​The Cornwall Design Review Panel is a partnership between Cornwall Council and the Architecture Centre, Devon and Cornwall.  Following three successful years in its re-constituted form, the membership of the Panel (CDRP) is being refreshed.   As a consequence, we are seeking to recruit a limited number of new individuals to our multi-disciplinary pool of expertise - from which those attending each panel meeting are drawn.
 
We are looking for lively and intelligent practitioners who are confident communicators and can demonstrate a good working knowledge of design theory, policy and practice in relation to development projects.  They should be able to demonstrate an ability to discuss, analyse, appreciate and promote good design in a critical but constructive manner.  This may be evidenced through project work that they have undertaken or other related activity such as teaching, consultancy or, indeed, previous design review experience.  We hope to attract diverse applicants of all ages and backgrounds.
 
Applicants should compose a brief CV together with a covering letter that clearly sets out their motivation and interest in this opportunity and explains the qualities that they believe they can particularly bring to the panel.  These should be sent by email to: mark.pearson@acdandc.org.uk.
 
Mark is the appointed chair of the Panel and will be working with the steering group to select and appoint panellists for a term of three years, after which a further call for interest will be issued.  We expect to appoint members from the full range of ‘PLACE’ professions as identified by the Farrell Review (Planning, Landscape, Architecture, Conservation and Engineering) and would also welcome applications from urban designers, highways and transport consultants, surveyors, public artists and other construction-related disciplines.
 
As a guide, appointed panellists should expect to be called to up to 4 meetings per year.  These will either be whole or half day sessions held monthly - usually in St Austell.  A modest attendance ‘honorarium’ of £100 per half day (£200 for a full day) is currently offered as remuneration – although possible increases to these figures are to be considered by the Steering Group in June.  We hope and expect that interested individuals will be enthused to support the work of the Panel, recognising the wider public benefits of good design and we also expect that involvement could helpfully contribute to their own ‘continuing professional development’.
 
If prospective applicants have any particular questions prior to submitting, then Mark Pearson can be contacted by email or on mobile number 07969 327525, otherwise we look forward to receiving submissions by the strict deadline of noon on Friday 31st May 2019.
 
Please bring this notice to the attention of any colleagues or friends that you think may be interested to apply.
 
With best wishes from the Steering Group.

​8th March 2018
 
PRESS RELEASE
 
The Architecture Centre, Devon and Cornwall has long-recognised the exceptional and unique qualities of the post-war Abercrombie ‘Plan for Plymouth’ and the fine legacy of mid-20th century architecture that flowed from it.  We were pleased to celebrate this in our “PLYMOUTH: 20th Century City” educational project in 2009[1].
It remains the proudest national product from this innovative period of urban design and city-planning - fulfilled at a scale and with a confidence that is unequalled elsewhere in the UK.  It seems entirely appropriate to recognise the colossal civic endeavour and artistic achievement by now conveying a Conservation Area Status upon it, and we welcome the new report by the 20th Century Society that draws our attention, once again, to the particular character and interest within this coherent body of work that is still largely intact. 
The next chapter in the development of the city centre will undoubtedly need to be written but, with a Conservation Area Status in place then, we would hope and expect that new work and adaptations will be steered towards a design approach that respects and responds sensitively to the important legacy that we have inherited – and that any civilised culture would surely cherish?
 
Mark Pearson
Executive Director, Regional Design Support


[1] A free 42 page booklet “PLYMOUTH: 20th century city – Heritage Trail Buildings Guide” is still available and may be obtained by sending a stamped and self-addressed A5 envelope to ACD+C, c/o 26 Grenville Road, Lostwithiel Cornwall PL22 0EP

We've recently visited this encouraging new housing development in Dartington, Devon - LHC Design working for Cavanna Homes and the Dartington Trust.  Good to see a difficult topography lead to something special - rather than be seen as a negative constraint 'to be overcome'!...

The Design Review Panel in Cornwall is extremely busy, with additional sessions currently being slotted in between the regular planned monthly meetings.  This is great news for design quality in Cornwall as more and more projects benefit from and understand the value of the independent service, which is a joint initiative between ACD+C and Cornwall Council.  Design always gets better following a thorough discussion and an open debate amongst expert and experienced peers - and each review begins with an interrogation of the site and place, in order that the setting for the project is fully appreciated.  Here's some feedback from a client of a recently-reviewed project, "This was the only time in the planning process that the quality of design was discussed. Given that the quality of design of both new buildings and alterations could be considerably improved, I am of the opinion that a process such as that provided by the Cornwall Design Review (Panel) should be compulsory for all applications and that considerable weight should be given to its findings in reaching a decision to grant or refuse applications."  We look forward to helping more projects achieve even better outcomes - for their clients; for the people that use them; for the communities which host them; and indeed, for everyone in Cornwall!...

Architecture Centre seeking new Director
The Architecture Centre in Bristol is seeking an energetic and versatile cultural leader for the post of Director.
The Architecture Centre is one of the UK’s leading centres for promoting good design and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. With a gallery in the heart of Bristol’s Harbourside cultural quarter, the Centre runs a lively programme of exhibitions, events, learning and outreach activities that inspire, inform and involve people in shaping great places.
Working collaboratively with a small team and active Board of Trustees, the Director provides overall strategic direction and ensures effective management of the staff team, its operations, activities and finances.  The successful applicant will have a passion for architecture and design, and significant experience of managing an organisation or programmes in the arts, cultural or heritage sectors (including fundraising experience).
Deadline 2 March; further information and how to apply at: http://www.architecturecentre.co.uk/work-with-us
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Programme Manager, The Architecture Centre, Bristol
The Architecture Centre, Bristol is seeking a creative, entrepreneurial and well-connected programme manager with expertise in contemporary architecture and design and the ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences. The Programme Manager is responsible for initiating and developing the Centre’s programme of exhibitions, events and other projects and plays an active role in fundraising and strategic planning. The Architecture Centre is one of the UK’s leading centres for promoting good design, and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. This is a part time role (3 days/week); deadline 21 November. For further information and how to apply visit: http://www.architecturecentre.co.uk/work-with-us

Welcome to our new website, which is still under construction - we plan to adds lots more content, so come back soon!...