To mark #EthelDay we call for more diversity in the sector

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Studies show there has only been incremental improvement in racial diversity and the representation of women in architecture in the last few years. Here, just weeks after the sector celebrated International Women in Architecture Day – also known as #EthelDay – Shaun Soanes explains why we need to push for more.

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Architects need to drop the jargon

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Architects struggle to drop the jargon and engage the public. That was the message from writer and broadcaster Tom Dyckhoff earlier this month after he started a furious Twitter argument by suggesting that architects speak in deliberately unintelligible language. Here Shaun Soanes joins the debate.

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Kanye West brings celeb sparkle to world of architecture

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Rapper Kanye West has created an architecture wing for his popular Yeezy brand. But does the profession really need a celebrity to “make things as dope as possible”? Here Shaun Soanes examines the flurry of speculation, excitement and ridicule surrounding the announcement.

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Celebrating a double award win

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We are delighted to announce that we have won two awards celebrating excellence in our sector.

We won the category for Individual Trade for our work on Aldehurst, Aldeburgh and the Restoration category for St Edmunds Church in Southwold at the RIBA Suffolk Craftsmanship Awards 2018.

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NJ Architects set to make a splash for charity

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We are looking forward to making a splash at a charity dragon boat race this summer.

We have pulled together a team of 15 from Nicholas Jacob Architects to fundraise for the event, which is being held in aid of Fresh Start New Beginnings – a treatment service for victims of child sexual abuse.

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Mixing old and new in architecture of the future

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This month Phillippe Starck revealed plans to build a 14-storey hotel in the French city of Metz, with an 18th-century-style house on the roof. Here Shaun Soanes explores the idea of mixing old and new.

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Architecture helps York stand out

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York was named the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times last month for boasting “the perfect mix of heritage and hi‑tech”. Here Shaun Soanes looks at what makes a city, town or village special.

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Could the “plyscraper” solve the housing crisis?

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It’s strong and versatile – not to mention environmentally friendly. Here Shaun Soanes looks at why building with wood could be the answer to our global housing crisis.

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Bring your vision to life with virtual reality

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With the availability of affordable headsets, virtual reality is fast becoming a buzz word in construction circles. But how can it help designers? Shaun Soanes explores this brave new virtual world.

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Architects “step back into the playroom” with Lego

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Currently the only LEGO Architecture that set has been released for 2018 is for one of the world’s most populous cities – Shanghai – and boasts 597 pieces. Here Shaun Soanes investigates how stepping back into the playroom with building bricks can inspire even the most established designers.

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