“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

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

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

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

Ideas for a community centre in South West London.

#design #architecture #communitycentre #arts #community #conservation

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

#construction #educationarchitecture #siteprogress #sport #volleyball #badminton #basketball

Our 40 year history in statistics…

2_Founding Partners, 82_Employees, 18_Graduates Qualified, 30_Babies Born, 1_Celebrity Porch, 5_Office Moves, 1500_Monday Lunches Together, 1_Office Dog & 296_Buildings Built

#IID40 #statistics #40years #practice #designstudio #designing #building #construction #history

On site. Opening up, taking measurements & photo records at one of our existing buildings. Detective work needed to get a good look at how things are constructed before we plan our interventions.

#sitevisit #existingbuilding #refurbishment #survey #architect #discover #building #construction #detective

The new Sports Hall @acshillingdonschool , with its living wall façade , is currently under construction with design and build procurement. IID were appointed post-planning to complete the technical design and provide services through construction. Due for completion summer 2024.

#construction #livingwall #visualisation #designandbuild #architect #education #school #inprogress #sport #sportshall

1. Add doors to fitted storage to hide clutter and make the space feel calmer. Magnetic/ writeable cupboard doors can also double as display or idea space too.

2. Coordinate cabling between learning screens & desks to avoid trailing wires & awkwardness in changing classrooms through the day.

3. Label lighting & ventilation controls to help teachers understand how to control the room they are working in. This reduces frustration for & helps reduce energy consumption.

4. Select classroom tables & chairs that stack, fold or have wheels & are light enough for students to move so the furniture isn’t standing in the way of adaptability.

5. Plan out how & where student work will be displayed. This is a big part of making ‘learning visible’ so it shouldn’t feel like a second thought