Sustainable by Nature

JRA works creatively to provide imaginative solutions that balance and enhance the fragile ecosystem of which we are a part. We nurture our unparalleled expertise in retrofit, caring deeply about building reuse before it was common practice, and maintain the same dedication to circularity, applying it to new build and reinforcing our reputation for designing and delivering buildings rooted in sustainability. JRA is proud to do things differently.

Circular Economy Diagram
Circular Economy

Contextual Sustainability

We prioritise the urban fabric of our cities, contributing to their context by designing thoughtful additions that enhance local character and people’s sense of place. We also work with important listed and heritage buildings, preserving the best of the past and renewing their cultural value. See some of our culturally significant buildings in numbers below for The Northcliffe, Bermondsey Yards, 33 King William Street, Bloom, Clerkenwell, Bureau, 90 Fetter Lane and Aldwych Quarter.

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Buildings in Numbers 
 
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Building stats graph
 
 

Circular & Low Carbon

We optimise sustainability through creative and technical solutions, including championing circular design principles, whole life carbon, life cycles and appropriate material specification. See how we elevated Bermondsey Yards in the animation below.

Bermondsey Yards Circular & Low Carbon Strategy

Wellbeing

We are committed to health and wellbeing principles in our designs, continually exploring opportunities in biophilia and new technologies that have a proven positive impact on users’ wellbeing. Find out about our wellbeing interventions at x+why, 100 Embankment, 33 King William Street, Bracken House and The Northcliffe.

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100 Embankment Roof Terrace 
 
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33 King William Street Rooftop 
 
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33 King William Street, London's Biggest Roof Garden at the Time of Building 
 
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Bracken House, One of London's First Rooftop Running Tracks 
 
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The Northcliffe, a Roof Garden Containing 8163 Plants from Over 55 Species 
 

Efficiency & Performance

We unlock the value in buildings, whether retrofit or new build, with efficient designs that are resilient and stand the test of time. Learn how we boosted performance at Great Arthur House.

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Great Arthur House Façade Optimisation 
 
Cross section drawings of Great Arthur House
Great Arthur House Façade Optimisation Sketch 
 
Thermal performance diagram of Great Arthur House
Great Arthur House Façade Thermal Performance Before & After 
 

Social Value

We promote social value through our designs by drawing on a deep understanding of the cultural history of cities and extensive stakeholder engagement. See how we are doing this at Bermondsey Yards. We also provide social value through events that give voice to our local community. See how we worked with communities and created meaningful social value at the London Festival of Architecture.

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Presentation to the Public on Biogenic Materials for the London Festival of Architecture 
 
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Star Primary School Pupil and Teacher Showing their LFA Contribution  
 
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Public Consultation for Bermondsey Yards 
 
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Student Work Experience Sketches  
 

Sustainability Team

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Festus Moffat
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Etain Fitzpatrick
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Anja Schellenbauer
Portrait photograph
Michael Macias

Materials Research Lab

JRA’s Material Research Lab (MRL) conducts original research into pioneering sustainable materials and their applications in architectural design. The MRL team is devoted to sharing their knowledge studio-wide through monthly internal articles, ensuring awareness of the latest best practice and informing specification choices. The MRL also engages with the public through materiality displays in the JRA studio lobby. During the London Festival of Architecture, the MRL collaborated with a number of innovative creators to host their largest exhibition to date.

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People talking at reception with wine glasses

Navigating Certifications

We have extensive experience in navigating certification standards, including BREEAM, the WELL Building Standard, Passivhaus/Enerphit, NABERS, LEED, and SKA. We are committed to delivering optimal outcomes, and always endeavour to improve on delivery against benchmarks such as the UKNZCBS.

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JRA Projects' BREEAM Certification
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JRA Projects Against UKNZCBS 2025 Limit

Industry Contribution

Corporate Responsibility

Carbon Reduction Plan
ESG policy
Student Work Experience

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Logo of UK Architects Declare Climate and Biodiversity Emergency