013 - From Constraints to Creativity - the Joy of Delivering Retrofit
In this episode of Talking Place, host Tanisha Raffiuddin sits down with Philip Atkinson and Llinos Hughes from Orbit Architects to explore the real-world impact (and joy!) of transforming existing buildings.
Together, they explore how creative design thrives not despite, but because of, constraints, and why retrofit is a necessity for shaping the future of our cities. Philip and Llinos share Orbit’s nearly exclusive focus on transforming existing buildings - working across hospitality, workplace, student accommodation, and residential sectors.
With over 20 years in practice, they reflect on how adapting and reimagining old structures leads to more sustainable, context-aware, and community-rooted design.
Discover:
Why people, not form, are at the heart of every successful place
How Orbit champions retrofit-first thinking - from heritage restoration to creative reuse of space to unlock value
Why constraints breed creativity and challenge architects to think deeper
The stories behind retrofit projects such as 68 King William Street and The BoTree Hotel
How Orbit built a diverse and collaborative studio culture, organically
Orbit’s work champions local material reuse, low-carbon strategies, and community-first design, demonstrating that retrofit isn’t just about compromise; it’s a creative act.
🔹 Join us as we ‘talk place’.
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Website: https://www.orbitarchitects.com/
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