Midlands-based charity Design Midlands has been appointed on behalf of the Design Network to co-ordinate and deliver independent design support for Homes England until 2029. The Design Network offers an impartial resource for design support to developers and local authorities, has authoritative panels of experts who can provide constructive expert advice at the design and development stage of a scheme. Design Midlands will co-ordinate activity with its other Design Network colleagues; Design South East, Design West, Design Yorkshire, Design North East and Design NW.
In its recent launch of the Design Charter, the Design Network outlines a rigorous approach to design review, underpinned by core principles. The charter is about building trust, expertise and partnership to deliver well designed places that everyone wants to see.
Chief Executive of Design Midlands, Julie Tanner said: “As part of the Design Network, Design Midlands is responsible for helping Homes England to deliver design excellence in the built environment across England. Housing Schemes will be assessed using Building for a Healthy Life. Our panel assessors comprise experts in urban design, landscape and transport as well as architecture, master planning and the natural environment. The outcome of the process will ensure that any new developments take into consideration integrated neighbourhoods, walking, cycling and public transport, facilities and services and a range of homes that meet local community needs.”
Amy Burbidge Head of Design at Homes England said: “We are very pleased to be working with Design Midlands as part of the Design Network as we strive to drive design excellence in regeneration and housing delivery to create high quality homes and thriving places.”
Julie Tanner of Design Midlands continues: “We are delighted to be able to play such a vital role in ensuring memorable, characterful places with well-defined healthy streets and spaces for people in the Midlands to live in for the future.”