Ben Derbyshire Dip Arch Cantab PPRIBA Hon AIA RSA
@benderbyshire.bsky.social
Architect, urbanist, writer.
Chair of HTA Design LLP, Commissioner at Historic England, President of London Forum, Trustee at SAVE Britain’s Heritage.
Author of Home Truths, an urbanists primer.
Chair of HTA Design LLP, Commissioner at Historic England, President of London Forum, Trustee at SAVE Britain’s Heritage.
Author of Home Truths, an urbanists primer.
I join a delightful supper at the invitation of Pat Brown MBE & Muyiwa Oki PRIBA to discuss ideas on ‘Collaboration for Design Leadership’.
I came away more conviced that the solution lies in creating a meaningful relationship between the consumers and the producers of the built environment.
I came away more conviced that the solution lies in creating a meaningful relationship between the consumers and the producers of the built environment.
April 11, 2025 at 11:27 AM
I join a delightful supper at the invitation of Pat Brown MBE & Muyiwa Oki PRIBA to discuss ideas on ‘Collaboration for Design Leadership’.
I came away more conviced that the solution lies in creating a meaningful relationship between the consumers and the producers of the built environment.
I came away more conviced that the solution lies in creating a meaningful relationship between the consumers and the producers of the built environment.
I'm to chair a joint meeting on housing organised by London Forum & The London Society on May 13th at 6.00pm at UCL Room G03 26 Bedford Way, London WC1H OAP Tickets here: londonsociety.org.uk/event/talk-t...
See my piece Housing Today and Building Design.
www.bdonline.co.uk/opinion/coun...
See my piece Housing Today and Building Design.
www.bdonline.co.uk/opinion/coun...
TALK | The New London Plan: Shaping Housing for the Future - The London Society
Join us for an engaging forum-style discussion hosted in collaboration between the London Forum and The London Society. This special event will delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by...
londonsociety.org.uk
April 10, 2025 at 12:10 PM
I'm to chair a joint meeting on housing organised by London Forum & The London Society on May 13th at 6.00pm at UCL Room G03 26 Bedford Way, London WC1H OAP Tickets here: londonsociety.org.uk/event/talk-t...
See my piece Housing Today and Building Design.
www.bdonline.co.uk/opinion/coun...
See my piece Housing Today and Building Design.
www.bdonline.co.uk/opinion/coun...
My interview with Carlo Navato for his #CuriosityDividend now on Spotify. Here's what the blurb says:
A wonderfully erudite, engaging and deeply thoughtful man, Ben shares his principles for good architecture and Placemaking.
See what you think!
eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
A wonderfully erudite, engaging and deeply thoughtful man, Ben shares his principles for good architecture and Placemaking.
See what you think!
eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
Episode 17 - Ben Derbyshire
The Curiosity Dividend · Episode
eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
April 7, 2025 at 9:33 AM
My interview with Carlo Navato for his #CuriosityDividend now on Spotify. Here's what the blurb says:
A wonderfully erudite, engaging and deeply thoughtful man, Ben shares his principles for good architecture and Placemaking.
See what you think!
eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
A wonderfully erudite, engaging and deeply thoughtful man, Ben shares his principles for good architecture and Placemaking.
See what you think!
eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
I’m proud but sad to share the obituary of my late brother in law who died after a short illness just after Christmas, ‘a gift of being able to elucidate buildings for professor and novice equally’
A tragic loss to our family and to the wider heritage fraternity.
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
A tragic loss to our family and to the wider heritage fraternity.
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
John McNeill obituary
Other lives: Former secretary of the British Archaeological Association and one of the UK’s foremost scholars of romanesque architecture
www.theguardian.com
April 4, 2025 at 8:39 AM
I’m proud but sad to share the obituary of my late brother in law who died after a short illness just after Christmas, ‘a gift of being able to elucidate buildings for professor and novice equally’
A tragic loss to our family and to the wider heritage fraternity.
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
A tragic loss to our family and to the wider heritage fraternity.
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
10 years of Historic England celebrated at UK House of Lords last evening. The reception hosted by Lord Neil Mendoza & Duncan Wilson CBE, was an opportunity to reflect on our development supporting heritage-led & people-centered regeneration since the separation from English Heritage a decade ago.
April 1, 2025 at 11:03 AM
10 years of Historic England celebrated at UK House of Lords last evening. The reception hosted by Lord Neil Mendoza & Duncan Wilson CBE, was an opportunity to reflect on our development supporting heritage-led & people-centered regeneration since the separation from English Heritage a decade ago.
A visit last week by Historic England commissioners to Derby City Council was a great opportunity to reflect on the changing role of our organisation in supporting the challenges for a local authority at the heart of the nation's economy and defence.
March 30, 2025 at 10:37 AM
A visit last week by Historic England commissioners to Derby City Council was a great opportunity to reflect on the changing role of our organisation in supporting the challenges for a local authority at the heart of the nation's economy and defence.
I’m proud to have become a Trustee of @savetoreuse.bsky.social SAVE Britain's Heritage in its #50thAnniversary year!
This year marks SAVE's 50th anniversary and tomorrow we are announcing a national programme of activities to celebrate.
Can you tell where we are going⁉️
Can you tell where we are going⁉️
March 12, 2025 at 6:24 AM
I’m proud to have become a Trustee of @savetoreuse.bsky.social SAVE Britain's Heritage in its #50thAnniversary year!
Reposted by Ben Derbyshire Dip Arch Cantab PPRIBA Hon AIA RSA
This year marks SAVE's 50th anniversary and tomorrow we are announcing a national programme of activities to celebrate.
Can you tell where we are going⁉️
Can you tell where we are going⁉️
March 10, 2025 at 5:42 PM
This year marks SAVE's 50th anniversary and tomorrow we are announcing a national programme of activities to celebrate.
Can you tell where we are going⁉️
Can you tell where we are going⁉️
Full House!
Pretty much all the measures set out in the planning & Infrastructure Bill on:
Planning Committees
Nature Restoration Fund
Compulsory Purchase Reform
Development Corporations
Strategic Planning
Nationally Significant Infrastructure
Clean Energy
are promoted in my 2023 book #HomeTruths!
Pretty much all the measures set out in the planning & Infrastructure Bill on:
Planning Committees
Nature Restoration Fund
Compulsory Purchase Reform
Development Corporations
Strategic Planning
Nationally Significant Infrastructure
Clean Energy
are promoted in my 2023 book #HomeTruths!
March 11, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Full House!
Pretty much all the measures set out in the planning & Infrastructure Bill on:
Planning Committees
Nature Restoration Fund
Compulsory Purchase Reform
Development Corporations
Strategic Planning
Nationally Significant Infrastructure
Clean Energy
are promoted in my 2023 book #HomeTruths!
Pretty much all the measures set out in the planning & Infrastructure Bill on:
Planning Committees
Nature Restoration Fund
Compulsory Purchase Reform
Development Corporations
Strategic Planning
Nationally Significant Infrastructure
Clean Energy
are promoted in my 2023 book #HomeTruths!
Catch me discussing reactions to the Infrastructure & Planning Bill with Kait Borsay on Times Radio at 7.30 this evening.
March 11, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Catch me discussing reactions to the Infrastructure & Planning Bill with Kait Borsay on Times Radio at 7.30 this evening.
Lest anyone doubt football is now the national religion, here’s its place of pilgrimage - Manchester United new ground at Old Trafford by Foster & Partners - processional route, spires and all.
March 11, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Lest anyone doubt football is now the national religion, here’s its place of pilgrimage - Manchester United new ground at Old Trafford by Foster & Partners - processional route, spires and all.
Reposted by Ben Derbyshire Dip Arch Cantab PPRIBA Hon AIA RSA
If you love #modernism, you’ll love being part of our team of volunteer gallery assistants. Recruiting now for the 2025 season.
February 28, 2025 at 2:37 PM
If you love #modernism, you’ll love being part of our team of volunteer gallery assistants. Recruiting now for the 2025 season.
Nice gable!
February 28, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Nice gable!
“The property tells the story of Imogen Holst’s contribution to British music and highlights her connection to the Aldeburgh Festival, which continues to enrich our cultural landscape today.”
Duncan Wilson CBE, Historic England.
Hear, Hear!
www.bdonline.co.uk/news/cadbury...
Duncan Wilson CBE, Historic England.
Hear, Hear!
www.bdonline.co.uk/news/cadbury...
Cadbury-Brown-designed house in Aldeburgh receives Grade II listing
The modernist home of composer and conductor Imogen Holst has been granted listed status for its architectural and cultural significance
www.bdonline.co.uk
February 28, 2025 at 8:27 AM
“The property tells the story of Imogen Holst’s contribution to British music and highlights her connection to the Aldeburgh Festival, which continues to enrich our cultural landscape today.”
Duncan Wilson CBE, Historic England.
Hear, Hear!
www.bdonline.co.uk/news/cadbury...
Duncan Wilson CBE, Historic England.
Hear, Hear!
www.bdonline.co.uk/news/cadbury...
Good to see this piece recognise the pioneering work in the 80s on #CommunityArchitecture of my own practice amongst others.
These days I’m still extolling the virtues of #PeopleCentredRegeneration and the skills and resources needed by Local Authorities.
www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/opinion...
These days I’m still extolling the virtues of #PeopleCentredRegeneration and the skills and resources needed by Local Authorities.
www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/opinion...
Community architecture is back. Is this part of the ‘90s revival or something more permanent?
By focusing on co-design and social value, architecture is becoming more responsive and inclusive, echoing the ‘community architecture’ of the ’90s, writes Hattie Hartman
www.architectsjournal.co.uk
February 25, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Good to see this piece recognise the pioneering work in the 80s on #CommunityArchitecture of my own practice amongst others.
These days I’m still extolling the virtues of #PeopleCentredRegeneration and the skills and resources needed by Local Authorities.
www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/opinion...
These days I’m still extolling the virtues of #PeopleCentredRegeneration and the skills and resources needed by Local Authorities.
www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/opinion...
I shall be chairing a London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies and The London Society event on April 23rd, aiming to leave us all much better informed about the shape of housing growth in London.
Keynote Speaker Jules Pipe Deputy Mayor of London.
Tickets:
www.londonforum.org.uk/events/the-n...
Keynote Speaker Jules Pipe Deputy Mayor of London.
Tickets:
www.londonforum.org.uk/events/the-n...
London Plan
The New London Plan: Shaping Housing for the Future
www.londonforum.org.uk
February 25, 2025 at 4:36 PM
I shall be chairing a London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies and The London Society event on April 23rd, aiming to leave us all much better informed about the shape of housing growth in London.
Keynote Speaker Jules Pipe Deputy Mayor of London.
Tickets:
www.londonforum.org.uk/events/the-n...
Keynote Speaker Jules Pipe Deputy Mayor of London.
Tickets:
www.londonforum.org.uk/events/the-n...
At HTA Design LLP we’ve spent years working with housebuilders, pushing for better design, greener public spaces, and improved building aesthetics, proving that good placemaking and profitable development can go hand in hand.
My piece in Building Design this week:
www.bdonline.co.uk/opinion/bett...
My piece in Building Design this week:
www.bdonline.co.uk/opinion/bett...
Better housing, not just more housing, must be the goal
The government - and housebuilders - must be given the best possible chance of achieving its ambitious target writes Ben Derbyshire
www.bdonline.co.uk
February 25, 2025 at 8:30 AM
At HTA Design LLP we’ve spent years working with housebuilders, pushing for better design, greener public spaces, and improved building aesthetics, proving that good placemaking and profitable development can go hand in hand.
My piece in Building Design this week:
www.bdonline.co.uk/opinion/bett...
My piece in Building Design this week:
www.bdonline.co.uk/opinion/bett...
Even with the welcome additional £350m funding for social housing almost half of the government’s plan for increased supply of new homes is going to be delivered by speculative housebuilders. I write in Housing Today on the implications for delivering quality.
www.housingtoday.co.uk/comment/bala...
www.housingtoday.co.uk/comment/bala...
Balancing quality and quantity to deliver 1.5m homes
The government - and housebuilders - must be given the best possible chance of achieving its ambitious target writes Ben Derbyshire
www.housingtoday.co.uk
February 21, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Even with the welcome additional £350m funding for social housing almost half of the government’s plan for increased supply of new homes is going to be delivered by speculative housebuilders. I write in Housing Today on the implications for delivering quality.
www.housingtoday.co.uk/comment/bala...
www.housingtoday.co.uk/comment/bala...
I got along to RIBA for a celebration for Charles Hind, curator of the RIBA drawings collection over the last 37 years - probably the finest collection held by any architectural institute anywhere in the world.
Charles has done a wonderful job gathering the work of distinguished members.
Charles has done a wonderful job gathering the work of distinguished members.
February 16, 2025 at 9:30 AM
I got along to RIBA for a celebration for Charles Hind, curator of the RIBA drawings collection over the last 37 years - probably the finest collection held by any architectural institute anywhere in the world.
Charles has done a wonderful job gathering the work of distinguished members.
Charles has done a wonderful job gathering the work of distinguished members.
An industry insider told me:
"There was a big belief in govt that if you pulled the planning lever everything would flow, but you can't just pull one lever and expect everything to work," while another said: "Labour has got fixated thinking planning is the answer to all."
Laura Keunssberg on housing
"There was a big belief in govt that if you pulled the planning lever everything would flow, but you can't just pull one lever and expect everything to work," while another said: "Labour has got fixated thinking planning is the answer to all."
Laura Keunssberg on housing
February 8, 2025 at 9:04 PM
An industry insider told me:
"There was a big belief in govt that if you pulled the planning lever everything would flow, but you can't just pull one lever and expect everything to work," while another said: "Labour has got fixated thinking planning is the answer to all."
Laura Keunssberg on housing
"There was a big belief in govt that if you pulled the planning lever everything would flow, but you can't just pull one lever and expect everything to work," while another said: "Labour has got fixated thinking planning is the answer to all."
Laura Keunssberg on housing
Good to see our cafe space at #HTADesignLLP decked out with just some of the display of our #WinterExhibition. This year’s show is a really encouraging record of what was a difficult year.
February 6, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Good to see our cafe space at #HTADesignLLP decked out with just some of the display of our #WinterExhibition. This year’s show is a really encouraging record of what was a difficult year.
Riveting, often funny Loyd Grossman at #TempleBar last night. Can #CityOfLondon be the tourist destination merited by its unique history?
Many ideas offered but above all a plan is needed to offer all the amenities that might sustain attractive #StreetLife, presently closed outside office hours!
Many ideas offered but above all a plan is needed to offer all the amenities that might sustain attractive #StreetLife, presently closed outside office hours!
January 29, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Riveting, often funny Loyd Grossman at #TempleBar last night. Can #CityOfLondon be the tourist destination merited by its unique history?
Many ideas offered but above all a plan is needed to offer all the amenities that might sustain attractive #StreetLife, presently closed outside office hours!
Many ideas offered but above all a plan is needed to offer all the amenities that might sustain attractive #StreetLife, presently closed outside office hours!
Good work!
www.centreforcities.org/press/centre...
www.centreforcities.org/press/centre...
Centre for Cities sets out plans for a radical overhaul of the green belt and one thousand new ‘commuter villages’ - Centre for Cities
Plans to deliver more than two million homes with easy access to urban jobs Land within walking distance of existing commuter stations should be developed
www.centreforcities.org
January 26, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Good work!
www.centreforcities.org/press/centre...
www.centreforcities.org/press/centre...
Some very welcome Southwold sunshine.
January 26, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Some very welcome Southwold sunshine.
Reposted by Ben Derbyshire Dip Arch Cantab PPRIBA Hon AIA RSA
No space for a street tree on your road? Think again!
By working with your local authorities, we can find a way around most problems standing in the way of you sponsoring a tree outside your home 🌳🏡
By working with your local authorities, we can find a way around most problems standing in the way of you sponsoring a tree outside your home 🌳🏡
January 22, 2025 at 11:15 AM
No space for a street tree on your road? Think again!
By working with your local authorities, we can find a way around most problems standing in the way of you sponsoring a tree outside your home 🌳🏡
By working with your local authorities, we can find a way around most problems standing in the way of you sponsoring a tree outside your home 🌳🏡