About Isabel Allen

Isabel Allen is the Editor of Architecture Today and the Editorial Director of BEAM (Built Environment and Architecture Media), founded in 2021 to provide the construction industry with a multi-media platform for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. Highly experienced in her field, Isabel was previously editor of the AJ and has spearheaded the launch of numerous initiatives including the Architecture Today Awards for buildings that stand the test of time and the Regenerative Architecture Index launched in partnership with Architects Declare. Alongside a career as an editor, curator and critic she also co-founded HAB Housing, which delivered low-cost housing using natural materials and innovative models of procurement, land ownership and finance. She is an Honorary Fellow of the RIBA.

The Hummingbird Learning Lab: the longlist

2026-03-02T11:18:40+00:00

The Hummingbird Learning Lab has selected a longlist of eight practices from the Regenerative Architecture Index for its competition to design a demountable learning space that reflects its neuroscience-grounded approach to education and community engagement.

The Hummingbird Learning Lab: the longlist2026-03-02T11:18:40+00:00

Dispatches from Architects Declare: Anna Woodeson

2026-02-27T09:31:23+00:00

Anna Woodeson, Sustainability Director at Buro Happold and a Trustee at Architects Declare, spells out what's wrong with the latest proposals for the National Planning Policy Framework NPPF, and explains how architects can engage with the process and make their voices heard.

Dispatches from Architects Declare: Anna Woodeson2026-02-27T09:31:23+00:00

Paving the way for success for England’s new towns

2026-02-02T12:42:19+00:00

The announcement of the locations of the next generation of New Towns is a crucial milestone in tackling the UK's housing crisis. Arup's Vicky Evans identifies the steps that need to be taken for these projects to succeed.

Paving the way for success for England’s new towns2026-02-02T12:42:19+00:00

Legal advice: Navigating the ARB’s new code

2026-01-30T17:10:12+00:00

The ARB’s refreshed Architects’ Code identifies six overarching standards of professional behaviour. Regulatory solicitors Ben Hall and Chloe Wynne advise architects on how to protect themselves against accusations of breaching professional standards.

Legal advice: Navigating the ARB’s new code2026-01-30T17:10:12+00:00

Collective Works

2026-01-27T15:02:06+00:00

Collective Works discuss challenging received wisdom and the imperfect systems which are causing harm, and using the language of the seasons to frame the rhythm of company life.

Collective Works2026-01-27T15:02:06+00:00

1 Berkeley Street

2026-01-21T11:12:23+00:00

Timothy Soar explains why he found it a joy to photograph AHMM's 'surgical transformation' of two tired 1970s buildings in London's West End into a vibrant mixed-use quarter that is smart, with a big heart. 

1 Berkeley Street2026-01-21T11:12:23+00:00

Flood plain house

2026-01-26T16:54:14+00:00

Martin Williams of Williams Griffiths Architects explains how – and why – the practice took on a flood-prone site in rural Suffolk, complex technical constrants and an extremely low budget to give an extraordinary client the home that she deserves.

Flood plain house2026-01-26T16:54:14+00:00

Jan Kattein Architects

2026-01-19T15:13:31+00:00

Jan Kattein Architects reflect on 15 years of retention, re-use, repurposing and repair – and giving an antique gramophone horn a brand new steam-punk lease of life.

Jan Kattein Architects2026-01-19T15:13:31+00:00

Purcell

2026-01-13T15:10:50+00:00

Purcell discusses the challenges involved in maintaining and adapting our built heritage to meet the needs of today whilst planning for a more resilient tomorrow.

Purcell2026-01-13T15:10:50+00:00

Review of 2025

2026-01-05T09:09:50+00:00

2025 has been a year of looking closely – at buildings that endure, at ideas that travel, and at practices quietly reshaping the values of architecture. From the long view offered by the Architecture Today Awards to encounters with unexpected projects, places and people around the world, AT editor Isabel Allen looks back on a year rich in surprise, conviction and renewed optimism about what architecture can still achieve.

Review of 20252026-01-05T09:09:50+00:00

Material Cultures

2025-12-17T17:18:00+00:00

Material Cultures explain how they are challenging conventional construction cultures in a bid to bring architecture closer to agriculture, land management and landscape.

Material Cultures2025-12-17T17:18:00+00:00
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