What we do

The Glass-House works to help people design more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable places.  

We know that making great places isn't easy. The design and procurement process is complex and the wrong decisions can lead to costly mistakes, delays and complications.  When you try to involve a broad mix of local people, things can get even more complicated. 

We also know that well designed places can transform a neighbourhood and improve the quality of life there.  If the design process engages, inspires and mobilises local people and organisations, it can: 

• result in more creative, dynamic and sustainable places
• save valuable time and resources on project development and delivery
• help build support and collaboration within the community

At The Glass-House we work to give everyone involved in developing buildings, spaces, homes and neighbourhoods the skills and confidence to work together to find the best outcomes for the project leaders, local people and the neighbourhood.

We combine hands-on support with the sharing of experiences and learning from those in different sectors and disciplines involved in built environment projects.

We are committed to making our programmes fully accessible and provide subsidised access to events, training and support. 

All proceeds from commissioned work are reinvested in supporting communities.

Our key programmes are:

Supporting projects 

The Glass-House brings impartial, independent expertise to help those leading projects to develop great places that involve and benefit local people.

Our role is as an independent enabling body, giving people the tools and confidence to move projects forward through an effective, collaborative design process and to avoid costly mistakes and delays. We offer those actively involved in developing or regenerating buildings, spaces, homes or neighbourhoods: 

• skills development
• practical advice 
• technical support

Our aim is to make each project that we support more likely to succeed.

Supporting new ways of working

The design process and community participation are both complex tasks. Combining the two effectively can be a daunting process and if not done right, can lead to more problems than solutions.

The Glass-House helps organisations take a more strategic and practical approach to working with local people to develop a collective vision for change and to work collaboratively throughout the various design stages of projects. 

Promoting community led design

Many people still know little about community led design and its benefits.

We use the experience and learning from the community led design projects that we and others have supported to promote discussion and debate.

Through various events and activities, we create a neutral space to explore the opportunities and challenges of community led design, bringing together people from different sectors and disclplines to share their experience and insight.