Rob Wheaton

Associate Director Architect

Rob is fascinated by designing buildings that are responsive to their context and strive for the highest level in sustainable design.

He is an architect leading residential and mixed-use projects run from our Cardiff studio. With vast experience of designing and delivering innovative housing, he is adept at steering projects through complex planning processes and advising clients on design with a view to creating something truly transformative. Rob is also a qualified Passivhaus designer.

Rob, what’s your favourite project that you’ve worked on to date?

Gwynfaen in Swansea. There was an absolute sense of team work throughout the whole process. Our client actively encouraged us to challenge conventionality, it was hugely inspirational and the team met the challenge with unprecedented ambition.

What are the key challenges that affect your sector, or are likely to in the next five years?

Meeting climate change commitments will offer significant challenges and opportunities. A reduction in emissions to net zero by 2050 will require retrofit on a massive scale and all new build homes to be built to zero carbon in operation standards. This will require bold and decisive action. The research and technology exists for us to begin that transformation now. Recognising this, we are committed to strengthening our working practices to create architecture and urbanism that has a more positive impact on the world around us.

What is your proudest moment?

Most recently it was passing the Passivhaus training course to become a certified Passivhaus designer. It is recognised as the most rigorous low energy building standard out there. I really enjoyed the course and learnt a lot from it. What’s really encouraging is that many of my clients are intrigued by the concept and are looking to embrace it.

Best city you’ve visited?

Japan’s busiest city, Tokyo, with its millions of people weaving together in a huge organic mass. It’s a perfect celebration of culture, modernity, tradition and weirdness.

What is the best book you’ve read?

The Universe in a Nutshell, by Stephen Hawking. This book provides a grand tour of the universe that makes you look at reality in a completely different way.

Industry bodies
  • ARB
  • RIBA
  • Passivhaus Trust

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