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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
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
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
Visualising ideas for a sports pavilion interior. #cricket #sport #interior #blue #timber #pavilion #club #sportsclub #clubhouse #architecture
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
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
Sketching. Ideas for transforming the entrance to a community centre. #design #architecture #communitycentre #historic #nightime
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
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
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
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
Getting ALL the samples out to make decisions for the latest architecture + interior design scheme. #happyplace #interiors #materials #client #fabrics #finishes
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
Sketching: Ideas for a new entrance foyer #sketching #imagine #entrance #firstimpressions #welcome #educationarchitecture #reception #school
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ideas for a community centre in South West London. #design #architecture #communitycentre #arts #community #conservation
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
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
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
Ideas for a calming movement studio renovation. #inspiration #movement #studio #interiordesign #vinyasaflow #yoga #design
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
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
Say it with cake......IID is 40! (did we mention we design & build cake too?) #bespoke #bake #cake #design #birthday #frosting #cakearchitecture
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
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
Tutti Frutti mood board. #tuttifrutti #colours #finishes #inspiration #mood #colour #interiordesign @johnsontiles @amticoflooring @altro_limited @panazfabrics @bauxdesign @hunterdouglasuk @spradlingeurope
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
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
Sketching. Ideas for a School of Music #music #school #sketching #drawing #architecture #educationarchitecture
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
A science lesson with a bit of 'zing' at Reed's School, Cobham. #science #green #learning #architecture #education #school
Happy International Women's Day! #inspireinclusion #womeninconstruction #architect #teamwork #equity
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
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
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
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
New staffroom vibes @ManorLodgeSchool #pink #green #staffroom #interiors #heritage #teachers #education #coffeetime
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
Sketching. Ideas for a welcome and well-being centre using AI as an ideas generation tool #wellbeing #architecture #AI #ideas #sketching #visualisation
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
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
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
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
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
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
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’
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
Ideas for transforming an existing space into a University common room. #friday #ideas #sketching #interiordesign #colour #university #design #visualart #repurpose #reuse
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
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
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
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
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
Huey, Dewey & Louie #fern #indoorplants #plantsofinstagram #biophilia #green #studioplants #growing
Sketching. Ideas for a reception free play space where inside play and outdoor adventures can really merge. The space is designed around a beautiful tree and the building’s envelope can be adapted and inhabited in different ways through the seasons to create all sorts of learning moments in nature #learning #nature #freeplay #earlyyears #insideoutside #educationarchitecture #architect #sketching #idea #outdooradventures
We’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing mentors past and present, in industry and in education. We see the impact of brilliant mentors in the schools and universities we work with too. Those people, who give their time, energy and wisdom when we need it are definitely a reason to be thankful. We strive to pay it forward. #mentoring #gratitude #payitforward #thankyou #architect #training
We’ve made some changes to the way we look and with the help of Juliette @architypal we now have a brand new website! We’d love you all to take a look 👀 #newlook #websitedesign #branding #logo #story #therightwords #thisisus #collaboration
Our creative corner of the world #studio #friday #creative #journals #architect #samples #plants #monstera
The form and dark charred timber exterior of the proposed café pavilion at Phillimore Recreation Ground in Radlett, which has recently received planning approval, takes inspiration from surrounding agricultural buildings. The robust ‘shell’ of the building will protect a softer, lighter interior, where the timber tones of the glulam structure, natural daylight, and views of the grounds and landscape garden will be the main features. We hope visitors will be able to find a moment of calm here in the light and shade. #architecture #pavilion #timberconstruction #greenspace #communitybuilding
@notredamecobham, which has just received full planning permission, will provide a new ‘innovations hub,’ science labs and general classrooms. The landscaped courtyard, at the heart of the scheme, will be a wonderful addition to the wellbeing and social spaces at the School. In contrast to the colours of the building extension, the planting will be in greens and whites for serenity and calm across all the different outside ‘rooms’ that have been designed. We are now busy working on the detailed designs.
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.
Where we are now on site and where we are heading with the Sports Centre refurbishment and extension project at Nottingham Girls’ High School. The foundations have been poured ready for the structural steel frame to be erected.
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.
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
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
This year’s IID Christmas card is in production. Watch this space for how it all turned out…
Here’s a very happy David collecting our @cantifix Shattered Glass Award for most sustainable project and the innovative re-use of an existing structure at @manorlodgeschool
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.
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
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!
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!
The new living walls in the atrium at The Alvarium, Northwood College have been planted, bringing a little beauty of the living world inside
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.
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
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
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.
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
The design technology workshops at St. Helen’s School, Northwood in action. 📸 @petercookphoto #design #workshop #STEM #learning #educationarchitecture #completed #inuse #girlseducation #initiativesindesign
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
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.
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?
St. Helen’s STEM Centre has been shortlisted for #buildingawards 2021 Small Project of the Year! (
The new Learning Resource Centre at Manor Lodge School, completed December 2020, on a blue sky day. Now home to all sorts of stories.
We’re a finalist for the Education Architect of the Year Award 2021! (Nursery-Sixth Form)
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.
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)
Looking back at the London Oratory School reconfiguration project completed in 2014. We created a four-storey central atrium at the heart of the School from a very underused courtyard & single-storey hall. This project had a challenging brief but our client didn’t shy away from solving the key issues with their existing building even though this meant a construction project at the centre of the School and across all levels. The works were phased to allow the School to remain operational throughout and working closely with client and contractor, we were able to achieve a really transformative project. Create a central heart for the School & make it an intrinsic part of daily School life ✅ Create a wow factor and sense of scale if arriving from anywhere in the School ✅ Put library & learning at the heart of the School & making learning visible ✅ Enclose the central area but keep lots of natural daylight ✅ Create at least 10 new break-out/ office/ seminar/ lecture spaces ✅ Improve circulation & visibility to all classrooms ✅ Create new ICT learning spaces to compliment traditional learning ✅
A hard hat, high viz jacket, site boots, notebook and camera are how to accessorise successfully for a site visit
There are many people needed to build a building. Clients, consultants, specialists, engineers and contractors are all important team members. Leading and working well as part of your team are key skills for Architects and this is something that architectural education will help to hone. (This is Gareth & David collaborating to resolve construction details pre-pandemic)
This is a very common question. There are a few different routes to qualification but here’s our guide to the main stages of the process.
We’re working with a client on ideas to provide gardens for mindfulness during the learning & working day.
It might be helpful to know that not all of us at IID Architects studied art as part of our further education but that didn’t stop us from developing our creativity or successfully graduating in architecture. Art & design subjects give a great structure to help develop your creative skill set ahead of university but there are lots of ways to build a portfolio if you’re not studying these at school or college
This is the concrete structure emerging at the exciting new science building development, Northwood College. IID Architects are involved with the construction stage of the project and this part of the build is very much a STEAM endeavour including physics, chemistry, art, craft, carpentry and even a bit of weather watching. The design puts part of the building’s structure on display so we’ll be seeing some of this visual concrete inside the completed building.
The students at St Catherine’s School, Bramley @stcatsbramley are now making the new boarding house their home
The main building at Deutsche Schule London has been extended to provide new and improved facilities. Extending a Grade II Listed Building with such a strong and unusual character has presented quite a challenge for the team but this has been sensitively preserved in bringing the accommodation up-to-date. We don’t think you can tell that there is 40 years between the two interventions from the outside but the newly refurbished science labs inside might give it away. A truly unique & interesting building.
The new facade of the Bridgeman Building extension @reedsschool_cobham using glass reinforced concrete panels. The interior fit out is still in progress but these tall, thin windows give the science labs inside a great feeling of height
Sometimes it’s good to look back and see just how far you’ve come. This is us back in 1986. Who else remembers the drawing board and set square?
The newly transformed Learning Resource Centre at Manor Lodge School. It’s hard to imagine this was once an old hall with no view of the sky 📸 RoyMorrisPhotography
Today we celebrate Julia and all she’s achieved in nearly 20 years with IID and this includes some fantastic projects like the music recital room at Farnborough Hill School. We wish her well in the next chapter of her career at the Department for Education @educationgovuk
This is what dining @wimbledonhighschoolgdst looks like now. The old design & technology building has a new purpose and a new look.
Planning permission for a new Pre-Preparatory School at The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School has been granted. The scheme, which seeks to respect and respond to its environment on many levels, has developed from the concept of learn, nurture, grow. We look forward to the next stage of this exciting project’s design progression
Now just the finishing touches needed to complete the study bedrooms at St. Catherine’s School, Bramley.
Newly refurbished Creative Enterprise & Sixth Form Centre at Francis Holland School. This is just one of the many different spaces designed for creative and enterprising learning. 📸 @forcialondon1
The possibilities for creativity are endless in the dance and drama studio for the pupils at Bromley High School, which has been designed for maximum flexibility. That view out over the grounds helps to make the space feel endless too.
The transformation is still in progress but here’s a sneak peek up through the newly formed ‘oculus’ in the creative enterprise & sixth form centre at Francis Holland School. A good view of the old trusses we’ve uncovered and stripped back too.
This studio space at Tiffin School is calm and tranquil on its own but it’s ready for all types of action. Zumba anyone?
This is Stephen & Myoung and we’re very pleased to announce that after a lot of hard work, they have completed their final (Part 3) qualification and will soon be able to register as Architects. IID has a long history of helping young professionals train and Stephen & Myoung are two very talented members of the team. We know that balancing the demands of a university course with full time practice sets out a challenging year for graduates so this is no small achievement. Big congratulations to you both.
The first sign of timber at Manor Lodge School’s new learning resource centre as the internal fit-out gets underway. As well as forming the balustrade to the spiral staircase and balcony, this timber is going to feature on the ceilings too. It means there will always be a warm, natural hue to the space even on a grey day.
The top floor of the new STEAM Tower at Wimbledon High School has been designed for the art department with views out over Wimbledon and lots of natural daylight but for the moment, Sixth Form will make this floor their home until the new dedicated Sixth Form building, which starts construction next year, has been completed. Please forgive the plastic covers still on the furniture and lights... We took the photo during the final clean!
The new Creative Enterprise Centre @fhssloanesquare is heading towards completion on site this Autumn. The beautiful old building will be given a new purpose and now that the existing rafters and brickwork have been exposed and roof lights have been installed, the top floor is all set to be a very special sixth form common room. We can’t wait to see it finished and enjoyed.
Wishing everyone @wimbledonhighschoolgdst a good first day of term today! We’ve fast forwarded to the final stages of the build for the brand new STEAM Tower. The school & project team have worked incredibly hard to reach this point and the spaces are looking warm and bright. Not long now till it’s ready to be put into action; it’s the final countdown.
Back to school time! There are some newly transformed science labs to be found @habsgirlsschool this term. Refurbishment of the existing labs completes a transformation of science facilities at the School that began with the brand new science building, completed back in Spring 2019. We hope all students are having a happy and safe return to the classroom this week and the laboratory too! Photo 📸 by: @pinnacle.furniture
Old is now meeting new at Manor Lodge School. This glazed arch, alongside the existing brick, is going to make an impressive new main entranceway to the school. The roof is on but the sky really is going to be the limit to this space!
We’ve been a bit quiet on Instagram while we, like all businesses, have been responding to the challenges of the pandemic. The Richmond office has been in hibernation but Terry & Val (our office plants) remain in good spirits and our team have been fantastic in adjusting to new ways of working and creating. We look forward to sharing the progress made on our projects very soon.
We’re thrilled to see @bromleyhighschoolgdst Junior School Phase 1 extension in use! It provides the school with new specialist teaching spaces for science, performing arts, seminars, cookery and art in bright, modern rooms.
Happy International Day of Women & Girls in Science! We’re hoping that the new STEAM tower
The main steel frame for the new Sixth Form Boarding House @stcatsbramley is now up. The concrete floors are being installed next.
Reduce, reuse, recycle. Stripped back and ready to be transformed! Work has started at Manor Lodge School where we’re re-using the existing structure of the school hall to create a new learning resource centre. Next image for what’s planned for this old hall.
This extension is nestled alongside St. Andrews Church, Surbiton. Flooded with lovely soft light by day, it shines at night
The lower years building at St. George’s Junior School, Weybridge is called The Ark. We enjoyed developing the interiors scheme based on this concept which included wall graphics and furniture. It was a privilege to be there when the children saw their new building for the first time and to see their excitement.
It’s cold and grey outside at the moment but this mellow yellow helps the new science building facilities at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls feel sunny whatever the weather.
The elephants! Our favourite snaphot from an interiors refresh for the Juniors at Cranmore School, where the concept came from the School’s love of music. This new wall art by TheMediaCollective brought life and fun to the shared spaces and gave each year group their own graphic identity. Photo by @themediacollective
We’re so lucky to have Richmond Park on our doorstep. This snap was taken on one of our early morning wintry commutes in by @nickcrrich The Richmond Park National Nature Reserve short film presented by David Attenborough is worth a watch for an even better view of this special place and how to care for it.
The glue lam beams have just been installed at the STEM Building St. Helen’s School, Northwood.
We’re standing on the new third floor of the STEAM Tower at Wimbledon High School! The view will be wonderful from the classrooms up here. The very first piece of the framed ‘folded’ roof is now in too.
IID Architects are moving to a new office! Our new address from Wednesday 22nd January will be Richmond Place, 15 Petersham Road, Richmond, TW10 6TP
This is the new STEM building at St. Helen’s School, Northwood taking shape on site. There are some glue lam timber roof beams to come. Watch this space!
Stripping back decades of paint and uncovering some original treasures at the Old School House, Francis Holland School. This space will evolve into the new sixth form common room.
Much earlier in fact. New College, University of Oxford Student Accommodation completed in 1999. Still looking good at 20.
We’re pleased to announce the @stcatsbramley new ‘CATalayst’ STEM Block received planning permission recently. We look forward to developing the scheme further once ‘The 6’ Boarding House is completed!
Our summer work experience programme is in full swing. Well done to Sam who presented his student project, for a new food market in Richmond, to the practice brilliantly last Friday.
Planning permission for the new Bridgeman Building Extension at Reed’s School has been granted! The project will provide the school with new classrooms and science laboratories.
The @gdstgirls extension to @bromley_hs Junior School has just received planning permission!
This week we welcome David Brown as Director at IID Architects. Congratulations David. Cheers!
The new STEM Building at St. Helen's School in Northwood received planning approval last week.
A beautiful invitation to the opening of the new School of Music at St Helen's School in Northwood.
The new labs at Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls illustrated in our visualisations a year ago have now been brought to life. The new Science Block extension is nearly there in these photos, just the finishing touches to be added and for the School and pupils to make it their own and start experimenting!
Happy International Women’s Day! Here’s to women in design, (and construction) to all those that have come before us, the amazing things accomplished and here’s to all that is yet to be achieved in our industry and beyond. The UN’s 2019 theme is think equal, build smart and innovate for change. Let’s do it! www.un.org/
The helical stair in the foyer of the recently completed School of music at St Helen's School in Northwood
The newly opened School of Music at St. Helen’s School, Northwood
We’re very pleased to see @hamptonschooluk moving in to the exciting new Quad facilities where handover has just been achieved!
The number 1 favourite from this year’s show and tell is Villa La Roche from 1925. We Architects are all brought up on examples of how Le Corbusier plays with light and form and this building is a joy to explore even on a grey, rainy day in Paris. (Photo credit JH)
Top picks of 2018: just missing out on the top spot but no less beautiful is Maggie’s Centre at St. Bart’s Hospital, London. This building, with a very important and sensitive purpose, creates light, calm and sanctuary even in the heart of a busy, metropolitan site. No easy task but we think it’s done with poetry and success. (Photo credit AG)
