Colin Powell

BA(Hons) DipArch MSc RIBA

Position: Energy Architect

Joined gcp: April 1995

qualifications & professional memberships

BA.Hons Architecture - Kingston Polytechnic
Dip.Arch Architecture - Kingston Polytechnic
MSc Environmental Design of Buildings - Cardiff University
Certified PassivHaus Designer - Building Research Establishment
ARB Registered Architect
Royal Institute of British Architects Member

background

Colin is a senior architect with over 35 years’ experience in the industry. After working in commercial practice in London Colin joined gcp in 1995 and for 24 years has been a director and part of the senior management team at gcp.

In 2020 Colin stepped down from his position as director to take on the role of Energy Architect, allowing him to focus on his passion for developing and designing low energy buildings. As part of this interest in building physics and energy in buildings, Colin completed an Msc in Environmental Design of Buildings at Cardiff University in 2006, achieving a distinction.

Extending this interest he completed training at The Building Research Establishment and passed the International PassivHaus Institute examination to become one of the first chartered architects in the West of England region to be a Certified Passivhaus Designer.

Over the past 15 years Colin has worked on a wide range of projects as both Lead Architect and in a Consultancy role advising on sustainable and low energy design. His approach is pragmatic and practical, focussed on helping clients and contractors in understanding the design and construction options available and supporting them to deliver low energy buildings that are attractive, cost-effective and easy to operate.

experience

Colin is experienced in design and construction of a range of building types including community buildings, health centres, hotels and sports clubs. For the past 18 years a major focus for Colin’s work has been in the residential sector working with Housing Associations, private developers and private clients designing one-off homes. He has particular expertise in the early feasibility and planning stages of projects and has managed successful planning applications on a range of projects from large urban housing developments to sensitive rural infill projects.

As part of the gcp Consulting team, Colin has undertaken research and energy modelling to help clients optimise design and construction specifications for low energy housing. This includes modelling energy performance, overheating risk analysis, carbon and cost analysis, and research into construction techniques and building systems. Colin has provided research and training for clients and project development teams to help develop understanding of issues such as renewable technologies, routes to zero-carbon buildings and cost-benefit analysis of a combination of fabric-first and systems-based building solutions. Colin has completed training to deliver Principal Designer services to meet the requirements of CDM 2015 Health & Safety Regulations.