People : Ben Slee

Ben has worked on a remarkably diverse range of projects from cutting edge contemporary design, engineering and manufacture to the repair of 12th century stonework on Southwark Cathedral in the heart of London; from high-rise offices for corporate giants to community groups in England and Uganda.

Ben started his career working with Atelier One, Richard Griffiths Architects and Arup Associates before spending seven years as a project architect with FCB Studios. The practice founded its reputation on energy efficient, innovative, research based sustainable design. In 2003 the practice was the first, and to date only architectural firm to receive the Queens Award for Innovation. At FCB he was responsible for Formby Pool which won the Gold Award in the 2007 Wood Awards. Described by the judges as “transcendental in its calmness and simplicity” this project aimed to stretch the bounds of what can be achieved in timber construction structurally and environmentally.

In 2007 Ben went to Uganda where he worked on the design and construction of two secondary schools for the Richard Feilden Foundation. Ben then moved to Australia where he worked as a project manager for a construction company before setting up Slee & Co Design Studio. Ben is leading two research projects into energy efficient construction and thermal comfort. Ben teaches at various schools of architecture and lectures internationally on subjects related to his research.

Through this diverse experience, Ben has developed a considerable understanding of the different ways high quality design can be procured and constructed and a keen interest in finding more effective, efficient and enjoyable ways for the client, construction contractors and designers to engagewith each other in order to build the most amazing buildings.

Ben Slee is a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architectural Science Association (ASA).