Architecture Through Our Eyes

Author Jon Rigby, Director
Date Oct 2024

Why Does Architecture Matter? Why Does Good Design Matter?

Architecture That Shapes Lives and Inspires Connection

For us, architecture matters because the spaces we create shape how people feel, live, and interact every day. When we enter a building that instantly makes us feel at ease or energised, we experience the powerful impact of successful architecture. Our work goes beyond mere aesthetics or functionality; it’s about crafting environments where people feel considered, connected, and inspired. We strive to find and harness joy in the everyday.

When done right, architecture becomes a backdrop to our lives, adding layers of texture to our daily experiences. Great buildings – whether grand or modest – can bring people together, foster a sense of belonging, create identity, and serve as the heart of a community.

Designing Spaces That Resonate and Endure

Thoughtful architecture and placemaking isn’t about shouting, showcasing or creating superficial impressions; it’s about shaping moments and experiences, crafting environments where people want to spend their time. The buildings that linger in our memories do so not just for their physical presence, but for how they made us feel.

From the sensory impact of the landscape as one approaches a building, to the reassuring craftsmanship in the touch of a door handle upon entering a new home, our designers understand that quality design, in its simplest form, makes everyday life just that little bit more special.

Designing for Impact: Enhancing Lives and Driving Innovation

We are proud of our work and firmly believe our projects matter because they impact lives in ways that may not be immediately visible. For example, thoughtful design in factories can enhance innovation by better connecting teams and processes, leading to increased productivity, retention, and revenue.

We are currently working on the AMRC Compass scheme in collaboration with Boeing. This cutting-edge advanced manufacturing facility builds on over two decades of experience supporting R&D clients across the aerospace, automotive, energy, nuclear, and sustainable technologies sectors, with a focus on maximising productivity.

Pioneering Spaces for Innovation and Industry Transformation

The facilities we design purposefully integrate and unify the traditionally separate roles of ‘thinkers’ and ‘makers,’ creating collaborative and inspiring environments that accelerate the flow of ideas. The Compass scheme, part of Bond Bryan’s masterplan for the University of Sheffield Innovation District, is set to complete by the end of 2024 and will serve as the catalyst project for the UK’s first Investment Zone.

This facility, and the research that will take place there, offers a step-change in UK R&D capability and provides a unique opportunity for the UK. It will support and de-risk new technologies and processes, combining composites and digital technologies to help wider UK industry adopt more efficient, sustainable and cost-effective solutions for the production of future components, including the renewable, transport, defence and urban air mobility sectors.

At Bond Bryan’s Mercia school, teachers report that well-designed classrooms significantly enhance students’ focus and learning.
Creating Spaces That Inspire and Support Everyday Life

At Bond Bryan’s Mercia school, teachers report that well-designed classrooms significantly enhance students’ focus and learning. At its core, good design considers the people who will use the space and how to best meet their needs, enhancing their potential now and in the future.

Architecture matters because it surrounds us. We live, work, and play in the spaces architects create. Good design may not always demand attention, but it’s felt in how we move, connect, and experience the world. It’s about more than just buildings; it’s about creating places that resonate with the people who inhabit them, making life a little easier, a little more inspiring, and a little more joyful.

Fairhursts has joined the Bond Bryan Group