As a Welsh-led Practice based in London, the genesis of the practice comes from a strong foothold in Welsh culture and the Welsh sensibility for craft.
We’re keen to not only expand our work in London but strengthen links to Welsh industry in our own practice using UK-wide networks.
In collaboration with RSAW (Royal Society of Architects in Wales), we’re working to promote the Welsh aptitude for craft and design by thinking about what this might be exported UK-wide and internationally.
Over the coming term at RSAW, we’re developing a programme which curates practical networks of exchange and communication. Partnering with universities based in Wales and Welsh-led practices the programme consists of exhibitions, publications and talks which aim to increase the visibility of RSAW and Welsh Practices in Wales and the rest of the UK.
So far we’ve launched Wales Week at RIBA, an annual event which celebrates Welsh Practices in London. The day event includes a series of talks, design workshops and an evening exhibition centred around Welsh architecture and architects.
During design workshops led by architects based in London, students from the University of Cardiff undertook a one-stop design task exploring approaches to disused sites in the Welsh Valleys. The aim, to get thinking about how the areas might adapt to suit a changing economy moving away from coal mining and extraction of raw materials by investigating new forms of commerce and interaction in the built environment.
As well as ephemeral events such as Wales Week, our mission is to create more longstanding resources that are accessible to all. In promoting RSAW, the programme will aim to generate a centralized base for publications and reference material delving into the historical and contemporary examples of Welsh design and architecture. Through discourse and discussion, we hope to unlock opportunities for practitioners, students and craftspeople alike.