Business Details
Sustainable Architecture & Climate-Responsive Design
Procter-Rihl is a multidisciplinary architectural practice specialising in climate-responsive and culturally sensitive design across retrofit and new construction projects. With expertise in residential and urban-scale developments, we combine technical innovation with heritage conservation to deliver award-winning solutions. Our work addresses the Climate Emergency through renewable electrification strategies, including heat pump integration and Passivhaus-standard energy modelling. Recognised with RIBA Awards and international accolades, we have pioneered research on heritage retrofit methodologies, including the Climate Emergency Conservation Area Toolkit adopted by Islington Council.Our team brings decades of experience from leading architectural institutions and practices, blending academic rigor with practical implementation. We prioritise sustainable material innovation, exemplified by our vacuum glazing research for heritage sash windows. Through publications and design-led advocacy, we contribute to evolving industry standards for low-carbon architecture.
Services
Heritage Retrofit
Climate Emergency Design
Passivhaus Modelling
Urban Parklets
Conservation Area Audits
Heat Pump Integration
Vacuum Glazing Solutions
Architectural Research
Award-Winning Design
International Projects
Highlights and features
- Pioneers in Climate Emergency retrofit methodologies
- Developed Islington Council's 2025 Retrofit Handbook
- RIBA Award-winning design expertise
- Specialists in heritage conservation with listed building experience
- Passivhaus-standard energy performance modelling capabilities
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
Services
Heritage Retrofit
Specialist retrofitting for heritage properties maintains architectural integrity while improving energy efficiency. Our methodology upgrades insulation standards in historic UK housing stock without compromising conservation requirements. We employ advanced vacuum glazing technology and thermal analysis to achieve sustainable solutions for listed buildings and conservation areas.
Climate Emergency Design
Climate-responsive architecture integrates renewable energy systems and passive design principles. We implement heat pump technology and solar arrays while using Passivhaus PHPP software for energy performance modelling. Our approach balances carbon reduction targets with functional design requirements across new builds and retrofit projects.
Urban Parklets
Innovative urban interventions create functional public spaces within constrained environments. Our designs combine bold architectural forms with landscape integration to enhance urban microclimates. Projects include pedestrian roundabouts and modular pavilions that address both aesthetic and practical urban challenges.
Research Publications
Original research contributes to industry best practices through detailed technical studies. We publish comprehensive guides on vacuum glazing applications and conservation area retrofit strategies. Our Climate Emergency Toolkit provides actionable data for policymakers and practitioners implementing large-scale retrofit programmes.
International Projects
Cross-border expertise delivers context-sensitive solutions for diverse climates and cultural contexts. From London conservation areas to Vermont residential projects, we adapt climate strategies while maintaining design integrity. Our portfolio demonstrates successful implementation of UK sustainability standards in international settings.
People
Christopher Procter
Director
Architectural Association-trained director with 25+ years' experience in sustainable design. Developed Islington's Climate Emergency Retrofit Toolkit and pioneered vacuum glazing research. Lecturer at Chelsea College of Art and former Royal College of Art technology programme leader.
Dr Fernando Rihl
Director
Architectural Association and UFRGS-qualified director with PhD in daylighting studies. Former art director for film/TV sets and lead designer for Brazilian commercial projects. Co-led Royal College of Art design studios and contributes to international architectural discourse.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We focus on climate-responsive retrofitting, heritage conservation, urban design, and sustainable new builds using Passivhaus standards.
Do you work on listed buildings?
Yes, we have extensive experience with Grade II listed properties and conservation area projects, including Islington's award-winning Slice House.
What sustainability certifications do you have?
We use RIBA Award-winning methodologies and Passivhaus PHPP software for energy modelling in all our climate emergency projects.
Can you help with planning appeals?
Yes, we have successfully secured planning permissions for complex retrofit and new build projects in conservation areas.
Do you publish architectural research?
Yes, we regularly publish technical guides including the Climate Emergency Conservation Area Toolkit and vacuum glazing studies.
Are your designs internationally applicable?
Our TransLocal approach adapts successfully to diverse contexts, as demonstrated by projects in London, Vermont, and Brazil.
