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Exploring Sustainable Material Innovation at Finsbury Dials & Beyond with Sam Frith at Solus

Sam Frith, Creative Director of Solus Tiles

Pushing the Boundaries of Sustainable Materials Sean Ronnie Hill (SRH): Sam, thanks for taking the time to chat. At RISE Design Studio, we’re always exploring ways to integrate sustainability into architecture in meaningful ways. Your work at Solus, particularly with Spolia for Finsbu …

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The Art of Lighting in Sustainable Architecture: Insights from Craig Turner of Orluna

RISE-Design-Studio-Craig-Turner-Orluna-Sustainable-Lighting

Interviewer: Sean Ronnie Hill, Director of RISE Design Studio Sean Ronnie Hill: Craig, thank you for joining me. At RISE Design Studio, we place a strong emphasis on sustainable, human-centred design, and lighting plays a crucial role in shaping how spaces are experienced. Orluna’s ap …

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RIBA 2020 Plan of Work: A Roadmap for Purposeful Architecture

ome buildings are just that - buildings. They meet regulations, tick boxes, stand where they need to stand. But great architecture? That’s different. Great architecture serves a purpose beyond function. It works harder, lasts longer, and adapts over time. It’s thoughtful in its design …

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Smart Homes and Sustainable Design: A Conversation with Louis Christie of LC-AV

Louis Christie of LC-AV Audio Visual Specialist

Sean Ronnie Hill: Louis, thanks for joining me today. At RISE Design Studio, we’re always looking to integrate smart home technology in a way that enhances sustainable, low-energy design rather than adding unnecessary complexity. Your work at LC-AV aligns with our philosophy of creati …

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Beyond the Bin: What Architecture Can Learn from Silo

Douglas McMaster of Silo, Max McDonagh of AKT II, and Sean Ronnie Hill and Imran Jahn of RISE Design Studio standing together at Solus Tiles, discussing zero-waste design and sustainable architecture.

We went to an event last night at Solus Tiles. A gathering of architects, designers, engineers, and thinkers. People who make things. People who should be asking: How do we make things better?

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Start Smart: Why Feasibility is the First Steps That Matters

A hand-drawn architectural sketch illustrating passive design strategies for a sustainable building. The drawing includes annotations highlighting key features such as MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) intake and extract, overhangs to reduce heat gain from the summer sun, and fins or slot openings for framing views while minimizing overheating from the setting sun. Arrows indicate the paths of winter sun and summer shading, demonstrating solar gain control. The sketch also highlights a sheltered outdoor space for protection against inclement weather and a connection to nature through large openings. The background consists of loosely sketched trees and vegetation, situating the building within a natural landscape.

If you don’t know where you're going, how will you know when you’ve arrived?

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Why Does External Wall Insulation (EWI) Spark Such Strong Reactions?

Screenshot of a contact form submission on the RISE Design Studio website. The message contains strong criticism and rude language regarding External Wall Insulation (EWI), expressing frustration about insulation practices, industry standards, and construction quality in the UK. The sender uses an aggressive tone and an inappropriate email address.

Every once in a while, a comment lands in our inbox that is more than just feedback - it is a full-on rant. The latest one (see screengrab below) was not just critical of External Wall Insulation (EWI); it was angry, rude, and frustrated.

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What’s the Cost of Extending Your Home in London in 2025?

Twelve Arches House - low energy home in Kensal Rise, North West London

A bigger house, or a better one? London isn’t cheap. Space is tight. And moving? It’s stressful, expensive, and rarely as simple as it seems. So you start thinking - what if you could make the home you already love work harder for you?

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External Wall Insulation: More Than Just a Blanket for Your Home

Kitchen in Low Energy Home with Birch plywood clad ceiling and Dinesen Douglas Fir floor and bespoke kitchen cabinets

When I was growing up, winter had a way of seeping into our home. I remember lying in bed, watching my breath form little clouds in the air, huddled under layers of blankets, waiting for the morning sun to take the edge off the cold. The walls of our house felt more like a sieve than …

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What Does It Cost to Build a House in the UK in 2025?

New build house in Hampstead Low Energy Home

A Thoughtful Approach to Budgeting for Your Dream Home At RISE Design Studio, we believe that every home should tell a story - one of sustainability, craftsmanship, and intelligent design. But before pen meets paper, there’s one question every client asks:

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