All articles by Andrew Mellor
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OpinionSeven years after Grenfell: We have come a long way, but there is still a huge amount to do
Andrew Mellor reflects on the Grenfell Inquiry’s demand for radical reforms. The message is clear: urgent action is needed to protect lives
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OpinionHow the new Approved Document T addresses the contentious issue of single-sex toilets
New regulations mandate single-sex toilet provisions in workplaces and public buildings, writes Andrew Mellor
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OpinionHow the latest HSE guidance on Mandatory Occurrence Reporting affects Principal Dutyholders
Andrew Mellor provides another essential update on the constantly evolving regulatory environment
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OpinionIt’s probably going to take a year for industry to get familiar with the new Building Safety Act regime
Industry has been working hard to get up to speed with the new regulations, but there’s still much to learn, writes Andrew Mellor
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OpinionA Principal Designer and Contractor become a legal requirement from October, but are architects and clients ready?
With just weeks until new legislation comes into effect, architects and clients are scrambling to get ready, writes Andrew Mellor
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OpinionSix years on from Grenfell and real change is happening. Don’t leave it too late to get up to speed
The pace of reforms since Grenfell has been frustratingly slow, but real change is being delivered, writes Andrew Mellor
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OpinionWe urgently need Principal Designers. Are architects ready to step up?
With significant risks and liabilities, and little time to train, will architects be willing or ready to take on the role, asks Andew Mellor
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OpinionWe cannot keep using materials at this rate - it’s time to act
To secure a liveable future we need to develop our understanding of materials and identify more opportunities for their reuse, writes Andrew Mellor of PRP
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OpinionWe might not be at risk from earthquakes, but structural failure should still be high on our agenda
The tragic scenes from Syria and Turkey remind us that structural failure can be a greater risk than fire, writes Andrew Mellor
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OpinionMore clarity on second staircases is welcome, but constant change creates risk and uncertainty
The latest changes to Approved Document B are becoming clearer, writes Andrew Mellor
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OpinionThe new Principal Designer role is going to require upskilling
We have more clarity on the Principal Designer role but not on how they will be trained. This is likely to create barriers to delivery, writes Andrew Mellor
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OpinionThe new building control regime is going to impact programmes and costs
Single stage approvals processes and more design information up front will extend programmes and drive up costs, writes Andrew Mellor
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OpinionThe implications of the Building Safety Act are becoming clearer
The processes around the new act and the associated secondary legislation are now largely finalised, writes Andrew Mellor
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OpinionBrace yourselves for the next wave of fire and safety regulation
Several new pieces of legislation are coming in response to Grenfell and many architects are having to run to catch up, writes Andrew Mellor
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OpinionThe risks of overheating are real – and we must take them very seriously
New regulations may be on their way but the buildings we design and develop should limit and mitigate solar gain right now, writes Andrew Mellor
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OpinionAdopting Part Z is just the first step
Product manufacturers, warranty providers and contractors have an essential role in helping architects design truly net zero buildings, writes Andrew Mellor
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OpinionGove makes progress on building safety – but many questions remain
The implications of this week’s announcements and their impact on the industry and leaseholders will only become apparent in the coming months, writes Andrew Mellor
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OpinionDesign teams could be on hook for retrospective leaseholder claims
The Building Safety Bill will allow safety claims for buildings dating from 1992, writes Andrew Mellor
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OpinionHeat and Buildings Strategy requires major commitment. Let’s hope it works
Property owners are advised to take a holistic approach to the retrofit of their buildings to meet future needs and emissions targets, writes Andrew Mellor
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OpinionWatch out for more changes as Building Safety Bill makes progress
The coming months are going to be challenging for anyone with an interest in building safety and regulation. We must be alert to more rapidly changing legislation and guidance, writes Andrew Mellor