
View from the Chair – ARL Design Committee
John Badman, Chair of the ARL Design Committee and Residential Practice Area Leader, Gensler
I’m delighted to step into the role of Chair for the newly launched ARL Design Committee, a cross-sector group of designers, developers and operators committed to raising the bar for rental living design across the UK.
Design has always played a foundational role in Build to Rent (BTR), co-living and later living schemes, but as the sector continues to mature, it is becoming even more critical. From unlocking planning and reducing long-term costs to supporting sustainability and improving resident experience, design isn’t just about form—it’s about performance, longevity, and community value.
That’s why this committee has been formed. Our aim is to shape a strong, shared voice around what quality looks like in the context of rental living and to equip the ARL members with the tools and insight needed to deliver it consistently.
Why now?
The ARL Best Practice Guide already offers an important design foundation, but the feedback from across the sector is clear: there’s a growing appetite for deeper guidance, clearer standards, and a more joined-up conversation.
By bringing together experts from across architecture, development and operations, the committee is now taking that next step. Whether it’s engaging with local authorities, influencing policy, or creating resources for ARL members, our focus is on advancing design as a strategic driver of value.
We’re fortunate to have representation from a wide range of leading practices, including Formation Architects, Chapman Taylor, Packaged Living, Assael Architecture, GRID Architects, Greystar, Keppie Design and ColladoCollins—each bringing deep sector knowledge and diverse perspectives to the table.
What we’re focusing on in 2025
Our first major output will be a new Design 101 presentation for ARL members to help communicate the unique qualities of BTR and co-living schemes to local planning authorities. This is being developed by Sophie Gunn from Packaged Living, who also serves as Vice-Chair of the Committee, alongside Tim Chapman-Cavanagh from Assael Architecture.
In parallel, Laurence Osborn from GRID Architects and Neal Shah from Greystar are contributing design insight to ARL’s Risk Committee as it responds to the evolving Building Safety Act. Their input ensures architectural perspectives are part of shaping how new regulatory requirements affect rental buildings, from planning through to delivery.
We’re also updating the ARL Best Practice Guide. Nimi Gabrie from Formation Architects and Michael Swiszczowski from Chapman Taylor are leading this effort, which will evolve the Guide into a comprehensive reference point for BTR design across the UK.
Neil Wheatley of Keppie Design is exploring how the ARL Code of Practice can be interpreted through a design lens, helping professionals understand how to align their work with its principles and encouraging broader adoption.
Further ahead, I’m working with Cat Ionita from Chapman Taylor on a new tool to instill BTR as the Placemaking Catalystacross larger developments and neighbourhoods, and particularly in suburban, lower rise developments where residents are seeking high-quality homes at a more accessible price point.
Dominic Hailey from ColladoCollins is leading a discussion around later living rental models, examining how design can support the needs of older residents while creating places that feel sociable, secure and human.
Each of these strands is progressing through working groups, with outputs expected throughout the year. This will range from updated guidance and practical tools to sector-wide insights and presentation decks. We’ll also be collaborating closely with other ARL committees and regional hubs to ensure alignment across the wider network.
Get involved
If you’re an ARL member with a design perspective to share, we’d love to hear from you – just email info@:theARL.org.uk. This committee is a space for collaboration, challenge, and progress.
Great design underpins everything we want rental living to be. And we’re here to make sure it stays at the heart of the conversation.