Dispatches from UKREiiF: Al Scott

AT chats to Al Scott from IF_DO about socially purposeful architecture and the role of collaborative design as a means of combatting inequality across the UK.

What brings you to UKREIIF/what do you hope to achieve?
I’m hoping to connect with forward-thinking clients and collaborators who share IF_DO’s values. As a practice we are particularly interested in forging partnerships for community-focused projects that demonstrate how thoughtful design can transform places beyond London, building on our growing portfolio in regions from Manchester to East Anglia and the South East. These conversations are crucial as we expand our reach and impact through projects that prioritise social value alongside design excellence.

If you could change one thing about UKREIIF what would it be?
I’d welcome greater representation from the diverse communities ultimately affected by the developments discussed at UKREIIF, particularly those from regions outside major urban centres. IF_DO’s approach has always focused on deep engagement with place and people, recognising that meaningful architecture emerges from this dialogue – from collaboration. Including more voices from across the UK’s regions would ensure the impressive scale of investment represented at UKREIIF translates into genuinely inclusive places that respond to local needs while addressing broader societal challenges.

Town centre regeneration in Leiston, Suffolk. Arrival view.

What are you working on at the moment?
IF_DO is currently leading several transformative projects across the UK, including community-focused town-centre regeneration projects in Manchester, London and the South East, cultural spaces in the North, and the development of bio-based social housing in East Anglia – all reflecting our commitment to socially purposeful architecture. Our growing national presence allows us to engage with diverse contexts and communities, bringing our collaborative design approach to places that have sometimes been overlooked in architectural discourse. These projects embody our belief that thoughtful, contextual design can create significant social impact regardless of location or scale.

What keeps you awake at night?
Beyond the urgent environmental crisis, it is persistent social inequality across the UK, to which architects must respond with both pragmatism and vision, particularly in regions facing economic challenges. At IF_DO, we’re constantly working to ensure our projects deliver meaningful social value while meeting ambitious sustainability targets, recognising that these goals must be achievable in diverse contexts beyond affluent urban centres. Our greatest concern—and motivation—is ensuring architecture actively contributes to more equitable, sustainable futures for communities throughout Britain, not just in privileged pockets.