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Named one of Architects’ Journal’s 40 under 40, alma-nac are a practice of thoughtful designers primarily based
in Lambeth, London

TEAM
01

Meet the alma-nac team

We have an open studio culture where dialogue is encouraged and team members can take a true role in shaping the practice. We strongly believe in the importance of a good work / life balance. We are an inclusive and nurturing practice.

Adam Shapland
Associate
Caspar Rodgers
Director
Chris Bryant
Director
Iga Swiercz
Architectural Assistant
Jasmine Yang
Architectural Assistant
Jenny Lyon
Practice Manager
Oli Cummings
Architectural Assistant
Phil Morris
Associate
Rachel Foreman
Architect
Thulani Ratnayake
Architectural Assistant
Tristan Wigfall
Director
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ACCREDITATIONS
02

Proud to be B Corp Certified®

The B Corp movement looks to put people, the planet and profit on a more equal footing. Achieving B Corp status means we have been verified as meeting B Lab's high standards for social and environmental impact.

alma-nac are committed to continuous improvement. Each year we will be publishing an Impact Report; an opportunity to take stock and assess our progress and strategic direction.

Passive House

Founder Chris Bryant is now a Certified Passive House Designer. Passive House is a building standard to make buildings energy efficient, comfortable and affordable.

Chris will be overseeing the projects within the practice and ensuring Passive House principles are fully embedded into designs.

HOW WE WORK
03

We see the value in genuine architectural exploration

As such, we don’t just build buildings – we build ideas.

We work for a wide range of client types, from those with highly commercial objectives to those with entirely creative ambitions. From individuals to organisations, public and private.

While our working methods broadly follow a simple structure; research, design, review, repeat,the focus of our approach differs according to client type and brief.

Underpinning any project we deliver are our Practice Values. These are a set of statements that predicate both our methods and our output across any project size or sector.

values
04

Conscious

Sustainability is non-negotiable.

We are committed to positively enhancing the context, community and environment in which we work.

  • We have a structured system of pro-bono work for charitable/community groups
  • We commit to learn of the environmental impact of our design decisions and build on these over time
  • We undertake self-initiated work for as a route to explore ideas or projects closest to our values
  • We set up and follow processes to ensure our work is responsive to a project brief
  • We define the key concepts/narratives of our work throughout it's lifespan and re-assess whether those core concepts are being addressed as the project develops
  • We strive to be conscious of the effects of our work and our working processes, and are deliberate with our subsequent choices

Innovating

We always ask 'what if?'

We explore, test and question to create innovative solutions.

  • All projects involve some area of exploring/testing and lead toward progressively developing our understanding/knowledge/technical approach
  • All projects are allocated a period of time to research. This research is documented
  • We implement strategies for internally sharing this information in a manner that allows subsequent projects to further develop our knowledge and approach
  • We encourage precedent/inspiration from beyond the realms of architecture
  • We undertake internal crit processes and project reviews to ensure the project is sufficiently ambitious

Joyful

Our projects are playful.

We hold our projects lightly, seeking out joy to deliver projects that delight.

  • We play to create better work
  • We commit to the production and delivery of ideas
  • We think design workshops are fun and/or involve healthy debate. They are not boring
  • We celebrate brave conceptual failures
  • We set and maintain a social culture diary in the office

Nurturing

No one has all the answers.

We create an inclusive and nurturing environment which supports continuous learning.

  • We commit to ongoing practice development
  • We commit to the ongoing education and development of our team
  • We build strong team communication and support
  • We encourage a culture of learning and research within the practice
  • We collectively provide a varied calendar of professional development events

Participation

Architecture is a social act.

Participatory design is key to our work. We learn, educate and collaborate all the way through.

  • We ensure that participation is integral to the design process and not an 'add-on'
  • We seek expertise and passion to create the best possible project team
  • We follow strategies to ensure the underrepresented have an equal voice in the design process
  • We share the knowledge and findings of the practice
  • We create and maintain a culture of free sharing of ideas within the office
  • We create a structure of formal and informal design reviews
  • We implement clear systems in order to function as a team, not a set of individuals
  • We follow strategies that enable strong internal communication
Awards / publications
05
Awards
Project
Result
Year
Wallpaper
Top 20 Global Breakthrough Practices - Directory
2015
ELLE Decoration
Britain's Best Architects & Interior Designers - Directory
2015
Lighting Design Awards
Shortlist
2015
NLA - Don't Move Improve
Shortlist
2014
Hauser - European Innovative Housing Award
Winner
2014
Publication
Project
Title
Year
Resilient Homes
The Adaptable House
The Sunday Times
2016
A pivotal design
The Adaptable House
Home Building and Renovating
2016
Project profile - Cornwall Mews
Dezeen
2016
Why build to rent could be a boon for architects
Paxton House
The Architects' Journal
2016
Case study - Red Post Hill
The AJ Specification
2016
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