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Architect of the Year Awards 2026
BD online Architect of the Year Awards 2026

Architect of the Year Awards 2026

Thrilled to share that IID Architects has been named a finalist for Education Architect of the Year (Nursery – 6th) at the Architect of the Year Awards 2026. 🎉 Recognition for a portfolio of education work we're proud of - the adaptive reuse of a Grade II listed college at Thomas's College, Richmond; a transformed entrance and courtyard at Bromley High School; a high-performance training centre at St Paul's School; and proposals to give Boreham House a new future as New Hall School's Preparatory School. Huge thanks to our clients, collaborators and project teams. Winners revealed on 7th October.

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IID Summer Outing

IID Summer Outing

Last Thursday, the IID team stepped away from the studio for a summer outing in the heat. We spent the afternoon in Kensington Gardens, visiting the Serpentine Pavilion and the David Hockney exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery, before cooling off at the Lido Garden Bar and heading to The Queen’s Arms for dinner. It was a welcome chance to spend time together as a team, see some inspiring work, and enjoy a summer afternoon in London.

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How’s this for a welcome?
Thomas's College Entrance Hall

How’s this for a welcome?

This is the new Thomas’s College Richmond entrance hall, forming the main arrival space for pupils, staff and visitors at the school. The entrance hall sits within the historic former Richmond College building, a prominent listed building on Richmond Hill. As part of the wider transformation of the site into Thomas’s College, IID Architects worked carefully with the existing architecture to create a welcoming, elegant and practical school entrance while respecting the character of the original building. The space brings together restored historic features, generous proportions, carefully integrated lighting and new planting to create a calm first impression. The existing arches, staircases and stained-glass windows provide a strong architectural setting, while the updated reception area helps the building function as a modern school. For education projects, the main entrance is more than a point of arrival. It sets the tone for the school, supports safeguarding and reception management, and helps pupils, parents and visitors understand the character of the place from the moment they arrive. At Thomas’s College, Richmond, the entrance hall reflects the wider approach to the project: combining heritage architecture with the needs of contemporary education. For more information about the project:

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Seminar Rooms at University of Westminster

Seminar Rooms at University of Westminster

For the basement seminar rooms we created at the University of Westminster, facilitating productivity and removing barriers to learning was a big part of the brief. Lighting presented a particular challenge here because the space has no external windows. Without natural light, users lose connection to the outside environment and the circadian rhythm of the day, while reliance on artificial lighting alone can quickly become harsh and detrimental to concentration and productivity. To address this, a variety of lighting sources were incorporated in these rooms, each switched independently to create different lighting modes. This allows users to tailor the atmosphere to suit the activity taking place. For example, direct lighting can be switched off so that only indirect wall and ceiling lighting remains, creating a softer and more calming environment when required. #InteriorDesign #LightingDesign #ArchitecturalLighting #InteriorArchitecture #DesignInspiration #ModernInteriors #WorkspaceDesign #LearningEnvironments #EducationalDesign #UniversityDesign #WellbeingDesign #Productivity #FlexibleSpaces #SmartDesign #DesignInnovation #BuiltEnvironment #SpacePlanning #Atmosphere #CalmSpaces #FocusedWork #UKDesign #CreativeSpaces #ArchitectureAndDesign #InteriorInspo

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Ideas for Swimming Pool & Sports Hall

Ideas for Swimming Pool & Sports Hall

Ideas for swimming, sports and teaching classroom building with roof gardens #ArchitectureDesign #EducationalArchitecture #SchoolDesign #SportsArchitecture #SwimmingPoolDesign #LeisureArchitecture #ActiveDesign #LearningEnvironments #FutureOfEducation #InnovativeArchitecture #ConceptDesign #ArchitecturalIdeas #GreenArchitecture #SustainableDesign #RoofGarden #GreenRoof #UrbanGreening #BiophilicDesign #OutdoorLearning #HealthyBuildings #WellbeingDesign #SpacePlanning #ModernArchitecture #DesignConcept #ArchitectureInspo #UKArchitecture #PublicArchitecture #DesignForEducation #ClimateResponsiveDesign #BuiltEnvironment

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Old Meets New At Manor Lodge School

Old Meets New At Manor Lodge School

A little corner at Manor Lodge School where combining old with new can create something special. We helped reimagine the staff workroom, once cluttered, underperforming, and uninspiring into a calm and functional space. Through softer lighting, clearly defined working zones, carefully chosen furniture, and subtle introductions of colour, the room has been completely refreshed. Restoring the original floor has brought back its natural character, adding warmth and heritage to the space. A sensitive refurbishment that respects the past while creating a better place to work today. #InteriorDesign #WorkplaceDesign #OfficeInteriors #EducationalSpaces #SchoolDesign #Refurbishment #RenovationProject #InteriorTransformation #BeforeAndAfter #DesignDetails #HeritageRestoration #ModernMeetsTraditional #AdaptiveReuse #DesignWithPurpose #CalmSpaces #FunctionalDesign #WorkspaceInspo #StaffRoomDesign #WellbeingAtWork #LightingDesign #FurnitureDesign #MaterialPalette #FloorRestoration #TimelessDesign #DesignInspiration #UKDesign #ArchitectureAndInteriors #InteriorStyling #SpacePlanning #ThoughtfulDesign

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Multi-Use Performance Hall Design Competition

Multi-Use Performance Hall Design Competition

A recent competition design for a new multi-use hall and performing arts centre for education & events. This hall and its supporting spaces needed to be able to change and adapt to many competing requirements. The design needed to provide additional dining space for a busy school day, a range of drama and music learning spaces, a comfortable and welcoming hall for the whole school to gather in and be prepared to host amazing and exciting productions. #hall #architecture #designcompetition #drama #music #performance #flexible #education #performingarts

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Inside Phillies Cafe

Inside Phillies Cafe

Step inside Phillies Café ✨In contrast to its dark, charred timber exterior, the interior tells a softer story. Wrapped in natural timber, the space feels light, calm, and inviting. Natural daylight takes centre stage, flooding the café and shifting beautifully throughout the day. When the sun shines, it fills the space with a gentle glow. It's a simple palette of natural materials but there is a thoughtful balance here where warmth, light and comfort all sit together. 📸 @studiostagg #cafe #park #architecture #coffee #london #timberconstruction #timber #pavilion #radlett #warm #bright #interior

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Phillies Cafe In The Park

Phillies Cafe In The Park

Phillies Café, Radlett @Phillies_Radlett ☀️ Completed in 2024 for Aldenham Parish Council, this park café has quickly become a great spot for a relaxed cuppa in the sunshine. The building’s dark, charred timber cladding creates a striking yet natural backdrop that allows the surrounding planting to take centre stage, letting the vibrant greens of the park become the defining feature. 📸 @studiostagg #cafe #park #architecture #coffee #london #timberconstruction #timber #pavilion #radlett

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Creating Engagement & Connection in the Workplace

Creating Engagement & Connection in the Workplace

This social study space can be found within the lower basement level of the Little Titchfield Street Campus Building at the University of Westminster. It used to be a library space that didn't attract users to visit let alone spend time studying. With no natural daylight, redesigning this space was a challenge but we're pleased to hear this is now one of the favourite teaching/ studying spaces for staff and students. The layout intentionally promotes engagement and connection. Users are welcomed directly into a central social and study space, creating an immediate feeling of openness and community at the basement level. Generous glazing between the central study area and the surrounding seminar rooms strengthens visual connection across activities, supporting interaction between different groups and modes of learning. While open‑plan environments can become visually overwhelming or cluttered, the use of fixed space dividers in this scheme maintains openness while subtly defining zones of activity, and helps keep loose furniture in its intended position. The range of furniture types used, including group soft‑seating, high‑bar collaborative tables, secluded individual study stations and reading booths, offers users choice and autonomy, enabling them to select settings that best support their work style. This variety was intended to foster inclusive and community‑centred learning, and the benefits of learning from each other, within a shared space. #university #london #westminster #study #learning #highereducation #interiordesign #furniture #collaboration #workspace #educationarchitecture

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Richmond College & RIBA Collaboration

Richmond College & RIBA Collaboration

IID have teamed up with @Richmond_college to inspire the next generation of architects and engineers! The college is the first in the country to offer an Architecture A-Level in collaboration with the RIBA, so ex-student Gareth spent the morning introducing students to the world of BIM and Revit. Students opened up an IID project to explore how fabric, structure and services are coordinated before working on their own Revit building designs. #ArchitectureCourse #RevitTraining #BIMSkills #FutureCareers #DesignThinking #ArchitectureUK #RIBA #RuTC #StudentWork

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The New Dining Room @ Thomas’s College, Richmond

The New Dining Room @ Thomas’s College, Richmond

Inside the new main dining hall at Thomas's College, Richmond. 📸 @studiostagg #photo #dining #school #mealtime #richmond #listedbuilding #education #architecture #interiordesign #furniture

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Zone 29 @ University of Westminster

Zone 29 @ University of Westminster

The signage is now up, so it must be happening. Some very exciting new facilities coming to @uniwestminster in Spring 2026. Zone 29 will be the new home of careers and enterprise and is designed to act as a catalyst for game-changing collaborations & innovations. #Zone29 #london #cityofwestminster #gamechanger #careers #enterpirse #highereducation #university #educationarchitecture #construction #brand #sign #brick

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Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

Behind the lens with @studiostagg. Last week, Andy captured some shots of Thomas’s College for us, and we’re excited to share the results soon. We also learned a few things about scene setting too! #Photography #camera #richmond #education #school #scene #architecture #shots #snaps #photo

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A Head Teacher’s Office

A Head Teacher’s Office

A Head’s office today is more than just a desk and four walls. It needs to flex as a place for working, presenting, entertaining, counselling, and quiet reflection. At Thomas’s College, Richmond, we’ve recently completed an office for the founding Head which has been designed to adapt to the varied demands of modern leadership including a sit-stand desk for agile working. #EducationDesign #HeadTeachers #SchoolLeadership #HMConference #ThomasCollegeRichmond #IIDArchitect

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Francis Holland Prep School

Francis Holland Prep School

A historic reading room reimagined for a new chapter. Francis Holland Prep School moved into the former Chelsea Public Library (Grade II*) and the old children’s reading room has been transformed into a light-filled dining space. Original features, like the arched openings, have been reinstated after a long being hidden away and damaged. New features like the lighting, acoustic rafts and greenery have helped to create a welcoming environment that celebrates the building’s heritage while supporting the everyday life of a busy London school. #IIDarchitects #francishollandprep #chelseapubliclibrary #heritagearchitecture #adapt #educationdesign #listedbuilding #interiorarchitecture #designforlearning #architecture

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Bromley High School’s New Courtyard Canopy

Bromley High School’s New Courtyard Canopy

A newly designed courtyard and canopy now link the senior school, sports centre, and junior school...creating a sheltered route across campus. Sustainable rain chains animate the space during downpours, channelling water directly into surrounding planting. What was a daily inconvenience is now a chance to enjoy the outdoor spaces between buildings in all weathers. Goodbye to soggy books and bags. Hello to solutions through design. #schooldesign #architecture #outdoorlearning #sustainabledesign #bromleyighschool #rainydays #courtyard #educationarchitecture #canopy #landscape

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Children’s Reading Corner

Children’s Reading Corner

Sketching. Ideas for a reading corner. #reading #books #sunlight #interior #computervisual #designing #school #educationarchitecture #timber #spiral #staircase

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Space to Support Collaboration

Space to Support Collaboration

At Manor Lodge School, they’ve created a space for staff to collaborate in the round. An open setting that encourages connection, cohesion, and the kind of shared thinking that drives learning forward. The architecture and furniture was designed to support the people who make education happen every day. #educationeesign #learningspaces #collaboration #schooldesign #architecture #teaching #inspiringspaces #manorlodgeschool #green

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Light & Shadow Inspiration

Light & Shadow Inspiration

Interior "look book" ideas for executive office suite. Light, shadow & natural textures was the brief. What's on our moodboard? @havwoods (timber flooring) @lowcarbonindustrial (foresso) @tarkettuk (carpet) @johnsontiles (floor tiles) @radiiplanet (glazed partitions & doors) @littlegreenepaintcompany (paint) #light #shadow #nature #texture #interiordesign #exec #office #meetingroom #interior #london

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Camden Art Centre

Camden Art Centre

It was a busy project day for us in NW3 recently, but we dropped into the @camdenartcentre for a dose of inspiration (and a coffee). There are beautiful things being crafted, and there's a real sense of community here. What a lovely space for talking, sharing ideas, and being with people, exactly what we aim to create in our own buildings. Well worth a visit. We may also have come home with something lovely, crafted by @bunnybosworth. #london #community #art #camdenartcentre #craft #coffeebreak #exploring #inspiration #agileworking #design #creatives #architecture #indoorplants

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Thomas’s College Welcome Area

Thomas’s College Welcome Area

"We need it to not feel like a School." It’s something we hear often but it raises a bigger question, when did we start designing schools that everyone wants to forget? As part of transforming the existing Grade II Listed building into @thomasscollege, Richmond, TLDS wanted to reimagine the entrance hall into a space that respects the building’s heritage without being stuck in the past. We introduced a long reception desk to anchor the space and make this key point of contact feel intentional and welcoming. Bespoke wall panelling conceals existing services and the mid-century-inspired light fittings offer a subtle nod to the building’s layered heritage. We hope this entrance is helping to reshape expectations of what a school reception can be. #educationdesign #schoolarchitecture #thomascollegerichmond #IIDarchitects #learningenvironments #heritage #listedbuilding #richmond #interiordesign #entrance

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Tiffin School Reception

Tiffin School Reception

For many, school summer holidays means a vacation but at IID, it's one of our busiest times as we help education clients complete projects in time for the new academic year. This summer, we returned to the Dempsey Centre @tiffinschool. We collaborated with Headteacher Garth Williams to refresh their main reception. Completed within the break, the new space now offers a more welcoming and functional first impression for pupils, staff, and visitors It’s a great example of how small-scale design interventions can make a big difference to everyday school life. #educationdesign #schoolinteriors #IIDArchitects #TiffinSchool #refurbishment #complete #learningenvironments #designimpact #backtoschool #blue

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Words My Architect Uses

Words My Architect Uses

Has your Architect ever used these words? Any others? Frieze: horizontal band of decoration on a wall, usually just below the ceiling. Sconce: decorative light fitted to the wall. Mullion: vertical framing elements in a window between panes of glass. Escutcheon: flat piece of metal for protection/ decoration around a door keyhole. #architects #words #whatdoyoumean #language #design #question #designer #meaning

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TLDS Clapham Post Transformation

TLDS Clapham Post Transformation

Transformation complete. Here's how the classroom refresh @thomasslondondayschools Clapham turned out. #refurb #complete #teamwork #existingbuilding #school #interiors #education #architecture #transformation

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Shadi Passes Part 3

Shadi Passes Part 3

Shadi has passed his Part 3 exams with distinction 🌟 which reflects a lot of hard work and perseverance, but also the dedication and commitment he brings every day to his work at IID Architects. Congratulations, Shadi, 🎉 this is an outstanding achievement, and a very exciting next chapter awaits as a fully qualified Architect! (just the ARB registration, pending) #Part3Exams #ARB #KingstonUniversity #ArchitectureCommunity #FutureOfArchitecture

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Bromley High School Entrance

Bromley High School Entrance

First impressions can mean a lot, but @BromleyHighSchoolGDST didn’t feel their main entrance was welcoming pupils, staff and visitors in the way they wanted. Nobody wants to start things off on the wrong foot, so, this summer we’ve worked with them to change that and make arrival at the School safer, more prominent and accessible for everyone. Little interventions and additions have brought biophilia to the front façade and with thoughtful new landscaping it’s also more welcoming for wildlife too! #entrance #landscape #school #artwork #biodiversity #ramp #accessible #refurbishment #firstimpressions #welcome #design #educationarchitecture

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Summer Social 2025

Summer Social 2025

Last week was our summer social and we headed to Hyde Park, in the roaring heat, to see this year's Serpentine Pavilion. We all thought the colours were beautiful...subtle, natural, radiant, elusive. As the clouds moved and the daylight changed, so did the colour, shadow and ambience in the pavilion. Sometimes there was crisp contrast and sometimes, shimmering pastels. There was also a generous sense of space to sit and be together comfortably with each other but with strangers too. A gathering space that people moved in and out of freely and which could move itself. These are just some of the ways that Marina Tabassum has woven permanence and transience into this year's commission. We then headed to a little favourite spot for some Pimm's & ice cream to cool off! #summer #pavilion #serpentinepavilion #visit #design #heatwave #studio #colleagues #architect #london #photos #sundae

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Social & Study Spaces at University of Westminster

Social & Study Spaces at University of Westminster

A rare moment of quiet before students and staff start their day at The University of Westminster. This is a snapshot of the study/ social spaces delivered last Autumn at Little Titchfield Street with @bwworkplaceexperts. #study #university #learning #green #interior #furniture #timber #quiet #collaboration #finished #delivered

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Restoration of Sir Edward Maufe’s Library

Restoration of Sir Edward Maufe’s Library

At Thomas's College, behind the imposing 1842 Oxbridge-style façade of the main building, sits Sir Edward Maufe's (1882 - 1974) extension from 1932 which was designed as a library and catalogue room. We found the original vaulted ceiling and English oak bookcases still in place but many later additions had altered this space far beyond it's original simplicity and it was no longer looking its best. Work is ongoing to refurbish the 1930s features still in place and restore it to a working library for a new era of students and we're looking forward to seeing it shine as one of the spaces embodying traditional excellence at Thomas's. #library #restoration #listedbuilding #history #design #architecture #artdeco #library #london #richmond #refurbishment #interior #visualisation

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Part III Success For Sarah

Part III Success For Sarah

She's done it! 💪💖 Big congratulations to Sarah, the latest IID graduate to successfully pass their RIBA Part 3 exams. With this big milestone achieved, which represents a lot of dedication and hard work, Sarah can now register with the ARB to become a fully qualified architect! 🏆👷‍♀️✨ #Architect #Part3 #NewArchitect #Future #ArchitectLife #Design #Acheivement #RIBA #RIBAeducation #education #passed #celebration

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Action shots from ACS Hillingdon School

Action shots from ACS Hillingdon School

Some great snapshots of the new sports extension @acshillingdonschool being used and enjoyed. #multiusehall #climbingwall #educationarchitecture #schooldesign #sport #education #basketball

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Executive Briefing Centre

Executive Briefing Centre

Recent design work for an Executive Briefing Centre that blends Scandinavian simplicity with mid-century charm. Designed to offer a welcoming and calm oasis that departs from the typical branding across the rest of the office and provide a touch of luxury. #ModernDesign #InteriorInspo #ScandinavianDesign #MidCenturyModern #WarmMinimalism #OfficeDesign #CommercialInteriors

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Boreham House

Boreham House

We’re excited to collaborate with New Hall School on transforming Boreham House, a stunning Grade I listed manor in Chelmsford, into a new Preparatory School site. Built between 1728 and 1733 for Benjamin Hoare, Boreham House has a rich history. In 1930, Henry Ford purchased the estate and established the Henry Ford Institute of Agricultural Engineering, which operated as a training college for agricultural machinery until 1952. The house then became the main training centre for Ford Tractor Operations in Europe. From 2008, Boreham House served as a successful wedding and event venue. We’re eager to honor this unique heritage by creating inspiring learning spaces that reflect the building’s storied past.

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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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Huey, Dewey & Louie

Huey, Dewey & Louie

Huey, Dewey & Louie #fern #indoorplants #plantsofinstagram #biophilia #green #studioplants #growing

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Ideas for a reception play space
Manor Lodge Reception Classroom Sketch

Ideas for a reception play space

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

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Grateful

Grateful

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

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Our studio
iid architects office

Our studio

Our creative corner of the world #studio #friday #creative #journals #architect #samples #plants #monstera

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Phillimore Recreation Ground
Phillimore Recreation Ground

Phillimore Recreation Ground

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

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Sketching
Sketching. Ideas for a cosy cafe space retrofit

Sketching

Ideas for a cosy cafe space retrofit.

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The new STEM teaching extension
The new STEM teaching extension

The new STEM teaching extension

@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.

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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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Sports Centre refurbishment
Sports Centre refurbishment and extension project at Nottingham Girls’ High School

Sports Centre refurbishment

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.

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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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Sketching
Sketching ideas for a sports centre nestled into the woods.

Sketching

Sketching ideas for a sports centre nestled into the woods.

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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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Cantifix Shattered Glass Award

Cantifix Shattered Glass Award

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

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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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Sketching
Ideas for a Performing Arts Centre.

Sketching

Ideas for a Performing Arts Centre.

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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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The new Learning Resource Centre at Manor Lodge School
The new Learning Resource Centre at Manor Lodge School

The new Learning Resource Centre at Manor Lodge School

The new Learning Resource Centre at Manor Lodge School, completed December 2020, on a blue sky day. Now home to all sorts of stories.

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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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Sketching
Sketching. Ideas for fitness/ wellbeing garden room

Sketching

Sketching. Ideas for fitness/ wellbeing garden room

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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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London Oratory School reconfiguration project
London Oratory School reconfiguration project

London Oratory School reconfiguration project

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 ✅

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

Sunshine in Richmond-upon-Thames

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

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

Summertime snaps

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

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What to wear?

What to wear?

A hard hat, high viz jacket, site boots, notebook and camera are how to accessorise successfully for a site visit

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Collaboration to resolve construction details
Collaboration to resolve construction details

Collaboration to resolve construction details

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)

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How long does it take to qualify as an architect?

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.

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Gardens for mindfulness
Gardens for mindfulness

Gardens for mindfulness

We’re working with a client on ideas to provide gardens for mindfulness during the learning & working day.

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Do I need to study an art & design subject?

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

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We’re hiring
We are hiring. Link in our bio for full details. Contact us at info@iid.co.uk

We’re hiring

We are hiring. Link in our bio for full details. Contact us at info@iid.co.uk

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New science building at Northwood College
New science building at Northwood College

New science building at Northwood 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.

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New boarding house
The students at St Catherine’s School, Bramley

New boarding house

The students at St Catherine’s School, Bramley @stcatsbramley are now making the new boarding house their home

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Extension at Deutsche Schule London
Extension at Deutsche Schule London

Extension at Deutsche Schule London

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.

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New facade of the Bridgeman Building extension
New facade of the Bridgeman Building extension

New facade of the Bridgeman Building extension

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

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Looking back to 1986
Looking back to 1986

Looking back to 1986

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?

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Sketching
Sketching. Ideas for dining and social space

Sketching

Sketching. Ideas for dining and social space.

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New Learning Resource Centre at Manor Lodge School
New Learning Resource Centre at Manor Lodge School

New Learning Resource Centre at Manor Lodge School

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

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Julia celebrates 20 years with IID
Julia celebrates 20 years with IID

Julia celebrates 20 years with IID

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

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Wimbledon High School dining area
Wimbledon High School dining area

Wimbledon High School dining area

This is what dining @wimbledonhighschoolgdst looks like now. The old design & technology building has a new purpose and a new look.

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Planning permission for a new Pre-Preparatory School
Planning permission for a new Pre-Preparatory School

Planning permission for a new Pre-Preparatory School

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

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Study bedrooms at St. Catherine’s School
Study bedrooms at St. Catherine’s School

Study bedrooms at St. Catherine’s School

Now just the finishing touches needed to complete the study bedrooms at St. Catherine’s School, Bramley.

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Newly refurbished Creative Enterprise & Sixth Form Centre
Newly refurbished Creative Enterprise & Sixth Form Centre at Francis Holland School

Newly refurbished Creative Enterprise & Sixth Form Centre

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

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The possibilities for creativity are endless
The possibilities for creativity are endless

The possibilities for creativity are endless

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.

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Creative enterprise & sixth form centre at Francis Holland School
Creative enterprise & sixth form centre at Francis Holland School

Creative enterprise & sixth form centre at Francis Holland School

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.

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This studio space at Tiffin School
This studio space at Tiffin School

This studio space at Tiffin School

This studio space at Tiffin School is calm and tranquil on its own but it’s ready for all types of action. Zumba anyone?

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Stephen & Myoung registered as Architects
Stephen & Myoung registered as Architects

Stephen & Myoung registered as Architects

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.

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Timber at Manor Lodge School
Timber at Manor Lodge School

Timber at Manor Lodge School

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.

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STEAM Tower at Wimbledon High School
STEAM Tower at Wimbledon High School

STEAM Tower at Wimbledon High School

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!

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The new Creative Enterprise Centre
The new Creative Enterprise Centre @fhssloanesquare i

The new Creative Enterprise Centre

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. 

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Final stages of the build for the brand new STEAM Tower
Final stages of the build for the brand new STEAM Tower

Final stages of the build for the brand new STEAM Tower

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.

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Newly transformed science labs at Haberdashers’ Girls’ School
Newly transformed science labs at Haberdashers' Girls' School

Newly transformed science labs at Haberdashers’ Girls’ School

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

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Old meeting new at Manor Lodge School
Old meeting new at Manor Lodge School

Old meeting new at Manor Lodge School

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!

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Catch up

Catch up

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.

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Bromley High School Junior School Phase 1
Bromley High School Junior School Phase 1

Bromley High School Junior School Phase 1

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.

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International Day of Women & Girls in Science
International Day of Women & Girls in Science

International Day of Women & Girls in Science

Happy International Day of Women & Girls in Science! We’re hoping that the new STEAM tower 

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Work in progress
The main steel frame for the new Sixth Form Boarding House @stcatsbramley is now up.

Work in progress

The main steel frame for the new Sixth Form Boarding House @stcatsbramley is now up. The concrete floors are being installed next.

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Work started at Manor Lodge School
Work started at Manor Lodge School

Work started at Manor Lodge School

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.

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Friday night football
Friday night football

Friday night football

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St. Andrews Church extension
St. Andrews Church extension

St. Andrews Church extension

This extension is nestled alongside St. Andrews Church, Surbiton. Flooded with lovely soft light by day, it shines at night

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The Ark at St. George’s Junior School, Weybridge
The Ark at St. George’s Junior School, Weybridge

The Ark at St. George’s Junior School, Weybridge

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.

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New science building facilities at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls
new science building facilities at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls

New science building facilities at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls

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.

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Interiors refresh for the Juniors at Cranmore School
Interiors refresh for the Juniors at Cranmore School

Interiors refresh for the Juniors at Cranmore School

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

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Wintery Richmond Park
Wintery Richmond Park

Wintery Richmond Park

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.

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This is us
This is us - IID Architects

This is us

The one with everyone in it. Hello! We’re IID Architects. 

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New tiles
We love our new tiles! Thank you @claybrookstudio Perfect as the splashback to our new kitchen.

New tiles

We love our new tiles! Thank you @claybrookstudio Perfect as the splashback to our new kitchen.

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STEM Building St. Helen’s School
The glue lam beams have just been installed at the STEM Building St. Helen’s School, Northwood.

STEM Building St. Helen’s School

The glue lam beams have just been installed at the STEM Building St. Helen’s School, Northwood.

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Building the STEAM Tower at Wimbledon High School
STEAM Tower at Wimbledon High School

Building the STEAM Tower at Wimbledon High School

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.

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Moving offices
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

Moving offices

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

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New STEM building at St. Helen’s School
New STEM building at St. Helen’s School

New STEM building at St. Helen’s School

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!

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Old School House, Francis Holland School
Old School House, Francis Holland School.

Old School House, Francis Holland School

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.

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Xmas 2019

Xmas 2019

What do you get when you combine tinsel, a sheep and a kangaroo? A Christmas woolly jumper!

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Here’s one we did earlier
University of Oxford Student Accommodation completed in 1999

Here’s one we did earlier

Much earlier in fact. New College, University of Oxford Student Accommodation completed in 1999. Still looking good at 20.

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St Catherine’s School, Bramley
St Catherine's School, Bramley

St Catherine’s School, Bramley

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!

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Work experience programme
Work experience programme

Work experience programme

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.

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Planning permission for the new Bridgeman Building
Planning permission for the new Bridgeman Building

Planning permission for the new Bridgeman Building

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.

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New extension for Bromley High School
New extension for Bromley High School

New extension for Bromley High School

The @gdstgirls extension to @bromley_hs Junior School has just received planning permission!

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Introducing David Brown
David Brown - Director at IID Architects

Introducing David Brown

This week we welcome David Brown as Director at IID Architects. Congratulations David. Cheers!

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New STEM Building at St. Helen’s School
New STEM Building at St. Helen's School

New STEM Building at St. Helen’s School

The new STEM Building at St. Helen's School in Northwood received planning approval last week.

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Opening of the new School of Music at St Helen’s School
Opening of the new School of Music at St Helen's School

Opening of the new School of Music at St Helen’s School

A beautiful invitation to the opening of the new School of Music at St Helen's School in Northwood.

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New labs at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School
New labs at Haberdashers' Aske's School

New labs at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School

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!

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International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day

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/ 

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Helical staircase
Helical staircase - St Helen's School in Northwood

Helical staircase

The helical stair in the foyer of the recently completed School of music at St Helen's School in Northwood

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Exciting new Quad facilities
Exciting new Quad facilities

Exciting new Quad facilities

We’re very pleased to see @hamptonschooluk moving in to the exciting new Quad facilities where handover has just been achieved!

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Top pick of 2018
Top pick of 2018

Top pick of 2018

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)

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Top picks of 2018
Top picks of 2018

Top picks of 2018

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)

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Top picks of 2018

Top picks of 2018

Top picks of 2018: Our number 3 is the very impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. The beautiful and natural materials all reflect light so that the whole building appears to glow and shimmer. (Photo credit KJ)

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Top picks of 2018

Top picks of 2018

Top picks of 2018: in at number 4 is Wotruba Kirche, Vienna. On the outside, the concrete mass of this church seems to defy gravity. On the inside, you can find a magically soft sense of light that is far from grey. (Photo credit WS)

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Top picks of 2018

Top picks of 2018

Top picks of 2018: it’s a long standing tradition that every Monday IID hold ‘show and tell.’ This year we have visited some beautiful buildings near and far and we’d like to share our favourites. Number 5 on the list is El Castillo, Chichen Itza, Mexico. Steps ahead! (Photo credit RM)

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Xmas jumper day
Xmas jumper day

Xmas jumper day

A few new faces and a few new jumpers this year for 

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Blue sky thinking

Blue sky thinking

IID’s Spine extension at @rgs_guildford was completed in October, part of the school’s long-term plan to maximise its tight urban footprint

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Reed’s School Sixth Form House
Reed’s School Sixth Form House

Reed’s School Sixth Form House

Before & after: IID’s recently completed study atrium at Reed’s School Sixth Form House. The best thing about what we do is when students enjoy working in a space we have worked hard to bring to life.

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Sixth Form House at Wimbledon High School
New build on the block: A snapshot of IID’s scheme for the new Sixth Form House at Wimbledon High School which gained planning approval this autumn along with the new STEAM building.

Sixth Form House at Wimbledon High School

New build on the block: A snapshot of IID’s scheme for the new Sixth Form House at Wimbledon High School which gained planning approval this autumn along with the new STEAM building.

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Learning roofing products and installation techniques
Learning roofing products and installation techniques

Learning roofing products and installation techniques

We’re learning through doing this week in our first ‘deminar’ here at IID Towers. Seeing roofing products and installation techniques first hand and even getting to try our hand at some hot air welding has been a very useful experience for us designers!

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IID Architects Christmas movie
IID Architects Christmas movie

IID Architects Christmas movie

The IID Architects Christmas movie is now in the can! A real team effort from this lovely lot. Can’t wait to see the final edit. Coming soon to YouTube!

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New project visits
New project visits

New project visits

The team enjoyed the office visit to our recent projects a few weeks ago! Thank you to @hamptonschooluk @rgs_guildford, Reed’s School, Tiffin School and St Helen’s School #initiativesindesign

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RGS Guildford
RGS Phase 3 extension up in the clouds...

RGS Guildford

RGS Guildford Phase 3 extension up in the clouds...

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Haberdashers’ Girls’ School
Progress on the STEM Block

Haberdashers’ Girls’ School

Progress on the STEM Block

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Hampton School
Hampton School Quad Infill project

Hampton School

The space frame is coming together @hamptonschooluk Quad Infill project!

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Swimathon
Swimathon success yesterday for the IID team! Over £1000 raised for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie

Swimathon

Swimathon success yesterday for the IID team! Over £1000 raised for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie

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St Helen’s School taking shape
The new recital room at St Helen's School, Northwood is beginning to take shape

St Helen’s School taking shape

The new recital room at St Helen's School, Northwood is beginning to take shape

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Trip to the Design Museum
Great day at the Design Museum talking about school design with the @gdst1872

Trip to the Design Museum

Great day at the Design Museum talking about school design with the @gdst1872

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Christmas jumper day
It’s #christmasjumperday here at IID!

Christmas jumper day

It’s #christmasjumperday here at IID!

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Construction of the new Science and STEM Hub
Construction of the new Science and STEM Hub

Construction of the new Science and STEM Hub

Construction of the new Science and STEM Hub at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls is beginning on site in Elstree

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New School of Music
Construction of the new School of Music is underway at St Helen's School in Northwood

New School of Music

Construction of the new School of Music is underway at St Helen's School in Northwood

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First foray into commercial fitout work
First foray into commercial fitout work

First foray into commercial fitout work

IID has taken its first foray into commercial fitout work with the founder of @redlioncoffeecompany Chris Mckie. The cafe is set within the fabric of a large new build development in New Cross, south east London. The brief was to keep it simple but create a warm atmosphere. The lighting and furniture use basic but robust materials and the floor is ground concrete to expose the black aggregate.

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Stephen Smith

Associate

Stephen is an Associate at IID, promoted in January 2026, and has become a highly valued lead on some of the practice’s most complex education projects.

Since joining IID in 2018, he has built particular expertise in sensitive school developments, complex retrofit and carefully phased work on occupied sites. His recent experience includes Thomas’s College, the conversion of a Grade II listed former Methodist College in Richmond into a new secondary school for Thomas’s London Day Schools, and the STEM Centre at St Helen’s School, Northwood.

Fastidious, conscientious and calm under pressure, Stephen brings clarity and rigour to every stage of a project. He cares deeply about the quality of IID’s work and the service provided to clients, consultants and contractors alike. Thoughtful, thorough and quietly determined, he remains a marvellously safe pair of hands – the sort of architect who will not let go until every detail is properly resolved.

Outside the studio Stephen is also a keen baker.

Stephen Smith – Project Architect

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Shadi Al-Begain

Architect & BIM Coordinator

Since joining the practice after completing his MArch, Shadi quickly established himself as a key figure in our digital design and technology strategy. Now qualified as an Architect, having achieved distinction in his Part 3 exams at Kingston University in 2025, he leads our BIM coordination.

Passionate about innovation, Shadi is focused on driving forward the practice’s adoption of cutting-edge digital tools, streamlining 3D design workflows to deliver better value and efficiency for both the studio and our clients. A natural collaborator and mentor, he actively supports colleagues across the practice, sharing his deep technical knowledge and helping to build confidence and capability within the team.

Shadi Al-Begain - Architectural Assistant

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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

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Sarah Broadhurst

Architect

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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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Bethany Scott

Project 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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