Fleet Joins The 93% Club

Fleet Architects have made a significant statement by joining the 93% Club, emphasizing their commitment to diversity and inclusivity in an industry historically dominated by privately educated individuals. The architecture profession in the UK has long been skewed, with a disproportionately high number of architects hailing from private education backgrounds. According to a report by the Social Mobility Commission, nearly 40% of architects attended private schools, compared to just 7% of the general population. By joining the 93% Club, Fleet Architects, as a 100% state school educated practice, challenge this status quo and promote a more equitable representation in the field.

The decision to align with the 93% Club underscores Fleet Architects’ dedication to addressing systemic inequalities within the architecture profession. This alignment serves not only as a symbol of their values but also as a practical step towards inspiring future generations of architects from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. The presence of high levels of privately educated architects has often perpetuated a cycle where access to opportunities and networks remains limited to a select group. Fleet Architects, through their example, aim to break this cycle and demonstrate that talent and creativity in architecture are not confined to those with privileged educational backgrounds.

By highlighting their 100% state school educated background, Fleet Architects set a powerful precedent for other firms to follow. Their commitment to the 93% Club sends a clear message that merit and potential should be the primary criteria for success in architecture, not one’s educational pedigree. This move is likely to resonate within the industry, prompting discussions about the need for more inclusive recruitment practices and broader support systems for aspiring architects from all backgrounds. In doing so, Fleet Architects contribute to a more diverse and dynamic future for the architectural profession, ensuring that it reflects the rich tapestry of the society it serves.

Newham Critical Care and Decant Ward Opens

The recent inauguration of the new Critical Care Unit and Decant Ward at Newham University Hospital marks a significant milestone in the hospital’s ongoing efforts to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Designed by Fleet Architects in collaboration with Health Spaces, these state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with advanced medical technology and innovative design features to support high-quality critical care services. The new unit’s layout prioritizes patient comfort and safety while ensuring that healthcare professionals have the optimal environment to deliver intensive and specialized care.

Fleet Architects and Health Spaces have meticulously planned the design of the Critical Care Unit to incorporate modern, evidence-based practices in healthcare architecture. The unit features spacious, well-ventilated rooms that provide a tranquil environment conducive to patient recovery. Advanced monitoring and life-support systems are seamlessly integrated into the design, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. The Decant Ward, meanwhile, plays a crucial role in the hospital’s operations by providing a flexible space for patient transfers during periods of renovation or high demand, thereby minimizing disruptions to care delivery.

The collaboration between Fleet Architects and Health Spaces has resulted in a facility that not only meets the immediate needs of Newham University Hospital but also anticipates future healthcare demands. The new Critical Care Unit and Decant Ward are designed with adaptability in mind, allowing for easy updates and modifications as medical technologies and practices evolve. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the hospital remains at the forefront of patient care, providing a robust infrastructure that supports both current and future healthcare needs. The successful opening of these new units highlights the transformative potential of strategic partnerships in healthcare infrastructure development.

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James Paget University Concept Ward Wins HSJ Award

The innovative James Paget University Concept Ward, a collaborative project by Health Spaces and Fleet Architects, has been honored with the prestigious HSJ Healthcare Infrastructure Project of the Year Award. This award recognizes the transformative impact of the concept ward on patient care and hospital efficiency. Designed to enhance patient experiences and streamline healthcare delivery, the ward exemplifies cutting-edge design and advanced healthcare solutions. The recognition underscores the successful synergy between Health Spaces’ healthcare infrastructure expertise and Fleet Architects’ innovative design approach (Fleet Architects) (Health Spaces).

The Concept Ward at James Paget University Hospital was developed as a pioneering model to reimagine patient care environments. It features flexible, modular spaces that can be easily adapted to evolving healthcare needs, integrating the latest technology with evidence-based design principles. The ward includes smart systems for patient monitoring, optimized layouts to reduce staff fatigue, and calming environments to promote patient healing. This approach not only improves patient outcomes but also enhances staff efficiency and well-being, setting a new benchmark in hospital ward design (Fleet Architects) (Health Spaces).

Winning the HSJ Award is a significant achievement for the Health Spaces and Fleet Architects partnership. It highlights the project’s excellence and the innovative strategies employed to create a future-ready healthcare environment. The award also reflects the collaborative spirit and shared vision of both organizations in advancing healthcare infrastructure. By combining their expertise, they have created a concept ward that is not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also adaptable and sustainable. This project serves as a model for future healthcare infrastructure projects, demonstrating how thoughtful design and innovative solutions can transform hospital environments to better serve patients and healthcare professionals alike (Fleet Architects) (Health Spaces).

Rugby Hospital of St Cross Elective Treatment Centre Planning Submitted

Health Spaces, in collaboration with Fleet Architects, has recently submitted a planning application for a new theatres and ward building at Rugby St Cross Hospital. This state-of-the-art development is designed to enhance the hospital’s surgical capabilities and patient care facilities, reflecting the latest advancements in healthcare design. The proposed building will include several new operating theatres, a modern recovery suite, and a spacious ward designed to accommodate a growing number of patients with diverse medical needs. The design aims to streamline hospital operations, improve patient outcomes, and provide a comfortable environment for both patients and staff.

The collaboration between Health Spaces and Fleet Architects leverages their combined expertise in healthcare infrastructure and innovative design. The new building will feature flexible, modular spaces that can be adapted to meet future healthcare demands, ensuring long-term sustainability and efficiency. Advanced technologies will be integrated into the facility, including smart systems for patient monitoring and energy-efficient solutions to reduce the hospital’s carbon footprint. This project is a testament to the commitment of both organizations to deliver high-quality healthcare environments that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Submitting the planning application marks a significant milestone in the development of Rugby St Cross Hospital’s new theatres and ward building. The project has been designed with input from clinical staff to ensure that it meets the specific needs of the hospital’s patient population. The new facility will not only expand the hospital’s capacity to perform complex surgical procedures but also provide a healing environment that promotes patient recovery and well-being. Once completed, the new theatres and ward building will play a crucial role in enhancing the healthcare services available to the Rugby community, demonstrating the positive impact of thoughtful and innovative healthcare design.

Health Building Note Consultation with Architects for Health

Jaime Bishop, chair of Architects for Health and director at Fleet Architects, alongside Agata Dixon Smith from Fleet Architects, played a crucial role in the Architects for Health Future Standards Working Group (FSWG). Their involvement focused on reviewing and providing feedback to the NHS England team on the technical drafting of the new Health Building Notes (HBN) 10-01 Facilities for Surgery and HBN 06-01 Diagnostic Imaging. This collaboration was instrumental in ensuring that the updated standards reflect the latest advancements in healthcare design, promoting environments that enhance both patient care and staff efficiency.

The review process conducted by the FSWG, with contributions from Bishop and Dixon Smith, aimed to incorporate practical insights and expert recommendations into the HBNs. Their expertise in healthcare architecture and their commitment to improving healthcare facilities were pivotal in refining the technical details of these documents. This process included detailed assessments of surgical facilities and diagnostic imaging environments, ensuring that the designs meet the highest standards of safety, functionality, and patient-centered care.

By actively participating in the FSWG, Jaime Bishop and Agata Dixon Smith demonstrated a strong commitment to shaping the future of healthcare infrastructure in the UK. Their work with NHS England exemplifies the collaborative efforts needed to develop robust, forward-thinking healthcare standards. The feedback provided by the Architects for Health, enriched by Bishop and Dixon Smith’s extensive experience, has been critical in guiding the technical drafting of HBN 10-01 and HBN 06-01, ensuring these documents support the creation of high-quality healthcare facilities across the country.

New Associate – Amy Hiley

Fleet Architects is thrilled to welcome Amy Hiley as a new Associate, bringing over a decade of experience in the social housing sector to the team. Amy joined Fleet in March 2024, having previously specialized in designing and managing complex medium and large-scale mixed-use and community-led projects. Her work often focuses on sensitive and constrained sites, where she excels in integrating low-energy and Passivhaus design standards. Amy’s expertise in estate renewal, housing schemes, and masterplanning spans all stages of project development, from conception to completion, making her a valuable asset to Fleet Architects.

In addition to her extensive experience in social housing, Amy has also led smaller-scale residential and garden design schemes. Her passion for horticulture and landscape design has driven her to further her qualifications, enhancing her ability to create dynamic and harmonious relationships between architecture and landscape. This unique combination of skills allows Amy to approach projects with a holistic perspective, ensuring that both built and natural environments are thoughtfully integrated.

Amy’s commitment to delivering quality design with a social purpose aligns perfectly with Fleet Architects’ mission. Her collaborative approach to design fosters strong relationships with both public and private sector clients, ensuring that each project meets the highest standards of functionality and aesthetic appeal. Fleet Architects is confident that Amy’s addition to the team will contribute significantly to their ongoing efforts to create innovative, sustainable, and community-focused architectural solutions.

Work Starts at Kernel’s New Brewery Tap

Fleet Architects has embarked on an exciting new project to design a bar and restaurant for Kernel Brewery, leveraging their extensive experience in creating award-winning bars, pubs, and hotels. The project commenced in March 2024 and is set for completion and opening in August. The design process has been heavily influenced by the minimalist, stripped-back branding of Kernel Brewery’s bottle design, aiming to reflect the brewery’s aesthetic ethos while introducing a fresh, contemporary atmosphere.

The new bar and restaurant will feature innovative materials such as hemp board and recycled strand board, chosen for their sustainability and modern appeal. These materials will be used to create a space that is both contemporary and comfortable, aligning with Kernel Brewery’s commitment to quality and simplicity. The design seeks to offer a refined departure from the traditional rough and ready brewery tap ethos without completely abandoning it, maintaining a connection to the brewery’s roots while offering an elevated dining and drinking experience.

Fleet Architects’ design for Kernel Brewery is poised to become a standout addition to the local hospitality scene, blending sustainable materials with a clean, modern aesthetic. This project highlights the firm’s ability to adapt and innovate within different contexts, building on their proven track record in the hospitality sector. The new bar and restaurant will not only enhance the brewery’s brand but also provide a welcoming environment for patrons to enjoy Kernel Brewery’s renowned products in a setting that reflects the brewery’s unique identity.

Health Spaces – Medway Maritime NHS Development Control Plan

The Health Spaces team has collaborated closely with the Medway Maritime NHS Trust to develop a comprehensive Development Control Plan aimed at facilitating sustainable redevelopment of the Medway site. This plan encompasses a phased approach addressing short, medium, and long-term needs, ensuring that immediate pressures are managed while laying the groundwork for future growth and sustainability. The plan incorporates modern design principles and sustainable building practices to reduce the environmental impact and enhance operational efficiency, aligning with the broader NHS goals of achieving net zero carbon emissions (www.healthestatejournal.com) (www.healthestatejournal.com).

In tackling the issue of backlog maintenance, the Medway Maritime NHS Trust has identified critical areas requiring urgent attention to ensure safety and compliance. Compared to other NHS hospitals, Medway’s backlog maintenance has been particularly challenging, partly due to historical underinvestment and the age of its infrastructure. This situation has necessitated prioritizing maintenance within the development control plan to address the most pressing issues while integrating these efforts into the broader redevelopment strategy (Medway NHS) (www.healthestatejournal.com).

The strategic plan developed by the Health Spaces team not only addresses immediate maintenance needs but also integrates these efforts into a long-term vision for the site. By focusing on phased redevelopment, the plan aims to minimize disruptions to patient care and hospital operations while progressively upgrading facilities. This structured approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, and improvements are sustainable, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided at Medway Maritime NHS Trust (www.healthestatejournal.com) (Medway NHS) (www.healthestatejournal.com).

New Starter – Ruairi McCance

Fleet Architects is thrilled to announce the addition of Ruairi McCance to their team in a senior architect role. Joining in January 2024, Ruairi brings a wealth of experience from his previous work in the high-end private residential sector. Over the past five years, he has specialized in designing modern extensions to Victorian terraced houses in London, emphasizing materiality, texture, and the interplay of light and shadow. His adeptness at working within tight spatial constraints and his passion for fine detailing and technical solutions will be invaluable to Fleet Architects’ diverse portfolio.

Ruairi’s extensive on-site experience, often overseeing projects from concept to completion, equips him with practical insights that are crucial for high-quality architectural design. His ability to blend hand-drawing and computer-aided design techniques ensures a seamless integration of traditional and modern methodologies. This skill set aligns perfectly with Fleet Architects’ commitment to delivering innovative and functional designs across various sectors, including healthcare, residential, and public infrastructure.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ruairi is an avid reader and a dedicated sportsman, holding a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a blue belt in Judo. His unique combination of technical expertise and creative vision, alongside his personal interests, adds a dynamic element to the Fleet Architects team. Ruairi’s addition marks a significant enhancement to Fleet’s capabilities, promising continued excellence in their architectural endeavors.

Fleet Working with South Essex Partnership Trust

Fleet architects, drawing on their extensive experience in technical mental health design, are collaborating closely with the Trust, FM Contractor, and Landlord to address and rectify issues at Brockfield House, a PFI project completed over a decade ago. Their expertise in creating environments that support mental well-being is instrumental in identifying design flaws and operational inefficiencies that may be impacting the facility’s functionality and patient care. By conducting comprehensive assessments and engaging with stakeholders, Fleet architects are devising tailored solutions to enhance the building’s infrastructure, improve patient safety, and ensure compliance with current health standards. Their holistic approach not only addresses immediate concerns but also incorporates sustainable practices to future-proof the facility, aligning with both the Trust’s vision and regulatory requirements.