ABOUT US
OUR CODE OF CONDUCT
We’ve got your back.
Our team can guide you through any or every part of the process, from the early stages of design through to support during the construction phase.
We enjoy producing compliant, construction design packages.
Building regulations, detailing and M&E coordination can be highly frustrating if they compromise a design, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Our construction design packages respect the overarching concept and make it work.
We can help ensure that what is designed is actually built.
We’re known for our attention to detail. There are many elements that won’t even be visible when your project is finished, yet are critical to its success.
We aren’t fazed when things get complicated.
Every project encounters obstacles. As a multi-disciplinary practice we understand how buildings work inside and out, so problem solving is one of our real strengths.
We work with clients who are engaged with how much energy a building uses, in both its construction and use.
Sustainability is important to us. By using environmentally conscious building practices and products, we can help minimise the impact of construction projects on our planet. Sustainable design doesn’t mean a building can’t look good, or that the wow factor has to be sacrificed. Far from it!
We’re a CIAT registered practice.
You can have confidence in our team as we have to adhere to the CIAT code of conduct and are assessed on their professional criteria.
We are also CIBSE accredited low carbon consultants and commercial energy assessors.
This accreditation is assessed annually to ensure we keep up to date with the latest building regulations, legislation and building products.
A DIFFERENT MINDSET
Cityzen is a forward-thinking, ethical design practice committed to low carbon initiatives.
Back in the late 90s, when John was a building services design engineer, he noticed the industry was shifting towards building performance and that this was having an impact on the design process.
Wanting to deliver coordinated design solutions, John retrained in architecture.
Cityzen was then set up in 2010 to offer an alternative to the common practice of considering energy and running costs after an architect has finalised the design.
The practice was co-founded by John Smith MCIAT, a chartered architectural technologist and building services engineer, and Charlotte Smith, a BREEAM assessor and sustainability advisor.
KIND WORDS FROM CLIENTS
People we’ve worked with say we have made their lives easier, be they the QS, PM, contractor or client. We achieve this through provision of the coordinated construction detail needed to price and build a project with confidence. For additional reassurance that we’re the right choice for you, here are a few testimonials. These professionals have employed our services, experienced how we work and witnessed first hand the value we add.
Over the years, Chesterman Homes have used different architects to varying degrees of success; that was until we were introduced to Cityzen. From our initial chat we have been thoroughly impressed by the whole team. Their professionalism and vast knowledge of the industry make them a pleasure to work with and make our lives much, much easier. Their standards of service and quality are always first class and we would highly recommend Cityzen’s services to anyone.Sven Chesters (Managing Partner, Chesterman Homes)
We've always found Cityzen to be proactive, efficient and effective in their service delivery. Their inputs provided confidence about project costs and quality. Communication is positive and solution oriented. We would have no hesitation in recommending Cityzen for similar projects.Lisa Reynolds (Associate, RLF)
We always get great service from Cityzen. The timeliness and quality of documentation provided has been of benefit to our projects; always good quality and detailed.Damian Tow (Co-Founder, Brighton Energy Coop)
I worked with Cityzen in two capacities on a luxury Kensington Penthouse. Architecturally they were the gate keepers of everything decorative, detail and technical. They were organised to the nth degree and showed a real flare for solving design problems. Lighting and switching for a such a residence is no mean feat; I also worked with them to produce a beautiful lighting scheme that will stand the test of time. Great to work with and they produce great results.Lawrence Garwood (Consultant, Beauval Interiors)
This project has met all our targets. It was completed on time, to budget, has improved the experience of our users, and will reduce our carbon footprint and energy costs. It wouldn’t have been possible without Cityzen's help and support.Steve Chapman (Chair, Hanover Community Association)
We are delighted to be working with Cityzen on this pioneering project, a company that is committed to low carbon initiatives and sustainability both in their professional and voluntary activities.James Grugeon (CEO, Environmental Protection UK)
ENGAGING WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
We take our corporate social responsibilities seriously and play an active role within our community:
We are friends of The School of the Environment & Technology at Brighton University, teaching and mentoring students.
We are members of the Brighton Energy Co-op, Brighton's first community-owned energy generator, and provide them with technical assistance.
We provide pro bono advice to several community groups in Brighton & Hove, such as the Hanover Community Centre to help them lower energy use.
