The managing partner of Bath architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios has become a visiting professor at the School of Architecture and Environment at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol).
Geoff Rich, pictured, will work with the university to help inspire the next generation of architects, sharing his expertise through masterclasses, lectures, and reviews of student work.
At Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Geoff takes a leading role in creative reuse work. He is passionate about the benefits of retaining and reusing historic and existing buildings, conserving and celebrating heritage and weaving new with old to make sustainable, joyful buildings for contemporary life.
He is also interested in international heritage issues having worked on projects and initiatives in Africa, China, the US and the Middle East.
As well as lecturing on sustainable design, conservation and reuse at a number of universities, he sits on the Historic England historic places panel, the Design West review panel and is a Design Council expert.
Geoff said: “Retrofit and the reuse of existing buildings will form the backbone of the industry’s work in the coming decades.
“I’ll be bringing my experience of sustainable heritage and creative reuse projects to UWE Bristol’s students.”
He plans to use the renovations of Bath Abbey and Shrewsbury’s 18th-century Flaxmill Maltings, pictured – a building regrarded as a precursor to the skyscraper due to its iron-frame construction – as examples of best practice and how important historical structures can be made relevant and accessible for the next generation.
“Plus, I’ll explore the low carbon retrofits of like the Southbank Centre in London and Mountbatten House in Basingstoke, in addition and heritage-based masterplans including a project for the University of Liverpool’s city centre campus,” he said.
Dean and head of UWE Bristol’s School of Architecture and Environment Dr Matthew Jones added: “We’re honoured Geoff is joining us as a visiting professor; his experience of leading high-profile and unique projects in conservation and regeneration will be invaluable to our students and staff.
“His appointment further strengthens our relationships with industry leaders as we continue to develop the School of Architecture and Environment, ensuring it remains a driving force for sustainable and inclusive futures in the city, nationally and beyond.”
Feilden Clegg Bradley Studio, which also has offices in London, Manchester and Belfast, was formed more than 40 years ago and today is viewed as one of the UK’s most progressive and ethical architectural practices. Its most recent work in Bath includes the Roman Baths Clore Learning Centre and World Heritage Centre.
