7 Touko 2024

Sustainable Futures with James Rixon: Retrofit Architecture

Retrofit is one of the biggest practical challenges in architecture: how do we make existing buildings work harder, last longer and use less carbon without treating sustainability as a bolt-on?

Stephen Drew speaks with James Rixon of Rixon Architecture about sustainable design, retrofit practice, the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge and the knowledge-sharing needed to decarbonise the built environment.

The conversation covers:

What retrofit means in practice
Why thoughtful design can improve performance without needless cost
How training and shared knowledge help smaller practices
How clients can make better retrofit decisions
Where AI tools may help and where judgement still matters

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▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLrQ4R9LzqY

📝 Read the full write-up, with the key takeaways:
https://architecturesocial.com/podcast/sustainable-futures-with-james-rixon-retrofit-architecture/

Architecture Social is where architects and designers find honest career advice, insight from practice, and live roles worth applying for:
https://architecturesocial.com/

The fastest way to get hired is to be better at the things practices actually ask for. Revit, Rhino, rendering, BIM, portfolio work. Our learning partner ArchAdemia is built by architects, for architects:
https://archademia.com/architecture-social/

Use code ARCHSOCIAL10 for a discount on monthly or annual membership.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to retrofit and sustainability
05:00 Getting on with retrofit before policy catches up
10:00 Thoughtful design without unnecessary cost
15:00 Training, knowledge gaps and upskilling
20:00 Retrofit networks and shared knowledge
25:00 AI experiments and design tools
30:00 Helping homeowners decarbonise confidently
35:00 Audience questions and broader retrofit discussion
40:00 Retrofit opportunities and closing thoughts

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