Design Development

Once the brief is established, we begin translating ideas into early sketches and concepts. This phase involves testing possibilities and refining the direction. You’ll see how your project might sit within its context, how it functions, and how it performs. Sustainability is embedded from the outset—through low-energy strategies, natural materials, and carbon-conscious design thinking.

We use the latest BIM software, complemented by physical models, sketches, and other visual tools to communicate the scheme clearly and creatively. We are able to test thermal junctions if required and use modelling to test solar shading and overshadowing.

Together, we refine the preferred direction into a detailed design. Materials, structure, layout, and environmental systems are all considered with care. This is a collaborative stage, involving engineers, consultants, and often the wider community. We keep you informed and involved throughout.

Placemaking is central to our philosophy. A well-designed place reflects its culture, history, and the aspirations of its users. Our aim is to create spaces that are not only functional but vibrant, engaging, and inspiring.

Our background in complex planning environments is core to how we work. We have extensive experience working with protected sites, including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Grade I listed buildings.

Sustainable Design

Sustainability is embedded in every stage of our process—from first sketch to final handover. At MawsonKerr, we see sustainability not as a checklist but as a mindset: one that shapes the way we think, design, and deliver.

We have experience working to the rigorous standards of Passivhaus, where high performance, thermal comfort, and ultra-low energy use are achieved through careful detailing and a fabric-first approach. Metrics such as airtightness, thermal bridging, and energy demand are modelled and monitored throughout the design process, ensuring that environmental performance is measurable and not just aspirational.

We prioritise low-embodied carbon materials, passive solar design, and natural ventilation wherever appropriate, alongside careful specification of efficient systems. Our projects aim to exceed regulatory benchmarks and deliver buildings that perform well over the long term.

We collaborate with environmental consultants and use digital tools like PHPP and BIM to track sustainability targets from the earliest design stages.

From certified Passivhaus projects to net-zero-ready designs, our work demonstrates that sustainability and design quality go hand in hand—creating places that are healthy, efficient, and built to last.

With the design agreed, we move into technical detailing—producing the drawings, specifications, and coordination needed to make it buildable. We work closely with consultants and specialists to ensure a robust and high-quality outcome that stays true to your vision and our environmental values.

During construction, we remain closely involved—visiting site, attending meetings, and resolving issues to help deliver the project to the highest standard. This is where the design comes to life, and we stay engaged throughout.

We don’t disappear after handover. We check in to make sure everything is working as intended, and we’re available for feedback, maintenance advice, or post-occupancy evaluation. Every project helps us learn, evolve, and push further on sustainable design.

We believe in a personal, approachable service. A dedicated director acts as your single point of contact and remains actively involved from start to finish. We know it’s the people on a project that make the difference. We thrive in collaborative settings, whether leading the team or working as part of a larger group. A clear vision and open communication are essential to every successful outcome.

We pride ourselves on strong delivery. Each project begins from first principles, with a clear-eyed assessment of the brief and site. That foundation allows for innovative, appropriate, and sustainable solutions. Good design is nothing if it can’t be delivered. We combine creativity with technical expertise to bring ideas to life—and to do so with confidence, care, and quality.

That's quite a bit about us, but if you have questions please get in touch, we'd love to hear about your project.
Please drop us a line for a no-obligation quote—let’s begin the conversation.