ABOUT US
OUR CODE OF CONDUCT
We’re a goal-led practice.
We focus on truly understanding and responding to your needs, to design and deliver spaces that delight.
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 don’t design buildings that can’t be built!
Planning consent, building regulations or budget can prevent a stunning ‘concept’ design from being realised (especially when it comes to heritage or listed buildings and conservation areas). So we combine imagination with science and pragmatism.
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.
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.
ENGAGING WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
We take our corporate social responsibilities seriously and play an active role within our community:
We provide pro bono advice to several community groups in Brighton & Hove, such as the Hanover Community Centre to help them lower energy use.
We are members of the Brighton Energy Co-op, Brighton's first community-owned energy generator, and provide them with technical assistance.
We are friends of The School of the Environment & Technology at Brighton University, teaching and mentoring students.
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 (MD & Creative Director)
Cityzen provided full architectural and technical services when extending our house. All work was to the highest standard, and Cityzen's expertise on modern and efficient building practices has saved us tens of thousands. In addition to this, they also provided assistance and advice, which allowed us to successfully gain planning permission without going through the expensive appeal process. We are looking forward to working with them on our next project.H. Cairns (Residential client)
We’ve worked with Cityzen on several projects and have always found them to be proactive, efficient and effective in their service delivery. Their inputs provided the client with confidence about project costs and quality. Communication is always positive and solution oriented. We would have no hesitation in recommending the Cityzen team for similar projects.Lisa Reynolds (Associate, RLF)
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)
Throughout the consultation and planning Cityzen turned what could have been a stressful renovation project into an informative and personable experience. We cannot recommend them highly enough.Mr & Mrs Sheppard (Residential client)
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)
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.D. Tow (Director, Brighton Energy Coop)
You lot are just brilliant! The ideas are fantastic!!K.G. (Residential client)
