Useful Studio - Architecture

First signs of activity in sunny Suffolk yesterday, visiting site before we break ground on an inspiring and game changing project - a skills college for the construction sector which is a learning tool in itself. Comprised of a salvaged steel frame, low carbon and recycled materials, rain and food gardens, and a beautiful flowing natural landscape. Fiona Watt, Civil Engineer @expedition_engineering Catherine Ramsden and Jess Robinson @useful_studio @usefulsimple #lowcarbon #zerocarbon #circular #salvagedfurniture #salvaged

The use of salvaged steel has a rather more poetic start in life. In this case sourcing our steel frame from a wildflower field before being treated for the installation, but still bearing the memory of a previous life with the stamps left to tell the story. #salvaged #circular #steel #carbon #reuse

Sequence of studies testing form and efficiencies in salvaged steel for a long span footbridge. #salvagedsteel #reuse #circularity #footbridge #cycle

Team dinner at the lovely @lasdunrestaurant celebrating an excellent year, exciting projects ahead and some seriously impressive promotions in @useful_studio and @usefulsimple @whoisjesseee @jro_54 @ilektra.gmpr 🙌🙌

We are hiring a Project Architect (3-4+ years post Part III) 📍 London (hybrid - 3 days in office) 💰 £45,000-£55,000 (DOE) Looking for a role where you can lead projects, grow your skills, and work on genuinely meaningful architecture? Join our award-winning team and take ownership across a diverse mix of workplace, residential, education, and public realm projects from concept through to delivery. You will gain real responsibility for leading projects and design teams, while working on low-carbon, retrofit-focused architecture grounded in circular principles. You will also collaborate closely with clients, consultants, and multidisciplinary teams, all within an environment that offers strong opportunities for progression and ongoing skill development. If you are ready to take the lead and make a real impact in the built environment - this is a great next step. Submit your CV and portfolio via our careers page ➡ /jobs/f28ce8ac-3cee-4175-bd25-1237d0a1f3c9 #architecture #design #newjobvacancy #wearehiring #architecturejob #projectarchitect #vacancy #workplace #commercial #residential #educaiton #publicrealm #circulardesign #builtenvironment #careerdevelopment

Thrilled to share that @useful_studio has been shortlisted for ‘Bridge Architect of the Year’ at the NCE Bridges Awards. This recognition speaks to the collective effort of our team and collaborators in advancing a circular, low-carbon, and nature-centered approach to bridge design. Projects such as the Lower Thames Crossing’s Salvaged Steel Footbridge and our ‘Borrowed Bridge’ demonstrate how these principles can be applied across contexts and scales - working across the supply chain, reducing embodied carbon, limiting material extraction, and associated habitat loss, and supporting inclusive, well-considered user experiences that respond to place. Our Founding Director Catherine Ramsden commented: “Being shortlisted is recognition of the importance of driving innovation in circularity and material reuse across infrastructure. It reflects the shared ambition of our team, industry partners, and forward-thinking clients to deliver low-carbon, long-life design that creates lasting value.” #architecture #design #ncebridgesawards2026 #bridgearchitectoftheyear #bridgedesign #awardshortlist #collaboration #circulardesign #circulareconomy #lowcarbon #humancentered #naturecentered #embodiedcarbon #materialreuse #inclusivedesign #innovation #circularity

We are delighted that our Marling Cross project has been shortlisted in two award categories, ‘Best New Bridge Concept Design’ and ‘Innovation in Carbon Reduction’, at the NCE Bridges Awards. Designed by @useful_studio and our sister brand Expedition Engineering, Marling Cross builds on our shortlisted entry to the Lower Thames Crossing Low Carbon Footbridge Competition* - developing a holistic, circular bridge concept and system with potential to inform wider infrastructure. As the UK’s first footbridge to incorporate reused steel, it sets a new benchmark for climate-responsive design. At its core, Marling Cross is a resource-led design methodology, making intelligent use of reclaimed materials from existing UK supply chains to reduce embodied carbon, avoid new extraction and limit impacts on habitat and landscape. Design optimisation further reduces the structure’s footprint, creating a meaningful, context-sensitive connection for all. We are encouraged to see growing momentum behind circular and nature-responsive design across the industry and are looking forward to the Awards in July! *image of the LTC Low Carbon Footbridge Competition entry. #architecture #design #ncebridgesawards2026 #bestnewbridgeconceptdesign #innovationincarbonreduction #biodiversity #natureleddesign #holistic #circulardesign #footbridge #lowerthamescrossing #embodiedcarbon #lowcarbon #infrastructure #construction

The Useful Simple Trust has welcomed Will Arnold as our new Head of Sustainable Materials, reflecting the growing demand for specialist materials expertise to deliver credible net zero strategies. Will’s appointment strengthens our ability to shape industry direction and support clients with practical, commercially grounded solutions across Expedition Engineering, Useful Studio, and Useful Projects. With a strong track record in shaping industry standards including Part Z and the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, Will brings the clarity and technical depth needed as the industry accelerates toward construction with far lower environmental impact. He will help project teams tackle the real questions: how to balance embodied carbon and cost, which emerging materials are ready for specification, and how project choices align with organisational net zero commitments. This work goes to the heart of our mission to deliver ‘More with Less’ through leaner structures, reduced carbon, and smarter design outcomes. #architecture #design #sustainablematerials #newappointment #lead #materials #emergingmaterials #construction #environmental #environment #leandesign #reducedcarbon #smartdesign #netzero

A stunning field trip to @barnesfoundation in Philadelphia for the art, gardens, and building - Tod Williams and Billie Tsien following the original by Paul Phillipe Cret. A lesson in texture and light that is so beautifully simple and calm. #architecture #design #art #buildings #gardens #landscaping #calming #beautifuldesigns #textures #lighting

A dream project for us, kicking off yesterday with a site visit as the sun went down. A chance to have a delicate touch in this protected landscape, to provide a place for learning, escape and play. We aim to do the least, with anything needed to be salvaged and last resort, a new resource. #architecture #design #salvaged #reuse #circular #nature #forestschool #outdoorlearning #birdwatching #regenerativedesign

We are delighted to welcome Tessa Lynch as a Part III Architect to the Studio! As an ARB registered Architect, Tess brings valuable expertise in designing and delivering low-energy buildings, with a particular focus on retrofit housing; maximising the potential of existing structures to achieve ambitious sustainability outcomes. She has championed community-centred projects throughout her career, previously specialising in the education sector prior to relocating to London from New Zealand. Tessa's approach centers on designing for wellbeing through meaningful engagement and co-design processes - ensuring spaces truly serve the people who use them. Her passion for creating environments that support physical and mental health, combined with her commitment to embedding social impact beyond the project brief, will bring fresh perspective and depth to the Studio's work. We are excited to have her strengthening our capability across education and commercial sectors as we pursue regenerative and circular design ambitions. Welcome to the team, Tessa! #architecture #design #part3architect #newstarter #regenerativedesign #education #commercial #circulardesign #retrofit #lowcarbon #lowenergy #wellbeing #socialvalue

Earlier this month, we celebrated the launch of this year's Regenerative Architecture Index (RAI), a groundbreaking benchmark that's challenging our profession to move beyond 'doing less harm' to actively creating positive impact for both the present and the future. Developed by @architectsdeclare_uk in partnership with @arch_today , the RAI represents a fundamental shift in how we measure architectural practice. It asks us to do more than just reduce our negative impacts and to consider how our work contributes to ecological and social regeneration. With 116 practices participating in this year's index, it's inspiring to see so many in our industry committing to this transformational approach. The RAI looks at everything from carbon reduction strategies and regenerative project outcomes to how practice's structure themselves to empower their teams and reinvest in their communities. We're honoured to have been recognised as a Front Runner and Ones to Watch in the 'Being a Good Ancestor' category. Beyond individual recognition, what excites us most is being part of a growing movement of practices committed to regenerative outcomes. Congratulations to all the Front Runners, Runners Up, and Ones to Watch 👏 #architecture #design #regenerativearchitectureindex #sustainabledesign #beingagoodancestor #architecturetoday #ukarchitectsdeclare #positiveimpact #regeneration