We are pleased to annouce that Darren Bray will be delivering a RIBA CPD session, alongside Professor Lorraine Farrelly, on Laying the Foundations: Navigating feasibility studies for project success, as part of the 2026 RIBA Core CPD programme.
On this course they will be discussing the pivotal role feasibility studies play in delivering successful architectural projects. Learning outcomes will include:
Analysing site constraints, planning policy, budgets, environmental factors, and client briefs to inform project feasibility
Evaluating risks and opportunities for a range of project typologies, including new builds, retrofits, community assets, and housing
Genegrating feasibility study data into proposals that demonstrate project value, sustainability, and deliverability.
We really enjoyed working with the RIBA to put these together, find out more and sign up here. As part of the 2026 core programme you can learn on demand at a time that suits you, and complete the courses in any order.
In this month’s update, we’re pleased to share our newly published Church brochure, early concept designs for two new-build homes within the New Forest National Park, and details of The Politics of Space lecture series, where Darren will be presenting.
Securing Church Buildings Through Design
We have recently published our first brochure dedidated to our architectural work focused on church buildings. As a design practice, we are passionate about working with these existing buildings, using architecture as a catalyst for positive change. Through our experience working with 20 + churches dotted across the UK, we have developed tailored design proposals for a wide range of denominations, settings and building types. We deliver designs that respond to each projects distinct challenges and opportunities, to bring long-term resilience to these extraordinary spaces.
Many churches share common concerns: reducing maintenance costs, unlocking the potential of their buildings and sites, improving usability, strengthening engagement with the wider community, above all ensuring the building can continue to support the church’s mission for generations to come.
Garden Plot Concept Designs, New Forest National Park
We are currently working with the owners of Paddock House, to explore the potential of redeveloping their site, to deliver a low energy replacement dwelling, and to create an additional new home within their generous grounds.
Our designs carefully respond to the rural village setting, while also considering the plot ratios of neighbouring homes. The aim is to deliver these two new house with a design that is balanced and appropriate for its context, while also reaching the full potential of the site.
Darren has been invited to present as part of Reading University, Architecture Society (RUAS) event ‘The Politics of Space’ on 12th March, 2026.
He has been asked to share his thoughts on how architecture reflects, and shapes social hierarchies. How design can impact accessibility, and inclusion across society.
As a current Studio Practitioner at Reading University, Darren is always keen to support the work of RUAS.
Get in touch to request the presentation slides after the event if you are unable to attend.
Darren has been invited to take part in the RIBA Hampshire 2026 Lecture ‘Lightning Talks’ alongside five other Hampshire based practices. During the event, each speaker will be giving a short and concise talk explaining how small moves have generated big impact in their projects.
Alongside Darren will be architects from;
Anthony Munden Architects
Hamilton Architects
Keith Evans Architects
Deniz Beck Architects
Giles Architects
In this months roundup, we’re pleased to share highlights from Darren’s recent talk at the RIBA conference, the opening of our Winchester art installation, and the exciting news of our award win for Brockenhurst House.
Darren was invited to present at this years RIBA Guerrilla Tactics conference themed “The DNA of Practice: Shaping Identity Beyond the Portfolio,” explored what defines a practice’s true identity beyond its built work.
His talk was titled, “Making Meaning: Communicating Practice Values with Clarity and Confidence”, reflecting on his own experiences as founder of Studio BAD nearly seven years ago, and the importance of establishing and staying true to a set of guiding principles that underpin every aspect of our work. You can read more about the event here.
Architecture Award Win
We are absolutely thrilled to have won the ‘Best Architect for an Extension Project’ at this year’s Build It Awards for our Brockenhurst House project. The design has taken a tired 1970’s chalet home set within the New Forest National Park, and transformed it into a stunning, contemporary home to perfectly suit the clients’ needs.
The brief had been to extend and reimagine the property, to deliver a low energy home that could support the owners evolving needs, while remaining true to principles of beauty, sustainability, and architectural integrity, elevating everyday living while responding to change. You can read more details about the project here.
Art Installation Opens
We were delighted to attend the official opening of Allegra Ambition Installation this month, a project that delivers a free-to-use outdoor fitness space and sculptural seating area beside the Winchester Sports Centre at Garrison Ground, Hampshire. Our design was selected as the winner of the public art competition for the charity, Allegra’s Ambition.
Lucy Whittome, Trustee of Allegra’s Ambition, stated about the design:
“We have tried to create something truly special here. It is a place that welcomes people and children of all ages to gather, sit, play, and exercise, with a focus on calisthenics.”
We are absolutely thrilled to have won the ‘Best Architect for an Extension Project’ at this year’s Build It Awards for our Brockenhurst House project.
The design has taken the tired 1970’s chalet home, and transformed it into a stunning, contemporary home to perfectly suit our clients’ needs. Their ambition was to extend and reimagine the property to deliver a home that could support their evolving needs, while remaining true to principles of beauty, sustainability, and architectural integrity.
The result is a refined, low energy home that champions passive solar design, natural materials, and renewable technologies, demonstrating how thoughtful architecture can elevate everyday living while responding to environmental challenges.
Our client stated;
‘From our very first meeting with Darren and Studio BAD team, it was clear that we had found someone who was listening and importantly hearing our ideas, priorities, and intentions. As we are of a mature age and this is to be our forever home. A warm and comfortable, accessible, and environmentally responsible property was our goal and with Studio BAD’s design and assistance we have been able to score it. ‘We are delighted with our completed home and are able to enjoy life without worrying about changing situations regarding aging, mobility and access etc.’
We were delighted to attend the official opening of Allegra Ambition Installation this week, a project that delivers a free-to-use outdoor fitness space and sculptural seating area beside the Winchester Sports Centre at Garrison Ground, Hampshire.
Our design was selected as the winner of the public art competition run by SPUD, seamlessly integrating the charity’s ‘finish line’ logo into a series of organic sculptural forms. These pieces combine art, sculpture, gym equipment, and seating into one cohesive and beautiful installation. Constructed from timber of varying heights, the design creates a tactile and inviting space that encourages visitors to sit, climb, or work out.
Lucy Whittome, Trustee of Allegra’s Ambition, said:
“We have tried to create something truly special here. It is a place that welcomes people and children of all ages to gather, sit, play, and exercise, with a focus on calisthenics.”
Cllr Sudhakar Achwal, Mayor of Winchester, added:
“The gym is a wonderful tribute to Allegra, who spent much of her childhood playing and training on the fields at Bar End… Allegra’s Gym stands as a living legacy, a joyful place for the community to meet, gather, exercise, and play together, just as she once enjoyed doing.
“I would like to warmly congratulate you and your team for bringing this project from conception to reality, the result is exceptional.”
Allegra’s Ambition, a charity established in memory of Allegra Whittome, works to enable, engage, and empower young people to reach their potential through participation in sport.
