Business Details
Sustainable Architecture & Community Engagement in Oxford
We are Transition by Design, a RIBA chartered and Passivhaus certified architecture and design cooperative based in Oxford. Our team specialises in ecological architecture, community engagement, and citizen-led design, creating spaces that address ecological sustainability and social conviviality. As a workers cooperative, we operate democratically, reinvesting profits into our team, local communities, and projects aligned with our values. With expertise in retrofitting, community-led housing, and participatory design, we collaborate with individuals, communities, and organisations to deliver place-based solutions. Our work spans sustainable buildings, urban design, and policy research, driven by a commitment to climate action and equitable urban futures.We have received recognition for our innovative approaches, including awards for regenerative architecture and community engagement. Our multidisciplinary team combines architectural excellence with social advocacy, ensuring our projects prioritise both environmental resilience and human well-being. We actively partner with academic institutions, local councils, and grassroots organisations to amplify our impact. Whether through designing carbon-positive homes or facilitating community visioning processes, we strive to empower stakeholders in shaping their environments. Our approach integrates technical rigour with ethical practice, ensuring transparency and inclusivity in every project phase.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Community Engagement
Retrofit Solutions
Urban Design
Policy Research
Housing Development
Participatory Design
Ecological Design
Research & Advocacy
Climate-Positive Retrofits
Highlights and features
- We are RIBA chartered and Passivhaus certified for high-performance sustainable design.
- Our worker cooperative model ensures democratic decision-making and community reinvestment.
- We specialise in community-led housing and participatory design processes.
- Award-winning projects demonstrate our commitment to regenerative architecture.
- We combine technical expertise with social advocacy in all our projects.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Chartered
- Passivhaus Institute
What people say
Award-winning projects
Community-focused approach
Sustainable expertise
Innovative designs
Collaborative processes
Services
Sustainable Architecture
We deliver RIBA chartered and Passivhaus-certified architectural solutions prioritising ecological materials and energy efficiency. Our approach integrates climate resilience into building design, ensuring compliance with stringent sustainability standards while creating functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces for communities.
Community Engagement
Our community engagement services facilitate citizen-led design processes through workshops and collaborative planning. We empower local stakeholders to shape their environments, ensuring projects reflect community needs and foster inclusive urban development.
Retrofit Solutions
We specialise in retrofitting existing structures to achieve carbon-positive performance. Our methods combine adaptive reuse with modern ecological technologies, transforming outdated buildings into energy-efficient, sustainable spaces aligned with net-zero goals.
Urban Design
Our urban design services focus on creating sustainable, people-centred cities. We develop strategies for climate-resilient infrastructure and housing, balancing ecological considerations with functional urban living to enhance community well-being.
Policy Research
We conduct housing and sustainability research to inform policy development. Our work bridges academic insights with practical solutions, advocating for systemic changes in urban planning and affordable housing provision.
People
Olivia Harvey
Part I Architectural Assistant
Supporting sustainable design projects with a focus on ecological materials and energy-efficient solutions.
Alex Towler
Senior Architect
Leading architectural projects with expertise in Passivhaus standards and climate-positive building design.
Joyce Yiu
Part 1 Architectural Assistant
Contributing to community-led housing initiatives and participatory design processes.
Felicity Stone
Architect/Project Manager
Managing complex retrofit projects while ensuring compliance with sustainability certifications and client needs.
Kate Ylioja
Architectural Designer
Specialising in Passive House design and innovative solutions for sustainable urban environments.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide sustainable design, retrofitting, urban planning, and community-led housing solutions with Passivhaus certification expertise.
How do you involve communities in projects?
We use workshops, collaborative planning, and citizen-led design processes to ensure community input shapes every project.
Are you certified for green building standards?
Yes, we are RIBA chartered and Passivhaus certified, specialising in high-performance sustainable architecture.
What areas do you operate in?
Primarily Oxford, Cambridge, and surrounding regions, with national policy and research collaborations.
Can you assist with community housing projects?
We support community-led housing initiatives through technical guidance, funding strategies, and participatory design.
What awards have you received?
We've won the Archiboo Activism Award and been shortlisted for multiple architecture and sustainability accolades.
