Smart Practice Conference programme overview

As we emerge from lockdown, our undivided attention returns to the defining challenge of our time, the climate and biodiversity crisis associated with the extractive and polluting nature of much of our economy and current building practices.

Architects have taken on this challenge head on and are stepping up to reduce embodied and operational carbon, use sustainably sourced materials, rediscover and innovate the use of traditional building techniques, and expand their knowledge to guide clients in their quest for future proof buildings.

The 2021 Smart Practice Conference will feature architects, engineers and clients who are pushing our understanding of sustainable design and construction in different ways.

On 29 September, we will hear about the radical application of the principle ‘renew not demolish’, visit a case study meeting the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge targets, debate how to ‘design for change’ and explore how to apply Circular Economy principles to a Passivhaus project in an interactive workshop. We will show how architects optimise buildings in the early design stages to maximise natural lighting and ventilation, reclaiming their agency and fundamental role in achieving low energy buildings.

On 30 September, we will feature speakers expanding the application of natural building materials, question if ‘the future is timber’ and hear from structural engineers how to use materials in a considered way. A small practice will showcase how it sources reclaimed materials locally and thereby avoids pervasive delivery delays. Not least, we will discuss how to develop your sustainability skills to gain a business edge. For one practice, this has led to a thriving consultancy spin-off.

Sustainability Speed Mentoring

Ticket holders have the opportunity to register for a Sustainability Speed Mentoring Evening with 70 leading experts. It will take place from 7- 8.15pm on both evenings after the conference. Purchase your conference ticket today and secure your place in the mentoring. Places are first come first served and registration closes on Sunday 19 September.

Speakers include:

29 September, 13:00 - 18:00

• Simon Allford, RIBA President Elect
• Anne Lacaton, Lacaton & Vassal
• Jess Hrivnak, RIBA
• Mina Hasman, SOM
• Nick Hodges, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
• Julia Barfield, Marks Barfield
• Mark Maidment, Skelly and Couch
• Dan Epstein, Useful Simple Trust
• Craig Robertson, AHMM
• Nimi Attanayake, nimtim architects
• Penny Gowler, Elliot Wood
• Richard Walder, Buro Happold
• Paul Quinn, Clarion, Housing Group
• Duncan Baker-Brown, BakerBrown

30 September, 13:00 - 18:00

• Alasdair Ben Dixon, Collective Works
• Mina Hasman, SOM
• Christina Gaiger, RIAS President
• Phoebe MacDonald, RIBA
• Martin Rauch, Lehm Ton Erde
• Janna Laan Lomas, Grain Architecture
• Darshil Shah, Cambridge Centre for Natural Material Innovation
• Andrew Lawrence, Arup
• Peter Laidler, Structure Workshop
• Duncan Baker-Brown, BakerBrown
• Chris Stewart, Collective Architecture
• Anna Woodeson, LTS Architects
• Ben Hopkins, Bennetts Associates
• Ann-Marie Fallon, Architype

Ticket Prices:

• RIBA Member 1 Day (29 or 30 September): £20
• RIBA Member 2 Days: £35
• Non Member 1 Day (29 or 30 September): £35
• Non Member 2 Days: £60
• Student 1 Day (29 or 30 September): £10
• Student 2 Days: £15

A hardship ticket option is available for RIBA Members who are struggling in the current economic climate. Tickets are priced at the student rate. Please email professional.events@riba.org with your membership number to access the discounted ticket.

What is the Smart Practice Conference?

The RIBA’s annual national conference for practitioners, Smart Practice has a forward-looking, strategic focus. It is designed to appeal to architects working in practices of different scales across sectors.

The conference aspires to give practitioners the head space, the fuel and the ideas for moving things on and continual improvement – at the project and the practice level.

This year both days will be held online. This conference is RIBA CPD Certified and each day is worth 4 hours of structured CPD.

FAQs

I have bought a ticket and need help, who do I contact?

Please email support@riba.org or call +44 (0) 2073075355

Will the event be recorded?

Yes, the event will be recorded. If you choose to share your video or audio during the event you consent to being recorded

What is the refund policy?

Refunds will be given up to 7 days before the event, 22 September

Can I change the day I want to attend?

Yes, you can edit the day via Eventbrite. Please do not edit the day after Sunday 26 September. Please email professional.events@riba.org for any last minute changes

What is your privacy policy?

The details you provide will be processed in line with the RIBA's GDPR obligations. For information on how we handle your personal data please see our Privacy Policy on architecture.com

Smart Practice Conference 2021 is sponsored by Ibstock.

Image: Haus Rauch by Martin Rauch © Beat Bühler