Michelle Blakeley, Architect

I am an award winning architect with experience across a wide range of projects including single residential, multi-resitential developments, public buildings and surban design, heritage refurbishment and education. Over one quarter of our propulation is aged over 55. These people tend to have adult children who have left the family home. Many are selling this home and down-sizing which often free

s up cash for travel and lifestyle choices as well moving into a home with less maintenance, less garden to manage and less lawn to mow. I have recently worked with several clients which fit this description and together, we have created a fresh, contemporary home which responds to their lifestyle. I am now one of that quarter of our population, so I can clearly see the opportunities for smarter, bespoke design. I am also working on homes for social housing for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This needs a total rethink of housing typologies beyond the standard single house on block with two car garage attached. There is no reason why affordable and cost-efficient housing can’t have high standards of thermal performance, energy efficiency, comfort and enjoyment for the residents. It starts with good design.