Architecture for the Common Good: Reflections Following the MacEwen Award Shortlist

Last week the Royal Institute of British Architects announced the shortlist for the RIBA MacEwen Award, an accolade that recognises architecture which delivers genuine social value. The award celebrates projects that place community benefit, inclusion and long term impact above image or spectacle.

For us as Leeds architects, the principles behind this award are not aspirational extras. They are fundamental to how we approach every commission.

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James Park
The Secret Life of Architecture Projects and Why We Keep Them Under Wraps

There is a particular frustration that comes with working on brilliant projects we simply cannot share. Non disclosure agreements are part and parcel of commercial architecture especially in sensitive sectors like energy infrastructure corporate headquarters strategic developments defense installations pharmaceuticals and high tech facilities where intellectual property security concerns or competitive advantages are at stake.

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James Park
Eric F. Box Funeral Directors, Dewsbury: A Lasting Commercial Extension

It is now thirteen years since we completed the extension to Eric F. Box Funeral Directors in Dewsbury. The project remains an important example of how sensitive, well considered commercial architecture can stand the test of time. As Leeds commercial architects working across West Yorkshire and beyond, we are often asked to deliver buildings that balance operational efficiency with emotional intelligence. Few project types require this balance more carefully than funeral facilities.

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James Park
Farsley Liberal Club: Bringing Heritage Back to Life

Nothing compares to the satisfaction of seeing a historic building being carefully revitalised. We recently visited the former Farsley Liberal Club as it progresses towards its transformation into five luxury apartments, due for completion in early spring.

This project exemplifies what we value most as Leeds residential architects: preserving the character that makes a place special while delivering homes that are fresh, practical and high-end.

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James Park
Padel in Kirklees: How Sport Architecture Builds Community

The padel phenomenon has arrived in Kirklees, with PARKdesigned Architects leading design development for a dedicated facility. The practice is assessing a promising site and preparing proposals for three padel courts and a purpose-built clubhouse. The brief is to strengthen community ties and deliver high-quality sporting experiences through focused sport architecture. As one of the established leeds architecture firms working from Leeds and London, the practice brings sector breadth and delivery rigour to a local community scheme.

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James Park
Fire Safety Cladding Remediation: 3 Steps Leeds Property Developers Must Take Before 2029 (Easy Compliance Guide)

Leeds property developers face a critical deadline. By the end of 2029, every building 18m+ with unsafe cladding must be remediated or face severe penalties including unlimited fines and imprisonment. Buildings between 11-18m have until 2031, but smart developers are getting ahead of the curve. The government isn't messing around. West Yorkshire alone has identified approximately 500 buildings requiring assessment, with enforcement action already taken against 57 buildings with ACM cladding. Here's exactly what you need to do to stay compliant.

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James Park
What Can We Learn from Project Pauses in Architecture?

In today’s construction landscape, project pauses can occur due to many factors. We are seeing projects pause due to changes in economic conditions, funding hurdles and extended planning processes. Far from being obstacles, we view these moments as opportunities to refine our vision and deliver even stronger outcomes. In this blog, we explore how we transform pauses into possibilities, ensuring our projects continue to shape vibrant communities.

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James Park