Our Bristol Design Studio Director John Everett handles everything from large mixed-use urban regeneration projects to individual homes – always bringing the same care, attention, knowledge and motivation to every project.
Here, we find out more about the projects currently on site in Bristol and how these new developments are changing the city’s skyline.
What first attracted you to the industry?
I’ve always been fascinated by how buildings are constructed, while questioning ‘why do they look like they do?’
I qualified as an architect 15 years ago. Since then, I’ve done some work in London and the South East, but I have a real passion for Bristol and many of my projects are in and around the city. It’s where I call home, and it’s always buzzing with activity here – architectural, social, cultural, and economic.
What are you working on at the moment?
There’s lots going on, and we’ve got a range of projects currently on site for clients across the city. It’s great to see our projects progressing through the construction phase in such prominent Bristol locations. These include a mixed use scheme on Cumberland Road, which is next to Aardman, and residential projects in Hotwells, Whitehall and Keynsham. We’re also involved in projects further afield, including work on a major, high-profile scheme for Lovell Homes in Wiltshire, for which we secured planning permission recently.
Across the practice, we offer care, attention, knowledge and motivation – and we love what we do. We can blend our services in architecture, heritage, planning and placemaking to suit the project’s scale or sensitivity, from large urban regeneration projects to individual homes.
How do you reduce environmental impact within your projects?
We have an extensive internal CPD programme which focuses on upskilling in this potentially overwhelming subject. We embed the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals within our project work and our business, centring on wellbeing, clean/renewable energy and creating communities with reduced inequality. We focus on the areas we feel we can change and influence for the benefit of all stakeholders.
How has Bristol’s skyline changed since Covid?
New developments have changed the skyline in terms of height, scale and character. Other new developments are beginning to emerge, such as McArthurs Yard on the harbourside and Old Brewery in Southville, both of which we designed and secured planning permission for. As the skyline evolves, new placemaking and community spirit is creating optimism and positive transition in Bristol.
How has the pandemic affected the way you work?
Technology has brought many opportunities in terms of the work/life balance and creating flexibility. However, the importance of interaction and ‘coming together’ as a team is still important, not only for our wellbeing but also in delivering our specialist skillsets effectively, professionally and efficiently. As architects and planners, we play a key role in shaping the future vision of where and how we live and reflecting the changing attitudes and needs of people and local communities. The future of our cities, town centres and high streets – the ‘backbone’ of our daily lives – remains fundamental, with such places now entering a transitional stage towards their new future selves.