HCA Design Champions Network
Housing Associations in the South West have long recognised that good design is not just for high profile projects but should be an integral part of every project. A good design champion is someone who is committed to and passionate about promoting design that contributes to long term sustainability and wider regeneration issues.
The Design Champions' Network for Housing Associations was established in 2005.and is now operated through the Homes and Communities Agency with events supported by individual RSLs. The Network promotes the sharing of knowledge and its aim is to achieve good design in the housing industry.
Raglan Houisng Assocation hosted the most recent event in May 2009 attended by 40 design champions from housing associations, local authorities and private developers, plus others from RIBA, CABE and the Homes and Communities Agency.
Speakers included prominent figures from the housing and design industry including the Architect of the winning RIBA Stirling Prize 2008 Accordia Housing Development; consultants involved in the hab housing project in Swindon; and the Forum for the Future's Refit West Project. Topics covered included carbon reduction issues, the opportunities of combined heat and power and district heating and the Affordable Housing Survey.
Clive Clowes, Head of Design and Sustainability at the Homes and Communities Agency used the opportunity to outline the future direction of the HCA's design standards.
If you would like to find out more about the Design Champions Network for Housing Associations please contact: Lisa Broom, Design & Standards Advisor, HCA.
The next Design Champions networking event for housing associations in the South West is on 14 October
