg #learn #play #explore #adventure #school #nature #freshair #outside #educationarchitecture

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Project Takeover 01 – Manor Lodge

Project Takeover 01 – Manor Lodge

With The Hive @manorlodgeschool A new extension providing free play space directly connected to all the reception classrooms. The brief was natural, calm, warm, welcoming and something 'different.' 📷 @studiostagg #calm #warm #natural #learning #education #school #extension #furniture #interior

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Architectural Safari (Part 2)

Architectural Safari (Part 2)

We took a trip to see some recently completed projects @uniwestminster Law School, and Phillies Cafe in Radlett. Thank you for letting us pay you a visit! It was good to take some time to see our projects occupied, how clients have inhabited their spaces and to share construction experience, design successes and lessons across the practice. Architecture is a team sport. #architecure #team #visit #fieldtrip #complete #autumn

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Architectural Safari (Part 1)

Architectural Safari (Part 1)

We took a trip to see some recently completed projects @acshillingdonschool, @habsboysschool and @manorlodgeschool. Thank you for letting us pay you a visit! It was good to take some time to see our projects occupied, how clients have inhabited their spaces and to share construction experience, design successes and lessons across the practice. Architecture is a team sport. #architecure #team #visit #fieldtrip #complete #autumn

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Building Awards Evening

Building Awards Evening

We attended the #BuildingAwards2024 this week with LIFE Build Solutions. The team had a fantastic time and having the project listed as a finalist for Small Project of the Year is a reflection of the care and hard work from all involved . Thanks Building Awards & @lifebuildltd for having us and congratulations to all the winners. #awardsnight #building #construction #teamwork #blacktie #architect

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Make Room For A Bench

Make Room For A Bench

Enjoyment in the warm autumn sunshine, sharing a story with a friend, finding a moment of rest, watching the world go by with your thoughts, showing someone kindness, connecting with nearby nature, talking about something important to you...some of the things that you can give people when you make room for a bench. We wonder which one of these Andy Stagg captured recently outside the new early years free play space @manorlodgeschool. #sunshine #friends #bench #makeroom #nature #learning #kindess #sharing #educationarchitecture #playtime #rest #outside #adventure #school

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Ideas for a Sports Pavilion

Ideas for a Sports Pavilion

Visualising ideas for a sports pavilion interior. #cricket #sport #interior #blue #timber #pavilion #club #sportsclub #clubhouse #architecture

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Design Breakfast #8

Design Breakfast #8

Biophilic design is on the minds of many clients, but what does this really mean? Our latest Design Breakfast focused on how can we bring architecture and nature together to produce beautiful, tranquil spaces. For us, it works best when landscape and building are part of the same design story but at all scales, it's about using nature and architecture to help enhance the experience of the other. Image 1 - Lindis Lodge by Architecture Workshop, image by The Lindis Image 2 - MFO Park, Zurich by Burckhardt, image by Paul Clemence Image 3 - Cocoon Pre-primary Extension at Bloomingdale International School by andblack design studio, image by Vinay Panjwani Image 4 - Open School in Waldau, Kassel by C.F. Møller Architects Image 5 - ÖÖD House Image 6 - Turn End Houses, by Peter Aldington Image 7 - Stage at Horst Arts & Music Festival 2018 by Collective Practice, image by Erki De Vries + Pieter Huybrechts

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Wimbledon Book Fest

Wimbledon Book Fest

Great to see the multi-purpose hall @wimbledonhighschoolgdst in use as a venue for @wimbookfest this weekend! #educationarchitecture #schooldesign #schoolhall #multiusespace #bookfest #books #literature #wimbookfest

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Ideas For Community Centre

Ideas For Community Centre

Sketching. Ideas for transforming the entrance to a community centre. #design #architecture #communitycentre #historic #nightime

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Meet Our Team

Meet Our Team

Ben joined our studio earlier this year, having trained in Architecture and Environmental Engineering at University of the West of England. This multidisciplinary background gives him a unique perspective and approach to design. The studio is already feeling the benefit of his energy and enthusiasm for what we do and why questions are an important part of the evolution process. #people #team #studio #designer #question

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Interior+Architecture Finishes

Interior+Architecture Finishes

The latest interior + architecture fabric/finishes boards for a new secondary school. These have been put together to help stakeholders imagine the spaces to come, and make key decisions on colour, texture and performance. We find this is such a valuable part of the briefing process with our clients. #fabric #finishes #colour #texture #interiordesign #visual #design

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Principal Designer Building Regulations

Principal Designer Building Regulations

Last week we went to talk to @gdstgirls about the Principal Designer role and duty holder regime now in effect under the Building Regulations. Since Director Gareth Box joined the RIBA Principal Designer Register, we've had many questions from clients and contractors about the role including who should be taking this on, how to assess the competency of those involved and what tools are being used for managing and evidencing the design compliance process. It was also interesting to hear about the impact of these changes from the perspective of one of our education clients too. Not an easy topic, but an important one for project teams to tackle effectively together. #CPD #building #regualtions #safety #designer #discussion #learning #industry #client

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Ideas For Changing Room

Ideas For Changing Room

Sketching. Ideas for changing rooms. More practical than glamorous as spaces go but that doesn't mean they don't deserve the same amount of care and attention in design. #sport #changingroom #orange #tiling #interior #computervisualisation

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Interior Design in Progress

Interior Design in Progress

Getting ALL the samples out to make decisions for the latest architecture + interior design scheme. #happyplace #interiors #materials #client #fabrics #finishes

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Design Breakfast #7

Design Breakfast #7

IID meet once a month for a Design Breakfast which is a chance to learn from each other's different perspectives, and to refresh our design thinking. Our last gathering focused on the theme of colour. As architects, we sometimes find ourselves defaulting to shades of neutral, so it was interesting to look at how other designers have introduced playful and joyful elements into their designs, what these colours mean and how they impact our experience and use of space. Image 01 - La Muralla Roja by Ricardo Bofill, photograph by Sebastian Weiss Image 02 - Le Corbusier's Colour Palette of 1931 Image 03 - Kent School of Architecture refurbishment, by Sam Jacob Studio, photograph by Tim Soar Image 04 - MK Gallery by 6a Architects, photograph by Johan Dehlin Image 05 - 190 Forum 2004 Building by Herzog & de Meuron Image 06 - Terminal 4, Barajas Airport by Richard Rogers Partnership, image by Manuel Renau Image 07 - Kinning Park Complex by New Practice, photograph by Will Scott Photography Image 08 - Britten House by Roger Walker

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Ideas For An External Canopy

Ideas For An External Canopy

Sketching. Ideas for an external canopy to provide connection between school buildings as part of one of our external landscaping project. #detail #sketch #canopy #shelter #architect #byhand #computer

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Summer Social

Summer Social

Last week IID went to the Tropical Modernism exhibition at The V&A Museum. There were mixed feelings about what we saw but everyone agreed it was thought-provoking. It was a strong reminder that architecture has a long and far reaching impact on our planet, cultures and people so it is vitally important that the wider impact of construction is considered. Context, place, community, advocacy, communication and sensitivity are all important parts of our toolbox. #modernism #exhibition #mixed #mademethink #design #architect #place #community

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Nearing Completion

Nearing Completion

The fit-out of this halls of residence common room for the University of Westminster is nearing completion on site. Just the finishing touches to go. #university #commonroom #interior #colour #natural #hallsofresidence #oldstreet #hoxton #highereducation

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BIM Tools

BIM Tools

To us, building information modelling (BIM) is now a vital tool in driving efficiency and sustainability in our projects. Detecting and resolving clashes early in the design phase is just one aspect where our BIM technology benefits project targets; it directly saves time and resources later in the programme where the adverse impact on time, cost and quality can be far greater. Bringing our experience in information management, with a focus on an effective collaboration and coordination process across the team can also reduce materials needed in construction. #BIM #technology #process #information #coordination #designer #architecture #computer #data

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20yr Development Plan

20yr Development Plan

Looking back at 10 years of progress following a 20 year development plan. After winning a 2013 competition, IID crafted a 20-year development plan for the St. Helen's School, Northwood. Our first steps included a new Junior School and Main School entrance, followed by a Sixth Form Centre, Music Building, STEM Building, and sports department extension. Each building harmonises with the landscaped site, enhancing its unique character. #IIDArchitects #educationarchitecture #schooldesign #landscape #london #school #sport #music #science #learning

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Small Project of the Year Award Nomination

Small Project of the Year Award Nomination

We are very pleased that Manor Lodge School's Early Years Centre has been shortlisted for the Building Awards Small Project of the Year 2024!

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Ideas for Arrival

Ideas for Arrival

Sketching: Ideas for a new entrance foyer #sketching #imagine #entrance #firstimpressions #welcome #educationarchitecture #reception #school

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Musical Motivation

Musical Motivation

Sometimes music gives creativity that extra boost. Our motivational playlist is just like our team, a diverse mix of genres and styles spanning the decades. 🤣 🥰 🎵 Something for everyone. Queue: I Ain't Worried - One Republic Eye of the Tiger - Survivor Break My Stride - Matthew Wilder Unstoppable - Lianne La Havas Feel It Still - Portugal. The Man Got To Have Your Love - Mantronix Love Will Get You There - Inhaler This Is The Day - The The Red Barchetta - Rush You Got The Love - Candi Staton Lose Yourself - Eminem Come On! The Hives #music #playlist #motivation

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Rethinking Internal Spaces

Rethinking Internal Spaces

A little spatial re-think, working with the beautiful existing features of the room. We sanded back and re-coated the original flooring to bring back the tone of the natural timber, coated the panelling in a heritage green, updated the lighting and added some contemporary furniture. Even though this is a busy staff work room, it now never loses a feeling of calm. #interiors #lighting #green #calm #furniture #conservation

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IID FPL Awards

IID FPL Awards

We crowned the winner of the IID 2023/24 fantasy premier league season at our annual awards evening. Thank you to Simon for his speech and summary of the year's footballing ups and downs. Congratulations to Nick who casually won both leagues and special mention to David M who won the league cup which is his first trophy after 17 years of hurt. Anna and Nick have kept David B away from the trophy in the last two years, can David regain his crown in 2025? Will Simon achieve glory after 13 years without the title or will a newcomer find their beginner's luck? The new season starts in August 2024 and with it, brings new FPL hope. We go again. #FPL #football #itsonlyagame #awards #inittowinit #letsgo #alltoplayfor #tradition #iidarchitects #trophy #winner #premierleague

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Reed’s Sixth Form Boarding House

Reed’s Sixth Form Boarding House

The Sixth Form Boarding House @reedsschool_cobham was opened by the late Queen Mother in 1959 and after nearly 60 years as a well-used home to boarders, it was in need of a rethink. In 2017, the phased refurbishment started with transforming the existing underused courtyard into a dedicated area for sixth form study and additional bedrooms. Work then began on refurbishing the entire boarding house, including new roof and windows. Keeping the building in-use during the works was no small task and required careful planning with the client & contractor but the close working relationship developed over 20 years, delivering multiple projects and contributing to the school's long term development plan, helped the team achieve this together. #collaboration #phase #boardingschool #refurbishment #testimonial #client #completed #educationarchitecture #transformation

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Yes, and…

Yes, and…

We were reminded recently of where a conversation can take you if you use "yes, and..." to carry forward and build on the original idea and each subsequent development. Letting go of 'no' and 'but' for a little while can improve cooperation, our capacity for listening, encourage our collaborators and ultimately, improve innovation and creativity. Who else does this? #collaboration #yes #and #innovation #creativity #learning #leadership

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Meet Our Team

Meet Our Team

We welcomed Charlie and Bethany to our studio earlier this year. Charlie joins us all the way from New Zealand as a Part II graduate. He has a great design eye and has already made some great contributions to design developments and visualisations across many of our early-stage projects. We're looking forward to supporting him through Part III studies this autumn. Bethany is a qualified Architect with experience across the residential and community sectors. She is bringing her fresh perspective to the work we are doing in education. Passionate about our community, Bethany will be evolving our social value and inclusion agenda with lots of ideas for volunteering, education workshops and mentoring. #team #studio #designers #architect #ourpeople #colleagues #welcome

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Construction Progress

Construction Progress

And we're off. The foundation slab is installed and the timber structure is taking shape on site at Phillimore Recreation Ground Pavilion, Radlett. #construction #communityarchitecture #cafedesign #pavilion #timber #community #design

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Sample Boarding Bedroom

Sample Boarding Bedroom

Bedrooms at school are a home away from home so it's important that they are warm, functional, calm but an uplifting space to start each day and retreat to. There are going to 50+ boarding bedrooms to deliver as part of the @thomasscollege Richmond Hill project so sample bedrooms have been installed to test ideas, finishes and quality before embarking on the main project. IID interiors team dressed the rooms to help the clients visualise the finished scheme and we're pleased to say these rooms have met the brief. We're looking forward to delivering more homely bedrooms for September 2025. #boardingschool #bedroom #interiordesign #joinery #education #architecture #educationarchitect #green #neutral #roomdressing

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Meet Our Team

Meet Our Team

Sarah is part of our in-house interior design team. They work closely with our clients on new-build and refurbishment projects, spending the time to get to know them and their organisation, understanding their aspirations and style. With so many decisions to make during a project, Sarah, with her in depth knowledge of interior finishes, colour, furniture and upholstery, is the 'guiding light' many of our clients appreciate having on board through the process. #interiordesign #interior #ourteam #people #designer #colour #style

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Prototyping

Prototyping

Prototyping. 1:1 cladding panel sample in production for the new STEM centre @notredamecobham to see what the bespoke, specially designed motif will look like before the rest are made for the façade . #sample #test #design #bespoke #pattern #geometry #bronze #prototype #architecture

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Francis Holland Preparatory School

Francis Holland Preparatory School

The Grade II* listed former Chelsea Public Library was originally built in the late Victorian era and repurposed as a school in 2006, it will become the home of @fhssloanesquare Preparatory School in September 2024. This building presents a unique challenge. Our goal is to create a warm and inviting space for young learners. We will bring down the scale of grand spaces with playful interventions in timber, colour and lighting while respecting unique historic features. The refurbishment includes the restoration of the historic Children's Library, where we will be removing modern additions to expose more of the original building to create the school's dining hall. #EducationArchitecture #HeritageRefurbishment #ClassroomDesign #JuniorSchool

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Community Centre

Community Centre

Ideas for a community centre in South West London. #design #architecture #communitycentre #arts #community #conservation

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ACS Hillingdon School

ACS Hillingdon School

Construction of the multi-purpose hall ACS Hillingdon School is progressing on site. We have been working closely with the sports department to finalise the court layouts to provide for volleyball, basketball & badminton as well as all the other things planned for this flexible space. #construction #educationarchitecture #siteprogress #sport #volleyball #badminton #basketball

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University Seminar Suite

University Seminar Suite

September 2024 will bring new seminar and social study spaces to The University of Westminster Little Titchfield Street. This subterranean level has been re-imagined with new learning technology and furniture to facilitate the University's active learning pedagogy. #activelearning #university #highereducation #westmisnter #london #classroom #study #interiordesign #biophillia

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Our Founding Partners

Our Founding Partners

The three original Partners. Alan & Chris set-up IID in 1984 with Paul joining soon after. It all started with a conversation about how they'd like to practice and what they'd do if they had the freedom to create a studio of their own. Looking back, we can't help feeling what a brave thing this was, as young Architects in their thirties. Alan & Chris wanted to make clients and stakeholders the centre of the design conversation, appreciating that their voices were crucial to achieving distinctive buildings which are a joy to inhabit. They wanted to set their own agenda and put people, family, kindness and integrity at the heart of their young practice. While we've grown, diversified and evolved over the years, this ethos is still guiding what we do 40 years later. #architect #history #origins #40 #practice #studio #people #community

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Ideas for a Movement Studio

Ideas for a Movement Studio

Ideas for a calming movement studio renovation. #inspiration #movement #studio #interiordesign #vinyasaflow #yoga #design

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Manor Lodge School Reception Years Extension

Manor Lodge School Reception Years Extension

Manor Lodge School believe that learning should be an adventure; a journey that extends beyond the classroom. This formed the imaginative brief for the new reception years extension, which was completed in stages earlier this year and now provides a seamless inside/outside learning environment. The newly designed free-play space blurs the transition between the exploration that happens in the classroom and outside. The organic forms of the surrounding landscape and location of a tree at the heart of the project moulded the form of the building. The muted, calm, natural range of surface finishes, colour and textures and planted window seats around the perimeter also help to bring nature into the experience of this special space. #educationarchitecture #school #earlyyearseducation #reception #adventure #explore #insideoutside #timber #nature

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Phillimore Recreation Ground Pavilion

Phillimore Recreation Ground Pavilion

Construction has commenced on the new café pavilion at Phillimore Recreation Ground in Radlett with Aldenham Parish Council. Once foundations are in, the building will start to take shape quickly as the glulam timber frame is erected. #construction #communityarchitecture #cafedesign #pavilion #timber #community #design

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Say It With Cake!

Say It With Cake!

Say it with cake......IID is 40! (did we mention we design & build cake too?) #bespoke #bake #cake #design #birthday #frosting #cakearchitecture

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Celebration

Celebration

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us at Old School House, @fhssloanesquare to celebrate 40 years of IID and Simon and Carole's retirement. It was wonderful to have so many friends and colleagues (near, far, old and new) with us for such a special occasion. 40 years of collaborating together. #feelingblessed #celebration #retirement #anniversay #cheers #party #colleagues #people #hosting #collaboration #community

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A Note From Our Client

A Note From Our Client

We worked with Jane Lunnon, former head @wimbledonhighschoolgdst, on their estate masterplan. We also delivered three phases of development including the new STEAM Tower and Sixth Form House. #educationarchitecture #school #masterplan #STEAM #architecture #quote #collaboration #teamwork

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Tutti Frutti Inspiration

Tutti Frutti Inspiration

Tutti Frutti mood board. #tuttifrutti #colours #finishes #inspiration #mood #colour #interiordesign @johnsontiles @amticoflooring @altro_limited @panazfabrics @bauxdesign @hunterdouglasuk @spradlingeurope

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St. Helen’s School, Northwood

St. Helen’s School, Northwood

The view between music and STEM at St. Helen's School, Northwood on a lovely sunny day. #sunshine #bluesky #brick #red #music #STEM #masterplan #school #educationarchitecture

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Meet Our Team

Meet Our Team

When you spend so much time with your colleagues, you start to dress the same....Stephen & Shadi, who collaborate on our visualisations and fly-through video production in-house. Shadi is our BIM co-ordinator and is constantly dreaming up new code, work-flows and plug-ins to improve ouR BIM efficiencies. Stephen is a qualified Project Architect with a wealth of experience in supporting projects through construction. #team #designers #BIM #twinmotion #architect #colleagues #matching #together #ourpeople #green

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Ideas for a School of Music

Ideas for a School of Music

Sketching. Ideas for a School of Music #music #school #sketching #drawing #architecture #educationarchitecture

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A Note From Our Client

A Note From Our Client

We first worked with @manorlodgeschool on the Coach House, refurbishing existing teaching spaces and creating a glazed learning resource centre at the heart of their Listed Building. Since then, we have collaborated with Alyson and her team on a number of projects, including an extension to their early years learning and play facilities. #educationarchitecture #schooldesign #architecture #quote #collaboration #teamwork #learn #play #grown #earlyyears

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Science with a ‘zing’

Science with a ‘zing’

A science lesson with a bit of 'zing' at Reed's School, Cobham. #science #green #learning #architecture #education #school

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International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day

Happy International Women's Day! #inspireinclusion #womeninconstruction #architect #teamwork #equity

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40 Years in Statistics

40 Years in Statistics

Our 40 year history in statistics... 2_Founding Partners, 82_Employees, 18_Graduates Qualified, 30_Babies Born, 1_Celebrity Porch, 5_Office Moves, 1500_Monday Lunches Together, 1_Office Dog & 296_Buildings Built #IID40 #statistics #40years #practice #designstudio #designing #building #construction #history

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Site Visit

Site Visit

On site. Opening up, taking measurements & photo records at one of our existing buildings. Detective work needed to get a good look at how things are constructed before we plan our interventions. #sitevisit #existingbuilding #refurbishment #survey #architect #discover #building #construction #detective

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Sports Hall At ACS International School Hillingdon

Sports Hall At ACS International School Hillingdon

The new Sports Hall @acshillingdonschool , with its living wall façade , is currently under construction with design and build procurement. IID were appointed post-planning to complete the technical design and provide services through construction. Due for completion summer 2024. #construction #livingwall #visualisation #designandbuild #architect #education #school #inprogress #sport #sportshall

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Classroom Design Tips

Classroom Design Tips

1. Add doors to fitted storage to hide clutter and make the space feel calmer. Magnetic/ writeable cupboard doors can also double as display or idea space too. 2. Coordinate cabling between learning screens & desks to avoid trailing wires & awkwardness in changing classrooms through the day. 3. Label lighting & ventilation controls to help teachers understand how to control the room they are working in. This reduces frustration for & helps reduce energy consumption. 4. Select classroom tables & chairs that stack, fold or have wheels & are light enough for students to move so the furniture isn't standing in the way of adaptability. 5. Plan out how & where student work will be displayed. This is a big part of making 'learning visible' so it shouldn't feel like a second thought

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Manor Lodge Staffroom

Manor Lodge Staffroom

New staffroom vibes @ManorLodgeSchool #pink #green #staffroom #interiors #heritage #teachers #education #coffeetime

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RIBA Award Shortlist

RIBA Award Shortlist

Old School House for @FHSSloaneSquare has been shortlisted by @ribalondon @riba for the #RIBAawards 2024. The 19th century building had been through many conversions before ending up vacant & ready to have its original character restored. #refurbishment #award #design

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Ideas For A Welcome And Well-Being Centre

Ideas For A Welcome And Well-Being Centre

Sketching. Ideas for a welcome and well-being centre using AI as an ideas generation tool #wellbeing #architecture #AI #ideas #sketching #visualisation

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Back At The Beginning

Back At The Beginning

Right back to the beginning in 1986 when IID was still young and operating as a team of four. Communication took days by letter, drawings took weeks by hand, telephones were huge and Alan, Chris, Paul & Simon were planning where they could take the practice in the years to come. #IID40 #changes #practice #history

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University of Westminster Café Refresh

University of Westminster Café Refresh

You can do a lot with a little. Sometimes our clients want to improve the usability, appeal and impact of the spaces they already have but don’t have the budget or time to undertake full scale refurbishment projects. At the University of Westminster, one of their café spaces was hardly being used by staff and students. We transformed the space by uncovering hidden windows to bring in more daylight, adding colour/ texture to the walls to soften the glare of the existing lighting and unfriendly white walls, and re-planning the space with new joinery and loose furniture. The ceiling height is really low so we kept furniture low slung too and fitted wall items like mirrors higher up to give a feeling of more space. The green, neutral and timber tones alongside the indoor planting help create a series of calm, comfortable zones to study and take a break in and we hear students and staff are loving the new look. #university #cafe #interiors #indoorplants #rethink #alotwithalittle #onabudget #refurb

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40 years of practice
IID 40

40 years of practice

A lot has changed in 40 years of practice... but the ways in which we create through collaboration remain the same. IID Architects turns 40 this March, and in the coming weeks we'll be looking back on the people, places, and projects that have made us who we are. #IID40 #architecture #designstudio

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IID Architects Christmas Card 2023

IID Architects Christmas Card 2023

Season's Greetings from all at IID Architects

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BuildingSMART Certified

BuildingSMART Certified

Our Director, David Brown, is buildingSMART certified and now registered to deliver projects in compliance with BIM standard ISO 19650. This Professional Certification course is one of the ways we have evolved our practice for BIM and digital construction projects. #BIM #accreditation #certified #digital #management #quality #standards

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Thomas’s College
Thomas's College

Thomas’s College

We’re very excited to be working with @thomasslondondayschools on their new secondary school site in Richmond. It's a beautiful, Grade II listed Methodist College, built in the 1840s but most recently used by the American University. A transformation will be taking place within these buildings, to turn the site into a place for innovative teaching and learning, ready for September 2025 #listedbuilding #education #architecture #conservation #reimagine #transformation #refurbishment #boarding #college #richmond

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1875 Sports Centre Opens

1875 Sports Centre Opens

The 1875 Sports Centre at Nottingham Girls’ High School had its official opening this week. This project, which has refurbished the two main sports halls, added a fitness and movement studio to the centre and created a new entrance and tranquil courtyard, started life with three key words: Strength. Confidence. Connection. We hope these ring true as students start a new term of sport and movement activities #girlscan #sport #strength #fitness #complete #grandopening #education #architecture #movement

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Shortlisted for Building Awards Small Project of the Year

Shortlisted for Building Awards Small Project of the Year

The Pre-Prep Building at Haberdashers’ Boys’ School has been shortlisted for the Building Awards Small Project of the Year! Sustainability and sensitivity were at the heart of the project. From the concept of ‘learn, nurture, grow,’ biophilic design principles were used to develop the interior and exterior spaces as one. #buildingawards2023 #schoolbuildings #educationarchitecture #earlyyearseducation’

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Architect of the Year Award Shortlist

Architect of the Year Award Shortlist

IID Architects have been shortlisted for bdonline Architect of the Year Awards 2023 in the Education (Nursery to 6th Form) category. Well done to all the finalists and we look forward to the winner being announced in October. #schools #design #refurbished #reimagined

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University Common Room Ideas

University Common Room Ideas

Ideas for transforming an existing space into a University common room. #friday #ideas #sketching #interiordesign #colour #university #design #visualart #repurpose #reuse

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Sports Pavilion R&D

Sports Pavilion R&D

R&D exploration into re-using shipping containers to create sports changing pavilions and club houses for our school clients. Working with the modules of standard shipping containers we have looked at how we can design an elegant, refined and robust modular building scheme that can be adapted to different sizes and assembled into different configurations. The design seeks to minimise wastage of materials, reduce programmes, reduce risk in construction and ultimately reduce cost for our clients while still delivering high quality, made-to-measure design. #researchanddevelopment #shippingcontainer #pavilion #reuse #recycle #design #modular #sustainable #sports #clubhouse #educationarchitecture #architect #initiative #whatcanwedo

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Wimbledon High School

Wimbledon High School

This new sixth form building has given sixth form a fresh identity @wimbledonhighschoolgdst. It’s designed to surprise, inspire and to remain a place of calm, especially during the exam season. Landscape, natural daylight, and different opportunities for reflection and connection are key features which run through the building from the new entrance on Wimbledon Hill Road (1&5), to the study space with its folded ceiling (2) and the common room opening out onto its own rooftop courtyard (3&4) It was imagined to be a springboard into life beyond the school and a place where girls can learn without limits @gdstgirls 📸 @studiostagg #architecture #design #educationdesign #school #sixthform #wimbledon #calm #exams #reflection #connection

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ECN Breakfast

ECN Breakfast

Director Gareth Box will be joining the panel at the ECN Breakfast Event on May 25th for the discussion on Masterplanning Education Estates. - What makes a good masterplan? - How do we successfully incorporate various stakeholder inputs at the appropriate time? - How do we balance advice on education policy against aspirations and objectives of a Governing Board or Trust? - What do we need from statutory bodies such as Planning and Building Control at masterplan stage? - How do we incorporate sustainable and low carbon solutions into the masterplan? This event is free for client bodies to attend, just visit the Alliance of Construction Networks website to book your place. #ECNbreakfast #SchoolDesign #EducationArchitecture

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Haberdashers’ Boys’ School Pre-Prep Building

Haberdashers’ Boys’ School Pre-Prep Building

Haberdashers’ Boys’ School opened their Pre-Prep building in January 2023 which was a big milestone for our client who had always been told it would be impossible to build this building here, in Green Belt, within a Listed Park & Garden and next door to a Grade II* Listed Building on the site. With careful stewardship of the design and planning process, possibility blossomed, and the Prep-Prep community are now putting down roots in a brand-new building and have also been able to grow by one form of entry. The single-storey, earth-sheltered, cross-laminated timber structure was sensitively designed to blend the into the surrounding landscape and minimise the impact on views of the nearby Grade II* listed Aldenham House. Sustainability was a key driver for making this all possible and the building impacts the wider environment as lightly as possible too. We had lots of conversations with teachers about how spaces inside and outside needed to echo our concept of ‘learn, nurture, grow,’ and reflect the School’s contemporary pedagogical practices. Please get in touch if you want to know more about implementing these ideas for early years learning. #educationarchitecture #schooldesign #prepschool #clt #earlyyearseducation

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International Women’s Day 2023
International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day 2023

Happy International Women’s Day. Here’s to all those in design and construction that came before us with the courage to disrupt and all the work left to do to embrace equity. Here’s to collectively forging positive change. #embraceequity #allies #womenindesign #equality #internationalwomensday

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Revisiting the Mary Short School of Music at St Helen’s School,

Revisiting the Mary Short School of Music at St Helen’s School, which opened in 2019. This is the Recital Room – lots of work went in to how the space would sound, so it was great to hear it in action as the students practised.

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New Junior School ‘playground in the sky’
Star gazing from the new Junior School ‘playground in the sky

New Junior School ‘playground in the sky’

Star gazing from the new Junior School ‘playground in the sky’ @wimbledonhighschoolgdst. It’s an enclosed outdoor learning space that you can only find by adventuring up to the Junior School rooftop so shhh, it’s our little secret.

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A little glimpse into our IID architecture studio

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This week we are celebrating Jimmy
celebrating Jimmy

This week we are celebrating Jimmy

This week we are celebrating Jimmy and all he has achieved while at the practice, including some fantastic projects like the Bridgeman Building at Reed’s School, Cobham. To say Jimmy will be missed in our studio is an understatement but we wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career at Adjaye Associates. Always a part of our IID family

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Seasons Greetings from IID

Season’s Greetings from all at IID Architects. The snow is falling but we hope everyone is staying safe and warm as best they can. Our donation this year was made to CrisisUk who are working to end homelessness

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IID Christmas card
IID Christmas card

IID Christmas card

This year’s IID Christmas card is in production. Watch this space for how it all turned out…

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Budding architects at Rickmansworth Park JMI School

Budding architects at Rickmansworth Park JMI School

Thank you to Rickmansworth Park JMI School for inviting us into the classroom last month as part of the @RIBA Ambassadors scheme. We enjoyed exploring ideas on how building design can respond to the climate crisis with Year 5 and designing their own ‘classroom of the future’ on the River Chess. Some fantastic ideas and models from the next generation.

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Three-storey extension to Monega Primary School
Three-storey extension to Monega Primary School in Newham

Three-storey extension to Monega Primary School

IID have obtained planning approval, on behalf of The Boleyn Trust, for a three-storey extension to Monega Primary School in Newham that will provide a welcoming new entrance, multi-purpose studio space and make all floors of the old Victorian board school accessible with a new lift. Construction is due to commence early next year

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New graduate Maria
New graduate Maria

New graduate Maria

Big congratulations to Maria who is the latest graduate from our team to successfully pass the RIBA Part III exams. A huge achievement after lots of hard work, Maria can now join the Architect’s register!

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Opening of Tiffin Girls’ School’s new Sports Centre
Opening of Tiffin Girls’ School’s new Sports Centre

Opening of Tiffin Girls’ School’s new Sports Centre

September saw the opening of Tiffin Girls’ School’s new Sports Centre with four-court hall. IID worked alongside TFT Consultants to help the School secure funding for the project and it’s great to see it in use, promoting health and fitness both within the school and the local community. The girls can now play indoor netball, hockey, cricket, and basketball at club level, as well as premier-level gymnastics and five-a-side football. Watch this space for the next generation of Lionesses!

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Living walls at The Alvarium
Living walls at The Alvarium

Living walls at The Alvarium

The new living walls in the atrium at The Alvarium, Northwood College have been planted, bringing a little beauty of the living world inside

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Building Awards 2022 Shortlist
Bridgeman Building Extension at Reed’s School

Building Awards 2022 Shortlist

The Bridgeman Building Extension at Reed’s School has been shortlisted for the Building Awards 2022 Small Project of the Year. The building is now a gateway to the school and point of arrival for their expanding Sixth Form. It forms a node between three existing buildings, acting as a central hub for Drama, Art, and Science departments, and activating a previously underused corner of the site. The façade features robust and low-maintenance materials that reference the surrounding Arts & Crafts buildings. Tall windows create a vertical rhythm and sense of height, while providing the internal spaces with daylight and views of the surrounding landscape.

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Propagation station

The cuttings from our office ZZ plant are quietly growing new rhizomes and roots. When we have an inch of new roots, we can repot a new plant

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A summer Friday evening in Hyde Park
A summer Friday evening in Hyde Park

A summer Friday evening in Hyde Park

A summer Friday evening in Hyde Park to see this year’s Serpentine Pavilion. We also stopped by The Serpentine North Gallery for a drink in the sunshine. A chance to explore some design work but also a little time to check-in with each-other, listen and laugh away from our desks

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Our Architect of the Year Award entry

Our Architect of the Year Award entry

A closer look at the projects we submitted for our Architect of the Year Award entry… Bromley High School, Junior School Extension: Extension and refurbishment of the existing school building, providing a visitor entrance and new teaching spaces for Arts subjects centred around a courtyard. Wimbledon High School, Sixth Form & Hall: Currently under construction, our third phase of development at the school contains a new school hall, sixth form centre, and rooftop playground. Reed’s School, Bridgeman Building Extension: Extension to an existing Arts & Crafts building, forming a new entrance to the school campus, while extending teaching space for Science and Humanities. Manor Lodge School, Coach House: Adaptive reuse of an existing sports hall structure to create a learning resource centre at the heart of the school.

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Shortlisted for BD Education Architect of the Year 2022
Shortlisted for BD Education Architect of the Year 2022

Shortlisted for BD Education Architect of the Year 2022

We are thrilled to be shortlisted for BD Education Architect of the Year 2022. There are some truly inspirational, clever and joyful learning environments recognised in this year’s category and well worth a look 

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Design technology workshops at St. Helen’s School
Design technology workshops at St. Helen’s School

Design technology workshops at St. Helen’s School

The design technology workshops at St. Helen’s School, Northwood in action. 📸 @petercookphoto #design #workshop #STEM #learning #educationarchitecture #completed #inuse #girlseducation #initiativesindesign

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New Bridgeman Building Extension
New Bridgeman Building Extension

New Bridgeman Building Extension

The new Bridgeman Building Extension @reedsschool_cobham was completed Autumn 2021. The new science and humanities classrooms are a much needed addition to the School and once the weather warms up, its new courtyard will be popular with students too. 📸 @petercookphoto

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Site visits in January
Site visits in January

Site visits in January

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Christmas card from all of us here at IID Architects
Christmas card from all of us here at IID Architects

Christmas card from all of us here at IID Architects

Link in our bio to watch this year’s Christmas card from all of us here at IID Architects. This year’s donation was made to crisisuk who are working to end homelessness.

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New dining room at Wimbledon High School
New dining room at Wimbledon High School

New dining room at Wimbledon High School

The new dining room at Wimbledon High School inside what was once the DT teaching building. If we told you this room used to be purple and grey, would you believe us?

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St. Helen’s STEM Centre shortlisted for Buildingawards 2021
St. Helen’s STEM Centre shortlisted for Buildingawards 2021

St. Helen’s STEM Centre shortlisted for Buildingawards 2021

St. Helen’s STEM Centre has been shortlisted for #buildingawards 2021 Small Project of the Year! (

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Labs at Wimbledon High School
Labs at Wimbledon High School

Labs at Wimbledon High School

Photographer Peter Cook has captured the amazing learning going on here in one of the new fabrication labs at Wimbledon High School. We hope that everyone at school/ college can feel proud of the learning, hard work, innovation and achievements that have taken place this year and celebrate the A-Level & GCSE results arriving this week.

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BREEAM Final Post Construction Review Certification
BREEAM Final Post Construction Review Certification

BREEAM Final Post Construction Review Certification

Sustainability: We are delighted to report that July 2021 has seen three of our projects, including the construction of Teaching Block 4 and The Hammond Quad Infill @hamptonschooluk receive their BREEAM Final Post Construction Review Certification from the Building Research Establishment (BRE)

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Sunny river Thames
We're very happy to see the sunshine here in Richmond-upon-Thames.

Sunny river Thames

We're very happy to see the sunshine here in Richmond-upon-Thames.

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Stephen Smith

Project Architect

Having previously worked on residential and educational buildings, Stephen has developed a specialist expertise in design for the disabled. He is particularly adept at dealing with complex and demanding large scale projects and working closely with contractors to ensure a comprehensive and timely flow of information.  He brings a composed and measured approach and does not let go until every detail is resolved – a marvellously safe pair of hands.

Another talented musician, he plays the clarinet and saxophone, enjoys baking and was also a member of Nottingham City Rowing Club.

Stephen Smith – Project Architect

Helen Whateley

Associate

Having attended a lecture by one of our Directors, Helen asked to visit the office to find out more about us.  She made an amazing impression and was offered a job after spending the day with us.  Her many gifts include an incisive mind and a persuasive (see above) and tenacious nature, qualities which are invaluable in so many of our projects.

One of our sportier members of staff, Helen enjoys skiing, tennis and the terrifying game of lacrosse.  As well as being a ski-instructor in Canada, she was Lacrosse Captain at Bath and a Lacrosse Counsellor at Tripp Lake Camp, Maine USA – the latter job title supplying the proof, if proof were needed, that lacrosse is not a sport to be undertaken lightly.

Helen Whateley - Associate

Richard Matthews

Director

Another home-grown Director, Rick has always been interested in the development of the practice’s IT systems and was responsible for championing its move into Revit 3D modelling before the rest of the world and Autodesk caught on.

He has extensive experience in the education sector (state and private) and takes a very methodical and logical approach to resolving the knottiest of design issues. He brings a highly developed technical awareness and keen design eye to the practice and the projects he runs.

Beyond the office, he enjoys classic cars and motorbikes (driving and fixing) and all forms of motorsport. He’s also trying to stay fit with a mixture of swimming, squash, paddle boarding and Ceroc dancing and regularly does a parkrun on a Saturday morning.

Richard Matthews - Director

David Moore

Associate

David did his first stint with us in 1998 before setting off around the world with his future wife for an extended break. He returned to IID in 2007 after working in the hospital design sector for several years, bringing a wealth of technical and management skills which combine with a very responsive and supportive approach to running projects. His carefully reflective manner and skill at defusing complications or obstacles on site are invaluable.

He has three sons, is sports and cycling mad and a regular visitor to Brentford FC.

David Moore - Associate

Gareth Box

Director

After a BA in English at Manchester, Gareth worked in advertising and teaching before retraining as an architect, having initially fought the family trend (father, mother and grandfather were all architects).

Gareth thrives on client collaboration and has experience of a range of school and community projects, often resulting in long-term building development plans. He takes the time to assess all the possibilities open to a client and helps you to rework and refine your ideas to reach the best decision for the school.  A broader background in the arts has given him the ability to step back and see the wider picture.

His passion is music, and he enjoys playing in a band when he gets the chance.

Gareth Box - Director

David Brown

Director

David has been involved in IID since he was 15 years old, starting off by producing immaculate models for the practice. He joined IID full time in 2005 having completed his degree in furniture design and has since developed and directed our 3D capability in BIM.  This combined with his keen design eye brings a formidable combination to project work.

When time away from his two young daughters allows, he enjoys beating Simon at Fantasy Football.

David Brown - Director

Anna Gillies

Associate

In addition to her role as Associate at IID, Anna is a tutor at the University of Westminster, assisting graduates in achieving their Part III qualification. This suits her interest in professional practice and law and an ability to communicate clearly and effectively. She takes a holistic approach to her projects and brings careful attention to every single detail, from first concepts through to construction and delivery of the furniture and interior design.

Anna is a keen cyclist and is a passionate gardener, loving all things green. This hobby extends to the IID studio where she cares for our greenery and is often nurturing a propagation project to expand our indoor collection.

Anna Gillies - Associate

Anya Heath

Architectural Assistant

Anya completed her BArch and March at the University of Nottingham where she worked as a Design Studio Tutor to first year architecture students. Moving onto a Cambridge architectural practice, she worked on a range of projects including residential, educational, and listed buildings for Cambridge University. She brings a serene thoughtful approach to her work and has taken a particular interest in how buildings are used by IID’s clients and post occupancy evaluations.

Outside work Anya is a karate black belt and has taught children and adults of all ages. She also enjoys life drawing classes.

Anya Heath - Architectural Assistant

Shadi Al-Begain

BIM Coordinator/Architectural Designer

Following graduation from his MArch Shadi embarked on a course in architectural visualisation which led to privately commissioned work as well as being key to his current role as architectural assistant here.  He is keen to bring the latest technical advances to the practice, improving 3D design processes by making them more cost effective and time efficient both for us and our clients.  He is adept at mentoring colleagues and sharing his extensive knowledge.

Shadi is also interested in DIY, craft, modelmaking and photography.

Shadi Al-Begain - Architectural Assistant

Maria Iliopoulou

Architect

Maria brings considerable experience in working on residential and mixed-use developments including many extensions and conversions to existing buildings both in the UK and Greece.  Her precise and detailed approach to delicate planning situations led to success in several appeals and she is adept at dealing with statutory authorities.

Maria was a volunteer with the National Theatre of Rhodes Island and helped with the proposals for renovation.  She also enjoys architectural and still life drawing.

Maria Iliopoulou - Architectural Assistant

Sarah Broadhurst

Architectural Designer

Sarah has joined us from Edinburgh where she worked predominantly in the residential sector running small scale projects from beginning to end – a baptism of fire for a young architectural assistant.  Her Master’s project looked at how to protect Orkney’s Neolithic monuments from the depredations of mass tourism using virtual reality and physical recreation of the sites at sea.  It was exhibited at the RSA New Contemporaries in 2020 at the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture in Edinburgh.

Sarah was a keen member of the Edinburgh Athletics Club, her main event being hammer throwing and competed in the Scottish Women’s Athletic League, National Senior Championships and the Scottish Hammer Grand Prix.

Sarah Broadhurst – Architectural Assistant

Linda Avery

Practice Administrator

Linda joined us in September 2011 after taking a career break to bring up her children.  She previously worked for Shell International undertaking a range of roles in recruitment and marketing.

Linda has travelled widely and is a keen gardener. She is an avid supporter of, and taxi driver for, two extremely talented daughters who excel at cricket and kayaking and compete all over the country.  Her role with IID is Practice Administrator and PA to the Directors.

Linda Avery - Practice Administrator

Kate Yaldren

Practice Manager

Kate is the Practice manager at IID Architects and is instrumental in assisting with the administration side of the practice.

She studied shoe design and millinery at Cordwainers College. On graduating, she worked in the contemporary contract furniture field, selecting and specifying products and assisting on the project management and installation side of the business. Kate now spends her time between two practices and joined IID Architects in March 2024.

Outside the office Kate enjoys museum visits and scouring vintage markets for mid-century treasures.

Susan Matthews

Financial Manager

Susan joined IID in October 2012, overlapping with her predecessor before taking over as our Financial Manager in January 2013.  Her previous training and experience as a Ward Sister and Outpatient Department Manager in the NHS were perhaps an unlikely background for a financial role, but she has proven an impeccable organiser and manager of our cash flow.

Alongside bringing up her two girls, she is a talented violin and viola player and performs regularly with the Kingston Chamber Orchestra. She also paints with a local art group, has taken up Ceroc dancing and loves driving classic cars and scouring antiques fairs for hidden gems.

Susan Matthews - Financial Manager

Nick Rich

Director

Nick has amassed a significant range of project experience in state and private sectors and remains calm and considered amid busy complex projects.  He can step back from the daily buzz and keep an eye on how everything will fit together, resulting in spaces that feel effortless and full of flow.  He makes sure the right questions are asked at the right time and will pull together reams of information into a coherent set of client instructions.

In his spare time, and when his two boys allow, he enjoys photography and cycling and can occasionally fit in a stage of the Tour de France.

Nick Rich - Director

Bethany Scott

Architect

Bethany is an experienced Architect who trained at Northumbria University and Umeå School of Architecture, Sweden and joined IID in Fenruary 2024.

She brings a calm and considered approach to her work which is appreciated by her colleagues and clients. Her interests lie in social inclusion and helping the next generation of architects find their feet in the profession.

Kate Yaldren

Practice Manager

Kate is the Practice manager at IID Architects and is instrumental in assisting with the administration side of the practice.

She studied shoe design and millinery at Cordwainers College. On graduating, she worked in the contemporary contract furniture field, selecting and specifying products and assisting on the project management and installation side of the business. Kate now spends her time between two practices and joined IID Architects in March 2024.

Outside the office Kate enjoys museum visits and scouring vintage markets for mid-century treasures.

Ben Logsdon

Architectural Designer

Ben is a very capable architectural designer who trained in architecture and environmental engineering at University of the West of England.

He has a wonderfully refreshing approach to work, bringing a level of energy and scrutiny which benefits those he works with. He is also very practical and has an innate understanding of how things fit together and an advanced grasp of scale and proportion which is vital to so much of what we do.

Charlie Devine

Architectural Designer

Charlie is a natural designer who seems to have architecture in his DNA, he trained in New Zealand and joined IID in February 2024.

He develops his thinking through sketches and is able to consider design problems from all angles, ensuring his work is technically achievable and aesthetically beautiful.