Launching Designing Buildings Wiki
Designing Buildings Wiki is a free online service providing a forum for everyone involved in the building design process to share their knowledge and to build an industry wide consensus about how things should be done.
As an open access wiki site, it is written by its users, for its users. So if you don't like what you see, you can change it. If you don't see what you want you can add it. The more people that contribute to the site, the more accurate, comprehensive and successful it will be. Designing Buildings Wiki offers:
- Simple, accessible and free-to-use guidance for every stage of the design process,
- Advice for clients in the very early stages of projects.
- Model plans for commonly used procurement routes.
- Comprehensive information about regulations such as planning permission, building regulations, health and safety and European procurement rules.
- Clear, up-to-date information about procedures such as appointments, design reviews and government gateways.
- Descriptions of roles and responsibilities for all involved in the design process.
The site is designed to be of particular use to building clients, students, academics, newly-qualified professionals and small practices, but it also offers a shop window for professionals with specialist knowledge.
The site has been kick-started with 350 articles written by Designing Buildings Limited, along with some high-profile invited contributors
Featured articles and news
Government consultations for the summer of 2025
A year of Labour, past and present consultations on the environment, the built environment, training and tax.
CMA competitiveness probe of major housing developers
100 million affordable housing contributions committed with further consultation published.
Homes England supports Greencore Homes
42 new build affordable sustainable homes in Oxfordshire.
Zero carbon social housing: unlocking brownfield potential
Seven ZEDpod strategies for brownfield housing success.
CIOB report; a blueprint for SDGs and the built environment
Pairing the Sustainable Development Goals with projects.
Types, tests, standards and fires relating to external cladding
Brief descriptions with an extensive list of fires for review.
Latest Build UK Building Safety Regime explainer published
Key elements in one short, now updated document.
UKGBC launch the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap
First guidance of its kind on direct climate impacts for the built environment and how it can adapt.
CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy 2025
Launched by the Minister for Industry to look at fatalities on site, improving mental health and other issues.
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes mandatory building safety questions.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.