If you work across the built environment, as an architect, planner, builder, etc, you might be interested in a new series of lectures and building visits organised by the Isle of Wight Branch of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
The programme has been planned for architects, planners, designers, engineers, builders, developers, architectural students and interested members of the public.
Spring lectures focus on energy efficiency
Organisers plan the first two lectures to work together and run back-to-back, so people can attend both and get the full picture. Both events will take place in the Seminar Room at Quay Arts, Sea Street, Newport.
The first lecture takes place on 30th March 2026 from 6.30pm and focuses on a fabric-first approach to energy, covering Passivhaus and EnerPHit principles. Dr Rachel Mitchell of GreenBox Associates, described as a foremost consultant in passive energy conservation, will lead the session.
The second lecture follows on Wednesday 15th April 2026 at 6.30pm when we hear from Ed Suckling of Engenius (one of the longest established Renewables specialist in the UK). Ed will address common misconceptions about solar energy in his illustrated talk: All About Solar: What Architects Need to Know.
Award-winning house visit in May
A third event takes place on 1st May 2026 at an award-winning private house in Cowes (pictured above and featured on RIBAJ).
Gianni Botsford will present selected projects at The Old Byre, Somerton Farm, a triple award-winner at the 2025 RIBA regional and national awards.
Numbers for this event will remain strictly limited, with priority given to architects and architectural students.
Tickets and funding
Tickets are charged at a nominal £5 to help offset venue hire and speaker expenses.
- Dr Rachel Mitchell of GreenBox Associates: Book now
- Ed Suckling of Engenius: Book now
- Gianni Botsford at The Old Byre: Book now – Members select VIP, others select General Admission
Additional building visits planned
Alongside the lectures, the branch plans two building visits on the Island in early June 2026.
The first visit will take place at the Bear Lookout at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, designed by Island-based architects Modh Design, who provided their services pro bono.
The second visit will take place at Department, the new arts centre in Ryde, designed by Turner Works, but a project which Modh Design were also involved with locally.
Dates and booking details to follow nearer the time.
Focus on relevance to Island practitioners
The branch says it aims to make the events relevant and topical for practitioners and others involved in the built environment on the Isle of Wight.
Practising architects who are not RIBA members, as well as design students across the Island, are very welcome to attend.
Book your place for the talks detailed above, and look out for more information about future talks and building visits later this year.
