About

What does better housing look like, and how can thoughtful design improve the way people live? Drawing on their work and experience, this talk will explore how good design, meaningful community engagement and a focus on everyday experience can create homes and neighbourhoods that support better living.

Kyle Buchanan and Mellis Haward are co-directors of Archio, a practice with over a decade of experience designing housing and neighbourhoods, founded on the belief that great housing supports great living. Together, they lead a team dedicated to delivering affordable housing, community-led developments, and public spaces that strengthen neighbourhoods.

Both Kyle and Mellis bring an avid commitment to housing quality. Their shared expertise has seen Archio design the first-ever direct-delivery community land trust housing in London, deliver the retrofit strategy for the largest council estate in the world, and earn them recognition among Dezeen's Top 50 Social Housing Architects globally and the Architects' Journal's '40 under 40'.

Beyond their work in the studio, Kyle and Mellis actively shape housing standards and design excellence across the country. Mellis is a Mayor's Design Advocate, and Kyle sits on several London Design Review Panels, championing high-quality, inclusive placemaking. Kyle also sits on multiple Design Review Panels throughout the South of England.

Together, they remain committed to a practical, collaborative approach to design that creates better homes, and in turn, better living.

Talks last 45 minutes to one hour, with additional time for questions and discussion.

The bar serves wine, beers, and soft drinks.