Audley English MBE

Audley graduated from the Architectural Association as the UK's first West Indian architect. He opened the first black-led architectural practice, which designed innovative social housing and sustainable schemes. These included the first rough sleepers' hostel, BREEAM's first excellent certified low-energy housing scheme, the London social housing grass roof scheme, and several award-winning designs. The practice also pioneered the use of 'Construction Management' contracts for social housing projects. In 2000, the Architectural Journal credited the practice's Newham scheme with introducing the term 'Modular Housing.'  Audley's sustainable contribution aims to reduce global warming caused by buildings. His innovative MMC solution demonstrates an alternative approach that challenges current thinking. This panellised MMC platform solution (P-DfMA) kit-of-parts enables the construction of demountable buildings with one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry. His company delivered their defects-free MMC social rented housing project, which has remained so for over three years.  In recent years, Audley's architectural design team has received awards, including being the winner and finalist of the British Homes Awards Design Competition in 2017 and 2019, respectively. In 2021, Audley was honoured with an Honorary Certificate from the Jamaican Prime Minister for his design in Jamaica's Low-Cost MMC Housing Competition.  Audley served on the development board of a London Housing Association until completing his full term. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and was Awarded an MBE for services to architecture and sustainability in the New Year Honours. 

What top tip would you give to this year's entrants? 

Entrants are encouraged to set improved carbon footprint targets that address both embodied and operational carbon, surpassing the minimum requirements and ensuring measurability.