Sustainable Futures with James Rixon: Retrofit Architecture

Retrofit is one of the biggest practical challenges in architecture: how do we make existing buildings work harder, last longer and use less carbon without treating sustainability as a bolt-on?

Stephen Drew speaks with James Rixon of Rixon Architecture about sustainable design, retrofit practice, the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge and the knowledge-sharing needed to decarbonise the built environment.

The conversation covers:

• What retrofit means in practice
• Why thoughtful design can improve performance without needless cost
• How training and shared knowledge help smaller practices
• How clients can make better retrofit decisions
• Where AI tools may help and where judgement still matters

Read the episode on Architecture Social: Sustainable Futures with James Rixon

Watch on YouTube: James Rixon on Retrofit Architecture

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to retrofit and sustainability
• 05:00 Getting on with retrofit before policy catches up
• 10:00 Thoughtful design without unnecessary cost
• 15:00 Training, knowledge gaps and upskilling
• 20:00 Retrofit networks and shared knowledge
• 25:00 AI experiments and design tools
• 30:00 Helping homeowners decarbonise confidently
• 35:00 Audience questions and broader retrofit discussion
• 40:00 Retrofit opportunities and closing thoughts

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