Our Passion for Design: World Architecture Day

Every year since 2005, World Architecture Day has celebrated the meaningful impact architecture has on the world around us. At Spitfire Homes, we are dedicated to building sustainable communities which are uncompromising on design. Adrian Clift, Head of Design for Spitfire Homes, spoke with us about how he approaches designing new communities in the Midlands.

How do you approach the initial phase of designing a scheme?

“It is important to explore the local vernacular, architectural styles, and influences when designing a new site. By exploring these elements, I can gain inspiration from the existing styles of the surrounding architecture. This process allows me to create a new series of residences that thoughtfully complement or contrast with the surrounding area.

We want our completed houses to feel as though they are a part of the larger community; just like we want our customers to feel once they move in.

By incorporating a variety of house styles and feature character areas across the site helps to create the feel of an organic street scene that has naturally evolved and developed over time.

We aim to create homes that are sustainable not only in terms of energy efficiency but also in their relationship with the natural surroundings, to create a long-lasting, positive legacy.”

What is important when designing the layout of a new home?

“Our house designs are created with today’s modern lifestyles in mind, ensuring that the requirements of our customers are at the forefront of the design, right from the initial concept.
Every house we create is designed with its future homeowners in mind. We carefully consider the needs of those who will reside in the home, as well as how the spaces can adapt to meet their changing needs over time. Whether it’s a designated home office for remote working, an open plan dining and family living area to host your family and friends, or a dining room which can be transformed into a playroom, snug, or media room – our layouts are flexible to suit your individual needs.“

Where do you take your design inspiration from?

“I take inspiration for many of our homes from Georgian architecture. The use of symmetry not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also enhances the functionality of the spaces within the home. A distinctive feature of Georgian architecture is its emphasis on free flowing natural light – large, well-proportioned windows are a characteristic which you will notice flows across our whole house type range.”