Retrofit First

At [A]SQ. Architecture, we believe architecture has always been about more than creating new structures. It is about shaping environments that last, that inspire, + that respect the world we live in. Today, the challenge before our profession is clear: climate change demands that we rethink how, + why, we build.

The global conversation has moved beyond the idea of making buildings “less harmful.” The real ambition now is net zero – delivering architecture that reduces emissions to the lowest possible levels + offsets the rest. To achieve this, we as an industry must confront a truth that is both simple + radical: the most sustainable building is often the one that already exists.

This is the ethos behind the growing “retrofit first” movement. For too long, progress has been equated with demolition + replacement. Yet reusing + reimagining existing building stock can cut embodied carbon dramatically, conserve cultural heritage, + breathe new life into our cities + communities. Retrofitting is not about compromise; it is about creativity – about transforming what we already have into something that meets the demands of tomorrow.

London is beginning to embrace this approach, and the urgency is evident. Across the UK + worldwide, the pace of retrofitting lags far behind what is needed to meet 2030 climate targets. But this challenge also presents opportunity: the chance for architects to lead with expertise in low-carbon design, adaptive reuse, + innovation that balances environmental responsibility with aesthetic ambition.

At [A]SQ. Architecture, we are determined to be part of this shift. Whether we are working in London, Cyprus, Egypt, or further across the Middle East, our aspiration is the same: to design responsibly, to adapt thoughtfully, + to ensure that our projects contribute positively to the wider climate challenge. We see retrofit not as a limitation, but as an exciting design frontier – one that allows us to combine sustainability with ingenuity, delivering spaces that are both enduring + inspiring.

The future of architecture lies not only in building more, but in building smarter. It is in respecting the resources we already have + unlocking their potential for generations to come. At [A]SQ. Architecture, we are committed to rising to this challenge – because the race to net zero is not just an industry goal. It is a shared responsibility, and one we fully embrace.