Design review panel
The panel offers the Council and applicants, independent design and architecture advice on:
- development proposals that may significantly affect the urban design of Hackney
- major or strategic scheme planning applications
- council frameworks and initiatives with urban design implications
- significant and strategic issues and policies
We’re currently running remote design review panel sessions via Google Meets, while Council buildings are closed. We have recently refreshed our terms of reference and the panel membership.
Terms of reference
Selection of schemes for design review
The opportunity to present a scheme to the panel will be by invitation only. Schemes will be selected using the following criteria:
- major or strategic sites
- controversial or difficult sites due to impact on the public realm
- sites with special significance to the local area and interests
- sites which have the potential to significantly add to the quality of urban design in the area; and
- schemes involving community or public use
Panel chairs
Amandeep Singh Kalra, Be First
Amandeep is an Architect and Urban designer. He is an Associate at Be First, working at the intersection of public and private practice for Barking & Dagenham. He has several years of experience working across different scales. Including masterplans and regeneration schemes alongside smaller infill sites.
Louise Goodison, Cazenove Architects
Louise Goodison is a director of Cazenove Architects, a CABE built environment expert and heritage design advisor to local authorities, developers and communities throughout London and the South East. Louise is also an advisor on church buildings.
Paul Reynolds, Tapestry
Paul is a chartered landscape architect and director of Tapestry, a planning, landscape and urban design practice based in Hackney Wick. The studio specialises in development, masterplanning and public realm work in complex urban environments around the world.
Testimonials
Gary Rawlings, Make Architects
“We presented 145 City Road to the Hackney design review panel twice. On both occasions we found the feedback constructive and well informed. The changes that were implemented following these comments were a positive contribution to the project and we have been able to use these to further develop the scheme”.
James Foster RIBA, Ron Arad Architects Ltd
“In October 2011, we presented our Willow Street Hotel scheme to the design review panel. The presentation was followed by a lively and intelligent discussion and we were issued with a positive and professional written feedback document. DRP comments were directly referenced by planning and design officers and quoted within their report to the Planning Committee recommending approval. The scheme was approved at Committee in May 2012.”
Russell Brown, Hawkins\Brown
“The design review panel has achieved a great deal since it started – it has evolved a distinct style of honest, pro-active and passionate operation that reflects the unique character of Hackney, and the planning authority’s determination to attract the best designers to the area.”
“The Hackney Awards have helped support and inform the whole design review process in the Council – reminding people of the end results of planning process that works hard to encourage great, modern design.”