Sustainability and Environmental deign features highly on Gilling Dod Architects agenda, the Practice is committed to the principle of sustainable development which it defines as:

Development which raises the quality of life and serves the goal of achieving global equity in the distribution of the Earth's resources whilst conserving its natural capital and achieving significant and sustained reductions in all forms of pollution especially emissions of greenhouse gases.

See Gilling Dod Architects full Environmental Policy for more information.

Environmental Policy Statement.pdf (28.07 kb)

It was a real honour to be asked to speak at the recent DiMHN (Design in Mental Health Network) symposia which took place at the newly completed Low Secure Step down Building at Guild Park, Whittingham. The network has been in existence since 2006 and is a social enterprise linking people who use, work in and design buildings and products for mental health care with a view to sharing ideas, innovation and experiences. We have been members and supporters of the network since 2007 and find it an invaluable forum by which to stay connected with our end customers and building occupants. The group is chaired by Joe Forster who is the Clinical lead from Merseycare NHST Trust and is closely supported by Carol Bristow who heads up Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust’s SEED Project. Having successfully worked with both over recent years we were invited to join the network to share our ever expanding experience and innovation in the field of Mental Health Design. The network represents a broad church and brings together contributors from all walks of life from Designers, Contractors and Care providers to Artists, service users and relatives. There are also strong Academic links to both Liverpool John Moors University and UCLAN with Bev Lamey – Senior Lecturer, MA Design for Healthcare, being a member of the network’s Board. Robert MacDonald, Reader in Architecture at JM, is also a regular contributor with his students often using the network to road test new design ideas. My particular ‘slot’ in the day was to give an Architects perspective on our recently completed scheme at Guild lodge. Alongside myself, this month’s event  also saw a presentation by Louise Leahey of GD*id, Soundskills artist Chris Davis (Service user Art project), Consultant Psychiatrist DR Sikabbua of Guild Lodge as well as Ward Manager Craig Lauder who undertook a guided tour of their new Facility. There was also a talk given by Marc Sansom from the International Academy for Design and Health who outlined the possibilities for rolling out the network to a more national and international audience. We are currently in discussions with UCLAN re collaborating on a joint MH Design publication and/or exhibition showcasing our experience. All in all a very interesting event and one which underlines why I find this subject matter so fascinating.

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• Create a Brief - The more thorough your brief the better
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• Are they qualified?
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• Arrange to meet - discuss your brief, budget and timescales
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Gilling Dod Architects will be attending IHEEM the annual healthcare estates conference and exhibition on the 1st and 2nd November at the Manchester Central. If you would like to meet a member of the team please contact Sarah DeLucia, Business Development Manager on 07970 350980.

Following the first day of the conference Gilling Dod are hosting a drinks evening. The team look forward to welcoming our guests from across the country for an enjoyable evening.

We are delighted to report the plans for a £16 Million health centre in Abergele has been given conditional approval. The health centre aimed at providing care for people with acquired brain injuries and early onset dementia will provide much needed facilities. The scheme includes a purpose designed 32 bed unit for acquired brain injury care complete with hydrotherapy suite and dedicated therapy street.  The scheme also provides for specialist early onset dementia care and research facilities in a bespoke 68 bed unit and is completed by a 30 bed private surgical unit which provides two operating theatre suites and ancillary accommodation and crèche.

For more on this story please follow the latest news link http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-14135487

Gilling Dod Architects have constantly invested in the latest Computer Aided Design Technology and skills to guarantee we continually deliver best value to our clients.  In late 2009 we invested in BIM Technology by introducing Autodesk’s Revit which has delivered benefits to our clients, and supply chain partners. Gilling Dod’s most recent project working on Revit is the redevelopment of West Cumberland Hospital a £90Million acute hospital due for completion in 2014. The use of Revit has enhanced communications within the project design team and detailed models allow more effective co-ordination with our partners and the fellow consultants who can use the Revit architectural model to aid in their design work throughout all the design stages.

One of the key advantages of using Revit is the early route in 3D conceptual design, this is then progressed forward into a fully coordinated BIM model.  Other advantages of using Revit are the constant coordination of changes, as any changes in plan design are applied automatically to the elevations/sections. Full parametric design increases the efficiency and accuracy of building design, allowing the production of fully integrated scheduling and quantifying of every component within the scheme.

For further information on the Autodesk Revit software or the redevelopment of West Cumberland Hospital please contact a member of our team.

Bringing Innovation and Creativity to the NHS

Gilling Dod Architects recently featured an editorial piece in the Construction Magazine which focuses on bringing Innovation and Creativity to the NHS.  The article highlights a selection of current and completed schemes including the new £39.9 Million Surgical Unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, the £31 Million Lancashire Cardiac Centre and £32 Million Women's and New Born Unit at Burnley Hospital.

For further information about any of the projects featured or to request a copy of the Construction Magazine and the full article please contact Sarah DeLucia on 0151 2367341 or email sarah.delucia@gillingdod.com

The planning application for Abergele Medical Campus has been submitted and we have been advised today that it has been validated.

January 2011 saw the launch of our new and improved website which marks a new chapter in the company’s development.  Our website is a showcase of our completed and current projects while simultaneously communicating with our clients and contacts about out latest activity and news.

Gilling Dod continues to expand our offering to clients and we hope this site will provide a showcase for our design services. Please feel free to send your feedback or any project enquiries to sarah.delucia@gillingdod.com

The new £32 Million Lancashire Women and Newborn centre which was completed in November 2010 has hit the headlines.

The new purpose built unit was featured on Granada news as it is now one of the most advanced maternity Units in the UK. The state of the art centre has been designed to look as homely and welcoming as possible, Granada News went along to meet the parents of the first babies delivered in the new facility.

http://www.itv.com/granada/burnley-maternity-centre37482/