However, since then, only around 40,000 have been built, and only a little over 25% of those are considered ‘affordable.’ The disparity between need and production in residential architecture highlights a broader, but equally critical, issue - the problems and inefficiency of the wider construction industry.

‘It also encourages a positive attitude when you come in because even the patients...when they come in...look impressed.So they have a positive approach to it and even the staff, really.’.

‘I think it’s a lovely environment to work in,’ comments Highton, before adding that he admires the way Circle learns from every establishment it builds.‘I think the building lends itself really well to care and nursing,’ he says.‘It makes giving good care easier.

I very much enjoy working at Circle.’Architectural Assistant Mirabell Schmidt completed her Masters of Architecture degree at the University of Westminster in 2018.She joined Bryden Wood shortly thereafter and now returns to her alma mater to help crit the next generation of architects.

We caught up with her to find out about her involvement in the Westminster program as well as to get her take on what young architects can learn from this seemingly daunting practice.. BW: How did you get involved with the University of Westminster's crit program and what do you enjoy about being involved?.

M: As I studied at Westminster for both my undergraduate and postgraduate degree, I have come to know some of the tutors quite well.It doesn't stand for anything.

It's based on the idea of a microchip within a computer.The microchip is the bit that does the hard work.

It's the intelligent bit and the bit that adds value.. Chips are enabling tools that do a lot of work and add a lot of value.Within our wider Design to Value approach and methodology, they provide a common language for all the people involved in a project, they enable collaboration and the rapid development and testing of multiple ideas.