August Newsletter

In this edition, we’re pleased to share our latest proposals for a sensitive barn conversion in the South Downs National Park, introduce our recently published Residential Homes brochure, and announce our upcoming move to a new Studio BAD office in the heart of Southampton.

Reimagining an agricultural barn in the South Downs

We have been developing proposals for the sensitive conversion of a redundant agricultural building in the heart of rural South Downs, to deliver a contemporary, sustainable family home.

Our architectural design reimagines the disused barn, thoughtfully converting the existing structure into a low-energy family home. The design retains the original character of the building, celebrating its agricultural heritage by retaining and enhancing its character, while introducing carefully considered interventions that support modern family living and enhance its relationship with the surrounding landscape. Read more about the project here.

Residential Homes Brochure

We have recently published a new brochure highlighting the residential projects we have had the pleasure of working on, you can view it online here. 

The brochure brings together a diverse collection of schemes at every stage of the design and construction journey. From architectural concept proposals and projects currently on site to completed homes, it showcases the breadth of our work and our approach to creating thoughtful, high-quality residential architecture.

Click the link below to view the brochure online. If you’re considering your own residential project, we would be delighted to discuss your ideas and how we can help bring them to life.

 

Studio BAD are on the move!

After five years in our current office, it’s time for a new chapter. In early August, we’ll be relocating to our new workspace at Network Eagle Lab on Portland Terrace, while remaining in the heart of Southampton.

We’re excited about the move and the opportunities the new space will bring. With greater flexibility, a creative working environment, and significantly fewer stairs to climb (those who have visited our current office will know exactly what we mean!), it feels like the right place for our next chapter.

Once we’re settled in, we hope to celebrate with a small open house. We’ll share more details soon and look forward to welcoming you.

July Newsletter

We are pleased to share a selection of highlights from the past month, including Darren’s interview in The Architects’ Journal, the commencement of two new church projects in Birmingham, and celebrating the end-of-year exhibition at the University of Reading.

Retrofirst Article in Architects Journal

Darren was recently interviewed by the ‘Architects’ Journal’ as part of its extensive RetroFirst campaign, which advocates prioritising the retrofit and reimagining of existing buildings over demolition and redevelopment. We were delighted to contribute to this important initiative, which closely aligns with our practice’s commitment to sustainable design and making the most of existing built assets.

The interview focuses on the Brick Pavilion project, for which we recently secured planning permission. The scheme will transform a vacant local landmark in Chichester, breathing new life into the building while preserving and enhancing its existing character.

Read the full article here.

Two Birmingham Community Church’s

We have had the pleasure of working on two very different church projects in Birmingham: St Gabriel’s Church and St Chad’s Church.

Both churches play a vital role as community hubs and present significant opportunities to reimagine their existing buildings and wider sites, in order to better serve local people and support future generations.

We began the design process for both projects with community engagement workshops, providing an opportunity to hear directly from those who use and value these spaces. These conversations have been invaluable in helping us understand the needs, challenges and aspirations of each congregation and community.

Drawing on this feedback, we have developed bespoke feasibility studies that explore how we can maximise the potential of the existing assets. This includes creating more flexible and welcoming community spaces within the church buildings, as well as investigating opportunities for social housing and other community-focused development across the wider sites.

Reading University End of Year Show

Last week, the University of Reading School of Architecture hosted its annual end-of-year show, celebrating the creativity, dedication and achievements of students across all year groups.

The exhibition showcased an impressive range of design work, including projects from the first-year students whom Darren has been teaching throughout the past academic year. It was a fantastic event and a valuable opportunity to see the breadth of talent emerging from the next generation of architects and designers. The quality of work on display was both inspiring and encouraging, offering a positive glimpse into the future of our built environment.

Darren has a close relationship with the School of Architecture, where he has taught for the past nine years. As a practice, we believe in teaching and engagement with academia. The academic environment provides a valuable forum for testing ideas, challenging assumptions and exploring new ways of thinking about architecture. It encourages us not only to consider how we design, but also to continually reflect on why we do it.

 

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March Practice News

In this month’s update, we are sharing news of sustainable EV charging at Marwell Zoo, update on the Brick Pavilion project in Chichester, and another award win for our Brockenhurst House.

New Forest Design Award Win

We are honoured to have had our Brockenhurst House awarded with Best Residential Project in this years New Forest Design Award, the second award for this project so far!

These awards are organised by the New Forest District Council, set up to recognise high quality design and the best new developments within the New Forest National Park.

The judges commented, ‘this design was a noteworthy combination of modern, forward-thinking ideas, which referenced the local vernacular in materials, and employed good green credentials. They were particularly pleased to see a proposal more in spirit of the government’s advice over embodied carbon, with retention over replacement, and showcasing a retrofit scheme on a more typical modern dwelling found within the New Forest.’

Chichester Brick Pavilion update

We have submitted planning for our Brick Pavilion project, an exciting milestone in this community project. Our design reimagines and redevelops the vacant, locally significant building situated in the north-west corner of the cities Priory Park.

We have been working in collaboration with Chichester Community Development Trust (CDT). To help steer the designs we have hosted communitte engagment events, to explore how this neglected building can be restored, using design to deliver a valuable community asset.

Sustainable EV Charging at Marwell

We have achieved planning permission for a unique, fully off grid electrical vehicle charging system at Marwell Zoo, working in collaboration with the University of Southampton and the FEVER research project.

The project delivers over 20 EV charging spaces, designed with solar panels installed on butterfly roofs, which are linked to battery storage and a back up generator.

The design offers visitors an opportunity to charge their cars sustainably, aligning with the zoo’s strong commitment in this area. Learn more here. 

Studio BAD deliver RIBA CPD

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.

 

February Practice News

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.

View the church brochure here. 

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.

View project details here.

RUAS lecture

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.

RIBA Lecture ‘Lightning Talks’

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

You can book your ticket by visiting eventbrite site here.