Making the complex simple has been part of our culture since we formed Black in 2003. Our London based practice searches out logical solutions that respond to complex sites and challenging briefs. We begin by listening to our clients, recording and then responding to their needs with thoughtful architecture. Our work doesn’t focus on a style or an architectural image, but about how we can create sustainable buildings that improve the lives of those using them.
This approach to wellbeing has enabled us to work with charitable bodies and social housing providers, but equally resolve the needs of both national and international commercial businesses. At the core of this thinking is a desire to create spaces that react responsibly to their context and deliver buildings which use resources responsibly.
Who we work with is important to us, as is the ethics of our partners who supply services such as banking, utilities and cleaning. These business choices have influenced our work to date and guide our future plans. Our focus is on finding innovative ways through teamwork to resolve problems which benefit both our clients and those who use their buildings. Skills learnt from our private, third sector and public work influence each other, allowing wider benefits to inform all our work.
As a practice, we are committed to the UKGBC mission to radically improve the sustainability of the built environment by transforming the way its planned, designed, constructed, maintained, repurposed and operated.
Black work closely with the UKGBC leadership team on a range of Built Environment campaigns, have signed an End Gas Now pledge, adopt LETI design standards and actively develop Net Zero Carbon building solutions with our clients.
As a business we report annually on our own performance through an ISO 9001 Quality Management audit undertaken by the British Standards Institute. Carbon emissions and waste from our activities are being tracked throughout the year, with a targeted year on year reduction set within our Quality Objectives.
