BUILD Q2 2019

BUILD Q2 2019 44 WR180079 amily-run DKMY Architects Ltd is an innovative design-led architectural practice and sustainability consultancy, based in Belper, Derbyshire. Located within the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Herit- age Site, where Sir Richard Arkwright first harnessed water pow- er as the energy source to run his manufacturing empire, the firm is following in the footsteps of the great innovators. DKMY’s approach to design tries to adopt Arkwright’s model; a bespoke response to a unique location, an understanding of the historical and social context within which its designs sit, the innovative use of locally-sourced building materials and the employment of sustainable energies to help deliver practical and cost efficient solutions in which people can live, learn and work. The firm’s overall aim is to improve and enhance the communi- ties within which it works and lives in a way that impacts as little as possible on the environment and natural resources. To this end, DKMY offers a complete architectural design package, from sketched concept design right through to project completion (and anything in between). All projects are thoroughly assessed to maximise their potential to be as sustainable as possible. The team at DKMY then works very closely with clients to try and achieve all their aspirations. Richard Keighley, co-founder of DKMY Architects, has been involved in the design of sustainable buildings since 1990 when a chance encounter, at Nottingham University, with Robert and Brenda Vale (the authors of the Autonomous House) introduced him to the concepts of sustainable living and environmentally responsible buildings. Prior to forming DKMY Architects, Richard led the Education and Sustainability Teams at Lathams in Derby, where he was allowed to combine his interest in sustainable design with his passion for education, (both as a student, a tutor and as an architect). Currently, DKMY is working right across the East Midlands on a variety of historic and contemporary sustainable projects. Clients include house builders, architects, local authorities, landlords, schools, commercial and retail businesses, as well as individu- als seeking a low carbon lifestyle. Sustainable Living for a Sustainable Future Midlands-based architectural firm, DKMY Architects, proves it’s worth its mettle as it is awarded the Best Sustainable Architecture Firm – Midlands Award by BUILD. F Recently, Richard has helped to form, along with his Transition Belper colleagues, Amber Derwent Valley Community Energy Ltd (ADVCE), an industrial and provident society (Co-op) fo- cussing on improving the carbon footprint and energy efficiency of homes and business in the Derbyshire area. His role as a Technical Director allows Richard to explore sustainable and architectural opportunities with community groups throughout the region. In addition, through his voluntary work with the Transition Towns Network, Richard has become heavily involved in Transition Belper, an environmental charity, helping the local community to become more resilient to the twin challenges of peak oil and climate change. Both DKMY Architects Ltd, and Richard through his various en- deavours, are proud to support good local causes by volunteer- ing their support, time and skills to help get community projects off the ground.