14
INSIGHTS
PRACTICE PROFILE James Traynor ECD Architects
Kim Neville speaks to James Traynor of Preston-based Passivhaus fans ECD Architects, on how the practice evolved a series of strategies over the years to enable it to realise common aims of ‘sustainability, collaboration and innovation.’
F
ounded in 1980 as Energy Conscious Design, the subsequently abbreviated ECD Architects merged energy research with architectural practice. It later joined multi-disciplinary
construction ‘one stop shop’ N-able Group in 2007, which was in turn recently acquired by the RSK Group in 2025 enabling ECD to expand its services.
Joint managing director James Traynor refl ects on the practice’s
journey, noting that, like many others, the fi rm has “fl uctuated in size, with the UK economy and industry trends.” Currently experiencing its largest growth phase, ECD anticipates further expansion, as the UK economy begins to strengthen. With offi ces in London and Glasgow, ECD recently expanded into Preston to better serve the North of England. Traynor explains that the expansion was “important,” as previously, projects were managed by staff commuting from London or Glasgow. Recruitment has been straightforward, he says with hires coming from across the North West, alongside staff who “deliberately moved“ for a role at the fi rm.
Company ethos Over its 45-year history, the practice has continually evolved. Traynor explains that the company’s founding identity as ‘Energy Conscious Design’ was simply because it encapsulated “what we did.” The fi rm embraced retrofi t as a key means to sustainability, aligning with the straightforward principle of “keeping things, not just throwing away.”
The company has a strong focus on social housing, “it’s probably our largest client base,” says Traynor. In addition, the fi rm also works on non-domestic retrofi ts, collaborating with schools, higher education bodies, and councils. Additionally, ECD explores low-energy design in new builds, having recently completed its fi rst Passivhaus-certifi ed school for Central Bedfordshire. Traynor emphasises, “We still believe a fabric-fi rst approach for healthy buildings is the right way to go.” ECD’s core values of a collaborative commitment to quality were established and written down via a company-wide process fi ve years ago. Traynor notes that they guide every project, client relationship, and internal collaboration, reinforced by a ‘values
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booklet.’ Traynor says this is far from PR window dressing: “It really manifests in all members of staff, who all lead by example.” Convincing people of the importance of building sustainably
hasn’t always been easy, and such moves were often the target of cost-cutting. “It has taken time,” Traynor admits; for the fi rst 10 years, it felt like no one was listening, and sustainable measures were often cut out.”
He summarises the practice’s ethos in three words: “Keep it
simple,” giving an example of this pragmatic philosophy in practice: “We try to ensure that the building fabric is optimised so that costly M&E services aren’t needed for operation and maintenance.” This, adds Traynor, “requires attention to detail in construction, which is why we believe Passivhaus is the right methodology, but ultimately results in better buildings for our clients.”
ECD is deeply committed to pursuing Passivhaus principles where it can, and has an impressive 16 certifi ed Passivhaus Designers and an in-house Certifi er in its ranks. The fi rm sponsors staff certifi cation, ensuring they are well-prepared through PHPP training and key process guidance before tackling the rigorous exam. As a result, Traynor states, “they already know their stuff” by the time they sit down to take the test.
Bowhill housing, conversion of Old Miners’ Institute, Cardenden © McAteer Photo
ADF APRIL 2025
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