The eight, not-for-profit and independent organisations that make up The Design Network in England, have launched their first combined prospectus for the service.
The Design Network Prospectus details the extensive range of services offered across the country. Those include design review support for Building for Life 12 and other services which enable local communities, developers, designers and local authorities to deliver sustainable housing and economic growth.
The Prospectus also profiles 11 of the 400 Design Review projects undertaken by the network over the last 2 years – many which have been recognised as best practice models and all of which offer a fascinating insight into how practically the service operates at a local level.
Integreat Plus based in Yorkshire, designed The Prospectus on behalf of The Network: Richard Motley, Director of Integreat Plus, “The Prospectus clearly outlines the impact the Design Network is already having on the delivery of quality design outcomes. Our combined offer across England ensures a highly professional technical and comprehensive design led support service is available for business, communities and Local Authorities to achieve their economic, social, and environmental place based ambitions.”
The Design Network was launched as a formal body in 2012, but the partners have worked together on common projects and on best practice partnerships for almost 10 years.
Julie Tanner is Chief Executive of OPUN, the Design Network member for The East Midlands: “Changes in funding over the past few years has meant that our operational agenda has changed considerably. We are now all working towards full sustainability and so have adopted a more commercial focus, an enterprise model for the future. The Prospectus clearly lays out our services, our credentials and working ethos.
“Featuring the Case Studies has been important to us. Like any other business, we want to promote our successes, share how we have added value to projects, found solutions that have unlocked developments that have stalled at impasse, contributed to award-winning developments.
“More than that they clearly demonstrate that the localism agenda is working and better quality outcomes are most likely when support is offered locally and able to adapt locally.”
The Prospectus can be downloaded from each of the Network member’s websites and can be found at www.opun.org.uk
The Design Network Members are:-
Opun (East Midlands) NEDRES
Places Matter! (North West) IntegreatPLUS (Yorkshire)
MADE (West Midlands) Shape East (East of England)
Kent Architecture Centre (South East) Creating Excellence (South West)
The Design Network was launched in December 2012.
