We’re publishing a book!

This book, written by Stefanie Stead and Mandip Sahota, serves as a comprehensive guide for both architects and community groups navigating the growing landscape of community ownership in the UK. Triggered by public funding cuts and new localism rights, thousands of public assets—from libraries and pubs to historic mills—have transitioned into the hands of local organisations. 

By moving beyond traditional late-stage design roles, architects can act as strategic partners who help co-design briefs, navigate complex governance models, and align aesthetic visions with rigorous business and funding strategies. This proactive involvement ensures that projects are not only functional but are also "investment-ready" and deeply rooted in the community’s specific social and economic needs.

The book is structured around a "Community Design Lens" framework, divided into strategic, relational, and systems-based approaches. It provides practical toolkits for handling the "messy" realities of co-design, architectural diplomacy, and ethical engagement while connecting individual projects to broader ecological and economic systems. Through case studies like Otley Common, it equips practitioners with the skills to demonstrate their value, secure funding, and effectively transform local spaces into lasting community assets.

The book can be bought from the RIBA Bookshop here