About Us

Design Engine Charterhouse Masterplan

We believe that behind every beginning, no matter how unpromising, there is the potential for quality

Richard Rose-Casemore, Richard Jobson and Rodney Graham founded Design Engine Architects in 2001 with a vision to exceed our clients’ expectations by delivering dynamic, award-winning architecture.

Our approach is inspired by intensive research leading to responsible innovation. Our buildings are distinguished by high quality design and technical resolution, not formulas or style.

Studio Culture

To transform individual knowledge into collective wisdom, our approach is to promote democracy in design

Through design reviews, project workshops, and our Friday Feedback sessions, we facilitate open discussion that harnesses the energy and enthusiasm of our collaborative team.

Our Friday Feedback sessions have been instrumental in shaping the culture of the studio as we gather with wine and share a particular experience that is loosely educational and undoubtedly social.

Awards

We see awards as recognition for our commitment to creating outstanding projects

view all of our awards


Civic Trust Award, Winner

West Downs Campus

2022


RIBA Award, Regional South, Winner

West Downs Campus

2022


Civic Trust Award, Winner

Charterhouse Science & Maths

2020


Civic Trust Award, Commendation

Hubert Perrodo Building

2019


Modelmaking

Physical models are created internally and serve many purposes during design development

Our philosophy is to test design ideas through both digital and analogue processes. We use three-dimensional models alongside drawings at the briefing stage to describe spaces, layouts and adjacencies. This may be an early exploratory maquette or a floor plate model to advise end users. Once the design is finalised we create presentation models for planning, funding and exhibitions.

We use accurate digital models throughout the design development of a project, from which we create fully rendered visualisations at key points in the approval process.

We find that the fabrication and testing of certain elements can be critical to the success of projects. This process is both exciting and practical, as it brings potential issues to the surface and reduces risk prior to on-site installation.

modelmaking in the Studios
Design Engine Model

Sustainability

We take a holistic approach to design that seamlessly integrates structure, space and environmental performance

When working with our clients, we are conscious of our environmental responsibilities and therefore always design according to first principles. This ensures we adopt best practice from the outset, rather than applying secondary green ‘bolt-ons’ to improve the performance of our buildings. We rely on passive systems rather than high-tech solutions, which means we make the building work hard on its own.

We work closely with other members of the design team to deliver holistic designs that seamlessly integrate structure, space and environmental performance. The thoughtful application of new technologies combined with time-honoured passive measures allows our buildings to take maximum advantage of the natural environment and utilise “free” resources such as solar energy and rainwater.

The studio also recognises its responsibility to promote the sustainable use of the world’s precious natural resources and is aware of the impact our work can have on the environment. We strive to always provide environmentally friendly services, regardless of the size or type of work performed.

As an ISO14001 certified company, we are proud of our commitment to environmental protection in our architecture. Recognising our responsibility to help and protect the environment, we have played our part in creating a greener studio by reducing our plastic usage, our contribution to landfills and our carbon emissions on a daily basis.