We are architects

with a keen interest in people,

and social scientists

with a keen interest in buildings.

Transforming Loughborough Library. Images © 2013 AMA

AMA draws together the latest expertise and developments - in architecture and design, sociology and psychology, technology and planning - to create a unique, evidence-based approach to workplace and learning space strategies.

We produce briefs, develop designs, carry out research and evaluate new and refurbished spaces.

For more information about us and how we work, click here.

Latest news

Alexi Marmot chairs BIFM debate

Alexi chaired a BIFM Workplace Special Interest Group debate on 22 May at Haworth’s Clerkenwell showroom, entitled ‘Form & Function? Do you need office designers to create a great workplace environment?’  It was a lively discussion that challenged conventional wisdom about workplace design.  For more information click here.

Alexi Marmot speaks at SCHOMS conference

Alexi Marmot spoke at SCHOMS conference on 14th May in Aberdeen on 'Altered space, technology, minds: Reshaping support for pedagogy.' For more information click here.

Alexi Marmot interviewed for BBC article and radio broadcast

The BBC interviewed Alexi Marmot for this article featured in 28 March's magazine: 'The pleasures and perils of the open plan office.'  You can also listen to the radio broadcast.

This article reflects the global interest in creating the right office space that AMA can support with our evidence-based approach.

Transforming Loughborough University Library

AMA developed the design brief for 'Transforming the Library,' Loughborough University's major refurbishment of Pilkington Library.  Our role involved precedent site visits, consultations and concept design options. We developed the selected concept into a scheme design, and supported the university when selecting the contractors to deliver the project. Some of our concept images are below. Click here for more information about the project.

Images © 2013 AMA

AMA features in BBC Broadcast 'Open Plan Offices'

Mike Williams interviews AMA Director Alexi Marmot for his programme The Why Factor. Listen to the broadcast here (click on 15 February 2013 - 'Open Plan Offices.')

New UCL student centre

UCL's plans for a new student centre on its Bloomsbury campus are going ahead. AMA was involved in the initial consultation with UCL students to understand how the centre can be a 'truly transformative project' and meet the university's needs into the future. To do this, we used our AMA WorkWare tools including workshops, interviews and surveys.

For more information on the student centre click here.

Two Sheffield Hallam University learning centres complete

AMA's refurbishment of two of Sheffield Hallam University's learning centres is featured in University Business and Association of Business Schools.  The phased project involved the creation of 100 additional learning spaces including new furniture, IT, lighting, heating, small group and presentation spaces. Director David Jenkin said: 'Using evidence from occupation surveys and involving both students and staff in the process allowed AMA to transform the building into a totally student-focussed facility, providing a whole range of different places for study.' For more information click here. 

  Images © 2013 AMA

BBC speaks to AMA about clinical research

On 10th January 2013, AMA's Director Joanna Eley was interviewed on several radio stations for her work as a keen advocate for public and patient involvement in clincial research. Last Autumn, Joanna played the role of one of dozens of 'mystery shoppers' visiting NHS Trust hospitals to see how easily patients can access information about research activities in the hospital. Today the report was launched, and Joanna took part in a phone-in from the BBC and many other regional radio stations who featured it on their breakfast and lunchtime news. Joanna was able to help get the important message across about the value of clinical research in improving the health of the population, and the need for good information for patients and the public to increase the benefits.

Happy New Year

Was 2012 the 'year of the refurbishment?'  We ended the year with the completion of a variety of educational, civic and library refurbishments. Here is a sample of some of our many projects from last year. For more information on these click here. We will keep updating you as we progress our current work in 2013.

 Images © 2013 AMA and Mike Allport, LB Southwark

UCL Stratford proposals approved

On 25 October, Newham Council approved UCL's proposal to develop a Stratford campus adjacent to the Olympic Park.  This campus will 'bring science, technology, education and research to the heart of Stratford'.  AMA worked with UCL to develop a strategic brief of academic stakeholders.  For more information, click here.

Source: UCL News

Sustainability from start to finish cost-effectively.

On 10th October, Alexi Marmot spoke on a panel at The CIBSE Conference and Exhibition about 'Delivering sustainability from start to finish in a cost-effective way.'  The panel discussed and evaluated strategies to ensure sustainability throughout the lifecycle of a building. They also debated the financial aspects of different business models and the implications of new legislation on these strategies. For more information, click here.

AMA tweets haikus.

On 21st September, we held our annual away day. We've also launched our new twitter account: AMAtweetshaikus. Follow us to learn some concise advice on space use, design and change in the built environment. 

Learning about our unique approach to sustainable space.

On 18th September, AMA led a 'Sustainable Southwark Walkabout' during Green Sky Thinking Week 2012.  This exciting initiative run by Open City explored aspects of sustainable development. A group comprised of sustainability experts, facilities managers, engineers, architects, designers and students visited two of our projects – an office building and a library – to learn how we use space utilisation analysis and targets to reduce property footprints and provide creative ways to reuse buildings better. 

One visitor said, 'What was notable to the success of the sustainability was...engaging with the people who use the buildings...and what a difference the use of light and textures can make to how you feel within the building.'

For more information click here. 

Engaging with the procurement debate.

Between April and May 2012, AMA Alexi Marmot Associates and Building Design Magazine (BD) carried out a survey of BD readers to understand the industry's experience with public procurement through OJEU.  The results provide a fascinating and critical snapshot of the industry's experience and attitudes. To read a summary of the report, click here.

Examining the link between learning outcomes and building design.

AMA's report to the Scottish Funding Council: Matching post-16 investment to education outcomes has been published.  This report summarises key findings within the body of research linking buildings and estates to educational outcomes, drawn from studies covering schools, colleges and universities. The report also recommends a set of key questions that Colleges and Universities should ask when developing their estate investment and maintenance plans. To read the full report, click here.

For more news and details about our other projects and events, click here.

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