Who Are We?
We’re a small design-led practice. We started in 2018 with a wild idea that the people designing buildings and cities should be as diverse as the people who live in them. It meant we had to question “traditional” architectural practice, because “traditional” architects simply aren’t diverse, and the impacts of this on every-day design, such as housing and public realm, are becoming increasingly apparent.
BiBO = Better in, Better out. They say you’re only as good as your weakest link… so we focus on our staff. We keep them happy, and work on projects that make them jump out of bed on Monday morning because that’s the type of enthusiasm our clients deserve.
We avoid talking too much about our “sectors” of work because we like working with interesting people, on interesting projects – whatever form that takes.
Our promise to ourselves, our clients, and the people who will one day occupy our places is to practice with curiosity, integrity and joy. We’ll question whether there is a better solution, we won’t design things we wouldn’t live/work/play in ourselves, and we’ll have a bit of fun along the way.
Commercial + Enterprise
We like working with companies who recognise that the environment in which they deliver their services and products says as much about their brand as the products and services themselves. We’re brand conscious and commercial, and take the time to understand our client’s business so that the buildings and spaces we design help attract our client’s clients!
Public Realm + Urban Design
Next to housing, cities and streets are the second-most commonly encountered spaces. But how much of a role do individuals have in the design of their local public realm? We are working on ways of engaging a more diverse community voice that goes beyond traditional public consultation methods. We want to work with end-users to understand the types of proposals that will be welcomed, cherished and – if possible – delivered by the local community.
Heritage + Refurbishment
Working with a heritage property comes with its challenges, but what good is a heritage property if it doesn’t work for your lifestyle or business? And why work within those constraints if your lifestyle or business can’t make the most of the character of your building? We’re practical and sympathetic to the characteristics of heritage buildings that are most highly valued.
Housing
Volume housing is for the many, and the “many” of today are eco-conscious, with one eye on Grand Designs and the other on Instagram. We think everyone deserves to live in a house that supports 21st century living; good daylighting, energy efficient, sensible storage, practical social and private spaces, personalised and photogenic. These things don’t have to be expensive to build or buy- they just have to be smart. Our test? We only draw houses we’d want to live in ourselves.
Library + Gallery
Here’s a bit about how we see the world, and what some of the things we are putting into it look like. This is an exhibition of BiBO’s development, what we observe, what we think, and how we respond. Enjoy!
Education
Education is a large part of our working practice. All of our staff are encouraged to get involved with schools and universities, to give a bit back to our own humble beginnings. What’s in it for us? Students have great ideas, and the freedom to explore them in a way that is often not replicated outside of academia. By spending time with these new thinkers- talking and drawing through the challenges of balancing reality with aspiration- we are able to bring innovation into our own work.
We were in their shoes once, and one day they’ll be in ours …
Education + Resources PageMasterplanning
Our guiding principle in masterplanning is to “enhance the existing” – we work with ecology, topography, demography and more to arrive at a masterplan that is truly derived from its own unique place.
We think 2 things are essential to the success and deliverability of a masterplan: 1) It needs to be commercially viable to the landowner and 2) It needs to be as relevant in 10, 20, 50, 100 years as it is now. We place great value on working with the existing community to generate masterplans that are welcomed by neighbours. And as with all of our work, we think it is essential to observe and listen to the wants of target end-users to design communities that will support their lifestyle.
We would love to hear from you so please get in touch using any of the methods below:
Email: better@bibostudio.com
Tel: 0333 577 2420
Find Us: Studio 19, 2nd Floor, Brick Mill, Meadow Works, Court Street, Trowbridge, BA14 8BR