CCAC Young Designer Award winner, Polly North, joins The Bemrose School in Derby

We are delighted that interior architect Polly North has earned one of CCAC’s Young Designer awards.

Polly’s work is rooted in sustainable building, with a focus on retrofit and renovation. Her practice – LANDE Design Studio – focuses on low tech and natural methods of construction in a bid to lower the carbon footprint associated with the construction sector.

Polly grew up in South Wales, where she was introduced to the discipline of house-building at an early age. Her father built their family farm over the course of seven years, with help from Polly and her three siblings.

“It gave me an understanding of how much energy is required to build and to live in the modern world,” says Polly. “The modern, western world has become accustomed to consumption and excess. I’m interested in distinguishing between what we ‘want’ and what we ‘need’ in a bid to reduce our environmental impact”

LANDE’s first project was underpinned by this ethos – remodelling an old stone building for a Zero Waste shop in Cheshire to increase energy efficiency and create a beautiful space using only salvaged, natural and 100% recycled materials.

Polly also has a background in education. Since graduating from Northumbria University in 2016, she has run workshops across Europe and is now a tutor at Manchester School of Architecture.

“I love teaching at university and I’m really excited to be working with 9 and 10 year olds. Children have a bold imagination that isn’t compromised by concern about what other people might think. This creates a really exciting environment and I’m looking forward to being a part of the education of these future adults.”

Polly will be working with The Bemrose School in Derby on a co-design centred around sustainable building. During their extended 6-week project, the children will learn more about mycelium, an organism which can be used for insulation, acoustic panelling and even bricks, whilst also remaining 100% compostable and carbon positive.

The CCAC Young Designer Award is supported by The Linbury Trust.