We are delighted to announce the appointment of Tim Forster to our board of 10 Directors. With specialist design expertise in sustainability, Tim will play a key role in our commitment to explore alternative ways of thinking and deliver innovative low carbon design solutions.

Despite the hurdles created by the pandemic, AWW’s projects have continued to progress on site throughout 2020. Tim’s promotion coincides with a renewed optimism for 2021 with exciting projects on the horizon.

Tim plays a key role in AWW’s research and sustainability teams: his depth of knowledge and experience will continue to be a valuable asset to the leadership of the company.

“It is a privilege to be joining the board at such a challenging and exciting time in the industry. I am passionate about the role that architecture can play in bringing positivity to people’s lives, and the importance of design in meeting the demands of the climate emergency. AWW is an advocate for positive change, and I am looking forward to the new opportunities and responsibilities that the appointment brings to respond to these challenges.” - Tim Forster, Sustainability Director

We asked Tim a few questions to find out what his ambitions for AWW are and how he plans to engage with the urgency of climate change.

What excites you most about working at AWW?

There is an optimistic energy to the practice and a freedom to explore within a team of experienced and talented designers. We are fortunate to be working on some great projects at the moment, for example; The School of Management for the University of Bath is a fantastic project to be involved with.

What are your ambitions for AWW in the next five years?

The projects that we are starting now will define us in five years’ time. Business growth follows business resilience. And for us that means working closely with our clients to ensure that they are building resilience into their investments. We have pledged to make the most of every opportunity to learn, influence, and join others in improving the building industry’s impact on the environment. As part of this commitment, AWW are a signatory of RetroFirst, Architects Declare, and endeavour to join the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge. I hope that in five years’ time I am able to visit AWW projects that encompass this ambition.

What trend do you believe will have the most profound impact in the Architecture industry in 2021?

We are experiencing an encouraging industry shift now towards a truer sustainable design. This is a trend that will continue to pick up pace as we see the benefits that regenerative architecture can deliver – not just to the environment but also to our physical and mental health.

What is the collective sustainability vision for AWW?

It is essential to grasp that good architectural design is inseparable from sustainable architectural design. They are one and the same thing. With this at the forefront of our minds, we are steadfast in our goal to design beautiful places that are a joy to be in and give back to the environment. Zero waste is ultimately what sustainability means, and this is our collective goal.

Bath School of Management CGI facade

What do you believe are the specific measures that can be taken / made in architecture that will act as a catalyse in the profession to engage with the urgency of climate change?

As design leaders we are well-placed, and have a duty, to effect positive change in the built environment. The specific steps will be different for each practice and specialism, but the principles are the same.

One thing that has been reinforced over the last year, is that we are in this together and that tackling climate change is not something we can do individually. Some of the other practices that are on the same course as us have been able to share some great resources to help the collective effort and I am hugely respectful of that and hope that the research and information that we share is equally as useful to others.

“Tim’s appointment reflects his enduring dedication, commitment and hard work to AWW and our confidence in him. As an accredited Passivhaus Designer with specialist design expertise, Tim plays a key role in driving AWW’s pledge to deliver innovative and sustainable design solutions.” - David Perkin, Director

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