FaulknerBrowns’ founding dates back to 1962, established by partners Faulkner-Brown, Hendy, Watkinson, and Stonor in the North East. The practice set out to deliver buildings of national significance and soon gained acknowledgment for its early role in designing landmarks such as the Jesmond Library and Nottingham University Library, for which it was awarded prestigious accolades from both Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Civic Trust.
In 1967, the Economic Development Committee (EDC) for Building carried out a feasibility study, finding there was an urgent need to improve the technical content, language, and arrangement of specifications. The demand for better, more joined-up information around the specification of buildings prompted the RIBA to launch the National Building Specification Limited (NBS) in 1970. The next two years saw NBS seek contributions to the initiative from institutes, federations, associations, and research bodies.
To create a truly representative approach and set of guidelines, tailored to solve real-world industry problems, NBS also sought input from architect practices, including FaulknerBrowns whose founding partner, Stuart Hendy, was closely involved with the formation of the National Building Specification alongside the RIBA.
FaulknerBrowns supplied the drawings and drawing systems used to inform NBS’ first specification documents in 1973, which featured in four printed volumes.
The firm grew, taking on new projects and establishing itself as pioneers in the development of sports building typology, as one of the first practitioners to be using NBS, as early as 1974.
Creating a lasting legacy
FaulknerBrowns’ legacy can be traced throughout the North East of England, in the fabric of some of Newcastle’s most recognisable buildings. Spearheading pioneering design concepts for sports facilities and leisure buildings, the practice was involved in the construction of Europe’s largest dome at Lightfoot Sports Centre. This, alongside technical innovations in playing surface performance, helped establish the firm’s long-held association with sport.
As the practice expanded, its legacy is found in university buildings, civic offices, and even in the creation of a design guide for Newcastle’s network of Metro stations. This knowledge later informed the approach to the refurbishment of stations in London’s Underground system.
NBS, based out of Newcastle’s Grade II listed building the Old Post Office, is proud to support FaulknerBrowns with the specification expertise behind fifty years of building heritage. Chris Elias, Senior Associate and Architect at FaulknerBrowns, commented, “As legislation and design processes become more complex, NBS has consistently helped us to deliver better, more efficient, and more joined-up ways of thinking about design. From the start as a founding partner in the National Building Specification initiative, our visions have aligned in upholding the highest standards for design quality.
“We’re excited to be working to integrate NBS with our existing BIM software and processes on more projects, making coordination even smoother.”
Tackling sustainable building
NBS has long been an advocate for greener construction, ensuring architects and other construction professionals can use its platform to make sustainable choices and significantly lower the long-term environmental impact of building projects.
Chris Elias continued, “As designers, the biggest contribution we can make to the environment is through the buildings and places we create. We’re always challenging ourselves, our clients, and our collaborators to question conventionality and work to improve the performance and impact of our buildings.
“Increasingly, we measure and assess the carbon impact of design decisions, and NBS helps us to ensure the quality of workmanship and materials needed to meet our ambitious carbon reduction targets.
“We’re looking forward to the next fifty years of being at the forefront of building design innovation, facing new challenges with NBS.” 2023 sees NBS celebrate the 50th anniversary of its first specification publications, commemorating half a century of delivering connected construction information.
