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Net Zero Nation Accelerator Program 11/7/2024Douglas Bodell

Robert Potter and Partners join the Net Zero Nation Accelerator Program cohort in Dumfries and Galloway.

It seems appropriate during Net Zero Week, for Robert Potter and Partners to start work on the Net Zero NationAccelerator Program, working alongside other SMEs equally motivated to tackle the climate crisis.

The Accelerator program supports groups of SMEs over a year, fostering peer review, shared progress, and collective learning. Participants benefit from Net Zero Nation’s ecosystem services, including a Net Zero certified business directory and fortnightly learning and networking sessions. They also receive carbon accounting software, training, expert assistance, a validated carbon reduction plan aligned with Science-Based Targets, and certification, ensuring a clearly defined pathway to Net Zero. This comprehensive support structure continuously available over a period of years equips SMEs to make significant contributions to climate change mitigation and achieve long-term sustainable success.

We look forward to working closely with Net Zero Nation  and collaborating with and learning from a host of like-minded SMEs in Scotland who are part of Net Zero Nation Ecosystem and who have committed to a low carbon future.

We are grateful for the support we have received from Dumfries and Galloway College to provide us with the opportunity to be continue our Net Zero journey in building a low carbon future and implement practical solutions needed for us to become a more efficient, low-carbon business with a Credible Net Zero strategy.

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Advanced Accredited Conservation Architect 9/7/2024Douglas Bodell

Douglas Bodell has been approved as an Advanced Accredited Architect in Conservation Architecture by the RIAS.

Douglas Bodell has been approved as an Advanced Accredited Architect in Conservation Architecture by the RIAS. This is the highest level of accreditation: Senior – Recognised Conservation Specialists

RIAS Conservation Accreditation demonstrates that architects are suitably qualified and experienced to act as the lead professional in grant aided conservation work. To achieve accreditation RIAS members must demonstrate their extensive knowledge and experience in conservation work.

Douglas has been Accredited in Conservation Architecture since 2014 and this upgrade demonstrates his experience in working in the historic built environment.

Advanced Level accreditation is only given to Architects with significant experience and understanding of conservation and historic buildings.

Robert Potter and Partners now have 3 Architects Accredited in Conservation Architecture at Advanced Level, with Douglas joining both Andrew Easton and Paul Moffat to provide conservation architecture services.

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World Of Work Week at the Practice 29/5/2024Douglas Bodell

As part of our “World of Work Week” work placement programme we welcomed students, Alicia and Fraser to the practice.

Last week as part of our “World of Work Week” work placement programme we welcomed students, Alicia, and Fraser to provide them with a small taste of working an architectural practice.

Both Alicia and Fraser have a strong interest in architecture, design, sketching and art with both considering a future career in architecture.

In our Dumfries studio, Alicia who is a talented baker used her knowledge in this area to design a contemporary cookery school/kitchen/café extension to an existing building, demonstrating her design, artistic and creative skills throughout the week and she will no doubt have a bright future in architecture, design, and baking!

In our Glasgow studio, Fraser prepared a 3D computer model of a new Sports Hall and Gym design, and explored the way the building will sit in the landscape and accommodate the gym equipment and various basketball, badminton, and five-a-side courts. The resulting design was impressive!

We were delighted we could provide Alicia and Fraser the opportunity to learn about the course and profession with our recent Architectural Graduates and newly qualified Architects sharing their experiences with them.

All at Robert Potter and Partners wish Alicia and Fraser the best for their future and look forward to seeing their design skills develop!

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New Domestic on Construction Energy Assessor 27/5/2024Douglas Bodell

Architectural Technologist Rachael Craig has achieved ABBE Level 3 Certificate in Domestic on Construction Energy Assessment.

We are delighted to share the news that our Architectural Technologist Rachael Craig has achieved ABBE Awarding Organisation Level 3 Certificate in Domestic on Construction Energy Assessment!

This qualification provides learners with the appropriate industry recognised qualification to be able to undertake domestic on construction energy assessments and to produce energy performance certificates for new homes or for the letting of domestic properties.

Rachael is one of three Domestic on Construction Energy Assessors we have in the practice to provide this specialist advice on energy design and performance.

Congratulations Rachael – well deserved!

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MSP Visits Passivhaus Developments in Dumfries & Galloway 25/5/2024Douglas Bodell

Loreburn Housing Association welcomed Alex Rowley MSP to Dumfries & Galloway to show him the recently completed Certified Passivhaus Developments in Dumfries and Dalbeattie. 

Loreburn Housing Association welcomed Alex Rowley MSP to Dumfries & Galloway to show him the recently completed Certified Passivhaus Developments in Dumfries and Dalbeattie. 

Alex Rowley MSP is a long-term supporter of the Passivhaus standard. His member’s bill, the Proposed Domestic Building Environmental Standards (Scotland) Bill, formed the basis of the policy adopted by the Scottish Government. Alex Rowley developed the Bill in response to the Scottish Climate Assembly’s 2021 Recommendations for Action, in which 97% of the Assembly voted in favour of the Passivhaus or Scottish equivalent standard for new build projects in Scotland which is currently being undertaken by the Scottish Government.

Robert Potter and Partners provided both Architectural and Passive House Design services on both these innovative affordable housing developments in Dumfries & Galloway for Loreburn Housing Association.

The Passivhaus equivalent policy offers a long-term ‘spend to save’ approach that will help address Scotland’s fuel poverty crisis, help future-proof housing stock, and tackle our climate emergency. It was fantastic to bring together fellow MSPs, local authorities, housing associations and representatives from the Scottish construction industry to explore positive ways to take the policy forward.

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New Retrofit Coordinator 6/5/2024Douglas Bodell

Rory Kennon has qualified as a TrustMark approved Retrofit Coordinator in compliance with PAS2035.

We are delighted to announce Rory Kennon has qualified as a TrustMark approved Retrofit Coordinator in compliance with PAS2035 following completion of
Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination & Risk Assessment with The Retrofit Academy which allows the practice to provide an enhanced service in aspects of retrofitting.

The role of the Retrofit Coordinator is to protect both the client’s interest and the public interest. Retrofit Coordinators need to be qualified to provide end-to-end project coordination and to identify, assess and manage the technical and process risks associated with domestic retrofit projects. The Retrofit Coordinator plays a pivotal and overarching role in the retrofit process.

Rory is a key and experience member of our in-house Sustainable Architecture Team and is also a Certified Passive House Consultant with the Passivhaus Institut, AECB Approved Certifier and On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor.

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Dalbeattie added to the Passive House Database 3/5/2024Douglas Bodell

Our affordable housing development at Dalbeattie has been added to the Passive House Database.

Our recently completed affordable housing development for Loreburn Housing Association and previously Certified by the Passive House Institute has now been added to the Passive House Database!

Robert Potter and Partners were Architects and Passivhaus Designer for this development which regenerated a brownfield site for 16 affordable homes, providing a mixture of general needs and amenity homes, all designed and constructed to Passive House standards.

Great to see these homes now nestled together on the Passive House Database with our other recently certified affordable housing developments in Scotland at Dumfries, Annan and Glasgow!

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Johnstonebridge Planning Permission received for Wheatley 13/3/2024Douglas Bodell

Grant of Planning Permission received for our affordable housing development in Johnstonebridge for Wheatley Homes South.

We were delighted Grant of Planning Permission was recently received for our affordable housing development in Johnstonebridge, Dumfries and Galloway for Wheatley Group / Wheatley Homes South.

The development will provide 33 affordable homes in total, with the designs based on Designing Streets principles which includes the realignment of the existing road network to the frontage to create new open space and landscaping to serve as an attractive and welcoming entrance to the development and village.

The development will be gas-free with each home heated by an air source heat pump and incorporates renewable technologies including PV panels and EV charging points to each dwelling.

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Jane Balnave passes her Part 3 Professional Examination 11/3/2024Douglas Bodell

We were delighted to receive the news that Jane Balnave has passed her Part 3 Professional Examination and can now register a Chartered Architect.

On International Women’s Day, we were delighted to receive the news that Jane Balnave has passed her Part 3 Professional Examination and can now register as a Chartered Architect!

Jane has made a real positive contribution to the practice since joining in our Dumfries Office in 2022. Her architectural design and photography skills, BIM expertise and interest in sustainable design and conservation architecture provide real added value to the services we can offer our clients.

We would like to extend our congratulations to Jane on her hard work, commitment, and dedication in reaching this career milestone!

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