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Designing Buildings is the construction wiki. An industry-wide, cross-discipline forum for finding and sharing knowledge about the planning, design, construction and operation of built assets.
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You can write about any subject related to the construction industry, including research, publications, organisations, theories, news, products and practices. All we ask is that articles are factual (not adverts) and are encyclopaedic in style (not blog posts).
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Designing Buildings has 25 knowledge hubs where you can find introductions to our main subject areas and links to key articles that will help you learn more
The site also includes 6 microsites - mini wikis about specialist subjects. Created with our partners, they provide easy access to curated knowledge about particular aspects of the built environment:
Features and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Around the web
Green space, clean air and community lead the wish list for new homes...
CIAT invites the public to explore identity, belonging and architecture at London Festival of Architecture 2026.
Circular construction policies key to reversing nature loss in cities, says new IUCN report.
Met investigation into Grenfell Tower fire on track to submit all charging files to Crown Prosecution Service.
Living Wage Foundation clarifies paying apprentices the real Living Wage is not required for accreditation.
Call for evidence: Strategy for the built environment professions, trades and occupations.
UK Academy of Mould Experts, May
Free Mould Awareness self-paced beginner course.
IHBC’s Council: On ‘Don’t Waste Buildings’ – A blog feature following a Council chat post by Celia Clark.
The EPF urges publication of the Circular Economy Growth Plan.
ECA welcomes refreshed zero carbon targets.
Government consultation to look a new core product safety framework.
Construct Zero: Refreshed Programme and updated priorities.
New research highlights growing confidence gap in UK fire safety decision making.
Building control approval applications received, determination times, decision outcomes and performance.
Built Environment Wales – Regulatory Reform Conference.
ECA makes the airwaves on retentions ban proposal.
When will the Renters' Right Act come into force?