Kossy Nnachetta: “Most architects I meet want to leave a sustainable mark”

Kossy Nnachetta is a partner at FeildenCleggBradley Studios where she recently led the development of the mass timber Thornton Building for Bioinformatics on the Wellcome Genome Campus south of Cambridge and is currently leading the redevelopment of the International Slavery and Maritime Museums in Liverpool. She mentors widely both inside and outside the practice and is committed to bringing ‘fresh voices to the design table.’

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Where did you train as an architect? To what extent did ‘sustainable design’ figure into your architectural education?

KN: I studied at Nottingham University (Part I) and Cardiff University (Parts II & III).

My education focused on creativity and pushing boundaries.  Sustainable design was rarely the primary consideration.

Was there a light bulb moment when you became engaged with the impact of architecture on climate change?

KN: It was more like osmosis – gradually awakening to the issues of climate change, and becoming aware that as architects, we are in a duty-ladened position to make good choices on behalf of society.

It was more than a decade ago, but can you comment on what attracted you to join FCBStudios?

KN: Beautifully crafted, human-scale design. I saw in FCBS work that not only looks good, but does good, for the environment and the community it’s in. 

Our research revealed that 87% of architects/designers feel they have to compromise their sustainability values at work. Does this surprise you? Have you ever had to do this? If, so how did you manage that?

KN: Every project has commercial or programme pressures which can dominate over sustainability values. But to those who feel dejected by this, I’d say, ‘Keep pushing; there’s always hope.’ I remember years ago (before FCBS), being laughed out of project meetings at the suggestion that there would be more value in retaining the existing buildings on a site. Now existing buildings are being recognised as an irreplaceable resource.

Only 11% of architects and designers feel their firm’s public sustainability messaging completely aligns with its actual practices. What’s your take on these numbers and your own experience?

KN: It’s disappointing that the number is so low. I’m fortunate that at FCBS, sustainable design has been in our DNA for over 45 years. We’ve been reducing carbon since before it was cool.  

You’re currently leading the transformation of the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum (due 2028) on the Liverpool waterfront, a fascinating project that includes both retrofit and newbuild and attempts to unravel complex issues related to slavery, racism and social justice. What do you hope to achieve with this project? 

KN: Both museums are in Grade I-listed buildings so we get to have a conversation about historic buildings and what they say about our society. That includes the importance of conservation and restoration of built fabric, as well as restorative justice. We must challenge the ‘architectural amnesia’ that exists on this historic site and tell a story too long sidelined.

In our survey, 95% of professionals state that sustainable design is a factor when considering job opportunities. 73% say it’s ‘very important or a deal breaker’. To what extent would you say that FCBStudio’s reputation in sustainable design has made finding great talent easier?

KN: Most architects I meet want to leave a sustainable mark on the built environment. Our interest in reducing both embodied energy and whole lifecycle energy consumption, and our commitment to the wider social aspects of sustainability, still mark us out as leaders in environmental design. FCBS’ reputation for sustainability attracts and retains very talented people.

What sort of sustainability upskilling takes place within the practice?

KN: We offer support for our team to receive Passivhaus training and Conservation Architect accreditation and provide countless sustainability CPDs throughout the year.   Every project undergoes a rigorous Design Review process which holds sustainability as a priority.

What do you anticipate as the most important ‘sustainable design skills’ by 2030? 

1. Retrofit and reuse expertise

I’m hopeful of a time when reuse and retrofit of existing buildings will become the new normal.

We must do this expertly, without causing further problems in a building. People who can patiently do this are in demand.

2. Client advocacy and championing

Many clients start projects with aspirations to build a ‘sustainable building’, but often, they may not fully understand what that means and how to make it happen.

The design process encompasses conflicting demands which can interfere with even the strongest sustainability agenda. Diplomatically advocating on behalf of clients, and challenging the ‘it can’t be done’, or ‘it’s not worth it’ attitudes, which are entrenched in certain corners of the industry, is a valuable skill.

3. Whole life carbon modelling

The industry needs more professionals who have a mature understanding of the trade-off between upfront and whole life emissions that impact key design decisions.

How important are sustainability skills and experience in hiring? Or are design attitudes and mindsets more important?  Please comment.

KN: We look for people whose priorities align with FCBS. Sustainability is very important to us, and this is ultimately driven by each individual in the practice. We can train people up in using modelling tools and writing good specifications, but caring about sustainability comes from a deeper place.

What does a perfect candidate look like from a sustainability lens?

KN: Passionate about sustainability; undertaken self-initiated research into the field; eager to share their knowledge with others and work as a team to push new initiatives.

Most firms say they care about sustainability. What’s one actionable step that could be implemented tomorrow to embed sustainable design into the hiring process? 

KN: There is no silver bullet or magic wand. There must be nuance in the hiring process, balancing personalities and skills and passions.

You do a lot of mentoring of young people to encourage careers in the built environment. What sort of appetite for addressing climate emergency do you encounter in the young people you meet?

KN: Young people are a lot more clued in on issues around climate change than I was when I was that age. Sustainability increasingly drives design concepts.

Given what you know about the next generation of designers coming through – how optimistic are you about the future?

KN: Very. There’s always hope.