Like others this year, our team adapted quickly to the extraordinary impact of the global pandemic. As a result, we still managed to run many of our workshops, seminars and awards events, including the publication of our Carbon Conscious Places report, the 2020 A&DS/RIAS Student Awards, our range of advice work and the support we provide to our many and varied networks. I am grateful to every one of the team for their efforts and to our Board for their support throughout. I also want to thank our partners across the country - from your generous contributions to the development of our new strategy to the many shared endeavours you worked with us to deliver, it has been a privilege to work with each of you.
So, as we draw towards the end of a year like no other, I find myself reflecting on how extraordinarily resilient people are and how despite everything, a spirit of collaboration has thrived amidst the challenges. In 2020, the places where we live took on new meaning and, as our horizons shrank during lockdown, our appreciation of the importance of our places grew. Looking forward, this provides an opportunity to renew our collective commitment to working together to create great places.
On behalf of all the team at A&DS and our Board, let me take this opportunity to thank you again for your support in 2020 and to wish you all the best for the festive season and the year ahead.
Jim MacDonald, Chief Executive
PS - In this newsletter we have included an introduction to a place based approach to housing and some examples of offsite construction to inspire us ahead of 2021.