It would be wrong to ignore the tough reality that architecture on the whole has failed to keep up with the profound changes in the design and construction industry for decades. There has been an obvious shift over the years from a time when, in the positive context of massive regeneration, architects worked with a genuine sense of social and economic purpose, at the vanguard of innovation and change and were hugely instrumental in the development and delivery process.

As a studio, Architecture Initiative have always considered the industry’s inability to embrace change as an opportunity. Our practice was set up without the constraints of perceived convention. We genuinely have little interest in the, all too common, inward looking and self-congratulatory ‘club’ mentality and seek to involve and align ourselves much more closely with the community in which we work, our clients, other creative industries and consultants who have a much broader, varied and interesting creative and commercial agenda.

Value comes through challenging the conventional and finding innovative new ways of designing and delivering buildings. But it also goes beyond the tangible elements of architecture. Just being a designer is not enough anymore.

In this moment of seismic shifts it’s time for Architecture Initiative to re-establish a more ambitious purpose and to enter this new chapter with a commitment to act as a stronger and a more energised strategic partner to our clients and the communities we work with. Now, we are looking beyond architecture to what really matters – community, culture, commerce, experience, happiness and wellbeing.

We truly believe that this is the responsibility of the architect in today’s world.