Business Details
Sustainable Architects in Oxford | Transition By Design
We are Transition By Design, an RIBA chartered and Passivhaus certified architecture and design cooperative based in Oxford. Our team specialises in ecological architecture, community engagement, and citizen-led design, delivering projects that prioritise ecological sustainability and social impact. As a workers cooperative, we democratically reinvest profits into our team, community, and values-aligned initiatives. Our expertise spans retrofitting, sustainable buildings, community-led housing, and participatory design, with a focus on creating resilient, low-carbon spaces. We collaborate with individuals, communities, and organisations to address complex challenges through place-based solutions.Our work includes award-winning projects like the Homemaker Oxford initiative and the Blackbird Leys Community Centre engagement. We combine technical excellence with advocacy, influencing policy and practice in sustainable urbanism. Our multidisciplinary team includes architects, sustainability advisors, and placemaking facilitators, supported by a network of collaborators across the UK. We are committed to transparency, ethical finance, and empowering communities to shape their built environment. If you have a project aligned with our values, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Community Engagement
Retrofitting
Community-Led Housing
Urban Design
Policy Research
Participatory Design
Ecological Renovation
Placemaking
Action Research
Highlights and features
- We are RIBA chartered and Passivhaus certified specialists in sustainable architecture.
- Our cooperative structure ensures democratic decision-making and community reinvestment.
- We pioneered climate-positive retrofit models for UK housing.
- Our team includes award-winning experts in community-led design.
- We combine architectural practice with policy advocacy for systemic change.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- Passivhaus Institute
Services
Sustainable Architecture
We create energy-efficient buildings using ecological materials and Passivhaus standards. Our approach combines technical precision with community input to deliver climate-resilient spaces. Projects include carbon-positive homes and civic buildings that reduce environmental impact while enhancing user wellbeing.
Community Engagement
We facilitate citizen-led design processes through workshops and collaborative sessions. Our methods empower residents to shape housing and public spaces, ensuring developments reflect local needs. Recent projects include community consultations for Oxford's Cowley Branch Line and Blackbird Leys Centre.
Retrofitting
Our retrofit expertise transforms existing structures into low-carbon assets. We implement material strategies and energy systems that meet Passivhaus standards while preserving architectural heritage. Notable work includes deep ecological retrofits in conservation areas and large-scale housing strategies.
Community-Led Housing
We support communities developing affordable, sustainable housing through cooperative models. Services include technical guidance, funding strategies, and design co-creation. Current initiatives involve Oxford's first cohousing scheme and Thame's community-led residential projects.
Urban Design
Our urban design integrates ecological principles with social equity. We develop placemaking strategies that repurpose vacant spaces and enhance public realms. Projects range from Oxford's Makespace regeneration to policy frameworks for climate-conscious cities.
People
Alex Towler
Senior Architect
RIBA chartered architect with expertise in sustainable design and retrofit projects. Leads technical delivery while championing community collaboration in Oxfordshire developments.
Joyce Yiu
Part 1 Architectural Assistant
Emerging professional supporting participatory design initiatives. Focuses on community engagement tools and low-carbon material research for UK housing projects.
Felicity Stone
Architect/Project Manager
Experienced in delivering complex community-led schemes. Oversees project timelines and quality standards while ensuring alignment with cooperative values.
Patrick Osborne
Architect
Specialises in heritage-sensitive retrofits and ecological extensions. Combines traditional building knowledge with modern sustainability standards in conservation areas.
Kate Ylioja
Passive House Designer
Certified Passivhaus expert focusing on energy modelling and thermal performance. Drives technical innovation in the cooperative's net-zero building strategies.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full architectural design, retrofitting, and urban design services with a focus on sustainability and community participation.
Are you certified in sustainable building standards?
Yes, we are RIBA chartered and our team includes Passivhaus-certified professionals specialising in low-carbon construction.
How do you involve communities in projects?
We use workshops, visioning sessions, and collaborative design processes to ensure developments reflect local needs and aspirations.
Can you help with community-led housing schemes?
We support cooperative housing models through technical guidance, funding strategies, and resident co-design of developments.
What geographic areas do you work in?
Primarily Oxfordshire and the South East, with policy work and partnerships extending across the UK.
Do you handle heritage building renovations?
Yes, we specialise in ecological upgrades of listed buildings while maintaining historical integrity through sensitive design solutions.
Reviews (1)
Marinaes LaSalva
Feb 12, 2018
Report
An amazing team with experience, knowledge and a beautiful vision of building, from brick and mortars to communities in a beautiful environment. They walk the talk!
