Emma is Technical Associate for Natural Materials at ASBP, bringing together 15 years of experience in architectural practice and industry with her current research role at the University of Bath. A qualified architect, she is also a Passivhaus Designer and Retrofit Coordinator.
Emma spent much of her career working in leading architectural practices in the UK, where she developed a particular focus on sustainable design, reducing energy demand, using natural materials in construction and creating healthy internal environments, with a particular emphasis on housing.
In 2023, she moved into research at the University of Bath to work on the Transforming Homes research project. Her research focuses on the transformation of interwar housing, collaborating with residents and communities to co-design and co-deliver the retrofit of homes using bio-based and non-extractive materials. This project brings together a technical understanding of buildings and materials with a people-centred approach to retrofit and an understanding of the practical challenges when improving existing homes.
Her combined experience in architectural practice, retrofit and research informs her role at ASBP, where she supports the organisation’s natural materials agenda. Her primary focus is the Natural Fibre Insulation Group (NFIG), as well as contributing to the Lime Group and Natural Paints & Finishes Group.