013 - From Constraints to Creativity - the Joy of Delivering Retrofit with Orbit Architects

In this episode of Talking Place, host Tanisha Raffiuddin sits down with Philip Atkinson and Llinos Hughes from Orbit Architects to explore the real-world impact (and joy!) of transforming existing buildings.Together, they explore how creative design thrives not despite, but because of, constraints, and why retrofit is a necessity for shaping the future of our cities.Philip and Llinos share Orbit’s nearly exclusive focus on transforming existing buildings - working across hospitality, workplace, student accommodation, and residential sectors. With over 20 years in practice, they reflect on how adapting and reimagining old structures leads to more sustainable, context-aware, and community-rooted design.Discover:Why people, not form, are at the heart of every successful placeHow Orbit champions retrofit-first thinking - from heritage restoration to creative reuse of space to unlock valueWhy constraints breed creativity and challenge architects to think deeperThe stories behind retrofit projects such as 68 King William Street and The BoTree HotelHow Orbit built a diverse and collaborative studio culture - organicallyOrbit’s work champions local material reuse, low-carbon strategies, and community-first design, demonstrating that retrofit isn’t just about compromise; it’s a creative act. 🔹 Join us as we ‘talk place’.Sign up for the Talking Place newsletter here:https://mailchi.mp/conceptculture/newslettersignupTo learn more about Orbit – visit here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orbit-architects/Website:https://www.orbitarchitects.com/Twitter: @orbitarchitectsInstagram: @orbitarchitectsTo learn more about Tanisha – visit here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tanishaa Website: www.conceptculture.co Twitter: @tanisha.rr Instagram: @tanisha.rrTo learn more about Talking Place – visit here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/talking-place-podcast Website: https://www.conceptculture.co/talking-place-podcast Instagram: @talkingplacepodcast X (Twitter): @tppodcast_ Bluesky: @talkingplace TikTok: @talkingplacepodcastTo learn more about Concept Culture – visit here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/concept-culture-uk Website: www.conceptculture.co Twitter: @_conceptculture Instagram: @_conceptcultureSupport the showTo learn more about host Tanisha Raffiuddin:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tanisharaffiuddin/Website: www.conceptculture.coInstagram: @tanisha.rrTo learn more about Talking Place:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/talking-place-podcastWebsite: www.conceptculture.co/talking-place-podcastInstagram: @talkingplacepodcastBluesky: @talkingplaceTikTok: @talkingplacepodcastTo learn more about Concept Culture:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/concept-culture-ukWebsite: www.conceptculture.coSign Up to Our Newsletter — mailchi.mp/conceptculture/newslettersignup