Michael Hanson

BSc(Hons) BArch (Hons) MSc RIBA

Position: Senior Architect

joined gcp: November 1999

qualifications & professional memberships

BSc Hons Architecture - University of Bath
BArch Hons Architecture - University of Bath
RIBA Part III PGDipl in Architectural Practice - De Montfort University (Leicester)
MSc Environmental Design of Buildings - Cardiff University
Energy Assessor for Newly Constructed Dwellings (OCDEA)
ARB Registered Architect
Royal Institute of British Architects Member

background

Michael is a senior architect experienced in leisure, community, education, regeneration and social housing projects for a range of clients including local authorities, housing associations and commercial developers. Michael has worked in a wide range of projects as lead architect, and also in a consultancy role as assessor and expert energy advisor.

For over 10 years, Michael has had particular interest in the issues of conservation and sustainable environmental design, he has undertaken research and energy modelling to help clients optimise design and construction specifications for low energy housing, including researching renewable technology impacts and cost-benefits for clients and occupants. Michael is a qualified SAP & EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) assessor.

As part of his interest in developing a deeper understanding of building physics and energy in buildings, in 2011 Michael completed an MSc in Environmental Design of Buildings at Cardiff University, achieving a distinction. This included research into the impacts of domestic retrofit measures, which was published in his dissertation; “The Risk and Reward of Implementing Zero Carbon Retrofit to UK Dwellings: Studies of Implemented Measures and Analysis of Outcomes.”

experience

As a project lead, Michael has particular experience of running the construction stage of projects, involving the discharge of planning conditions, Building Regulation compliance and detailed design co-ordination.

In recent years Michael has developed particular experience in works to existing buildings. This has included complex conversion and refurbishment of commercial buildings and residential low and high-rise buildings, and work to ‘higher-risk buildings’ as defined by the Building Safety Act. As part of this experience Michael has been responsible for consultation with existing occupiers and management of the complexities of working in occupied buildings and the close coordination this requires.

Recently Michael has worked as a Retrofit Designer supporting several schemes through PAS 2035 processes to reduce building energy demand and support the UK’s obligations to become carbon net zero by 2050.

Michael has completed training to deliver Principal Designer services to meet the requirements of CDM 2015 Health & Safety Regulations.

In 2025 Michael’s work with retrofit was recognised nationally, winning the award of Retrofit Designer of the Year in the Retrofit Academy Awards at Futurebuild.