About Byzantian

Leading construction industry website Designing Buildings Wiki has appointed George Demetri as the new editor. George comes from a construction industry background that has spanned architectural practice, building products’ marketing/promotion, journalism and technical writing.
His most recent employment was as a technical writer with leading global engineering consultancy WSP, where he authored white papers, articles, company literature and major bids. He co-authored ’Out of Thin Air’, a white paper on alleviating the housing crisis by building apartments over stations and railway lines. The paper has been one of the company’s most successful of recent years.
George has also been a freelance journalist and editor of publications that include World Tunnelling, Trenchless World, Brick Bulletin and Port Technology International. Since 2013, he has been a judge of the annual International Building Press (IBP) National Journalism Awards, co-judging categories that have included infrastructure and construction feature writer.
“It’s a huge honour to have been appointed editor of designingbuildings.co.uk, a truly unique website in the construction sector”, said George. “There really is nothing like it in the industry – with five million users per year spread across the globe, it has become the construction industry’s ‘go to’ knowledge base and I’m honoured to have secured a key role in its development.”
George’s qualifications include degrees in architecture, philosophy, and a post-graduate diploma in building conservation. He was recently admitted to the Institution of Civil Engineers as an associate member (AMICE).
Featured articles and news
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.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.