• Exclusive: Herzog and de Meuron working on all-new rival Liverpool Street plans

    The Swiss architects first submitted controversial plans to overhaul the Grade II-listed terminus in the City of London in May 2023 on behalf of Sellar and Network Rail. Now the AJ understands the practice is drawing up a rival scheme, separate to its original proposal, which is effectively a third but as yet unseen design for the station and a development above it.
    ACME, on behalf of Network Rail, submitted its own proposals in April after Network Rail appointed the Shoreditch practice to draw up plans last year.
    This put the brakes on Herzog & de Meuron’s 2023 scheme, which had been updated with amendments in 2024 in response to criticism over heritage harm – though the application was never withdrawn and remains live on the City of London’s planning portal.Advertisement

    According to sources, Herzog & de Meuron – still with Sellar’s backing – is actively working on a fresh scheme with ‘much less demolition’, which could rival ACME’s plans as well as its own 2023 scheme.
    SAVE Britain’s Heritage, which the AJ understands is among several bodies to have been consulted on the ‘third’ scheme for Liverpool Street station, told the AJ: ‘There are now potentially three live schemes for the same site.
    ‘However, what is interesting about Sellar’s latest proposal is that it involves much less demolition of the station. Network Rail and their current favoured architect, ACME, would do well to take note.’
    Historic England, which strongly opposed the original Herzog & de Meuron scheme, is understood to have been shown the Swiss architects’ latest proposals in March. The heritage body’s official response to the ACME scheme has not yet been made public.
    A spokesperson for the government’s heritage watchdog told the AJ of the emerging third proposal: ‘We have seen a revised scheme designed by Herzog & de Meuron, but it has not been submitted as a formal proposal and we have not provided advice on it.’Advertisement

    The C20 Society added that it ‘can confirm that it has been in pre-app consultation with both ACME and Herzog & de Meuron regarding the various schemes in development for Liverpool Street Station’.
    The body, which campaigns to protect 20th century buildings, added: ‘We will provide a full statement once all plans have been scrutinised.’
    In November, the Tate Modern architects appeared to be off the job following the appointment by Network Rail of Shoreditch-based ACME, which came up with an alternative scheme featuring slightly smaller office towers as part of the planned above-station development.
    The ACME plan for Liverpool Street includes an above-station office development that would rise to 18 storeys, with balcony spaces on the 10th to 17th storeys and outdoor garden terraces from the 14th to 17th storeys. These proposals are marginally shorter than Herzog & de Meuron’s original 15 and 21-storey designs.
    However, despite these changes, ACME and Network Rail’s scheme has recently seen criticism by the Victorian Society, which told the AJ last month that it would object to the ACME scheme, claiming the above-station development ‘would be hugely damaging to Liverpool Street Station and the wider historic environment of the City of London’.
    In September last year, Sellar confirmed that that Herzog & de Meuron was working on an amended proposal, as the AJ revealed at the time. However, it is unclear if the latest, third option is related to that work.
    While both applications introduce more escalators down to platform level and accessibility improvements, the Herzog & de Meuron scheme proved controversial because of planned changes to the inside of the Grade II*-listed former Great Eastern Hotel building above the concourse, which would have seen the hotel relocate to new-build elements.
    The Swiss architect’s original proposals would have also removed much of the 1992 additions to the concourse by British Rail’s last chief architect, Nick Derbyshire – which had not been included in the original 1975 listing for Liverpool Street station. Historic England listed that part of the station in late 2022 after a first consultation on the Herzog & de Meuron plans.
    Network Rail told the AJ that it remains ‘fully committed’ to the ACME plan, which was validated only last month.
    Herzog & de Meuron referred the AJ to Sellar for comment.
    Sellar declined to comment.
    ACME has been approached for comment.
    #exclusive #herzog #meuron #working #allnew
    Exclusive: Herzog and de Meuron working on all-new rival Liverpool Street plans
    The Swiss architects first submitted controversial plans to overhaul the Grade II-listed terminus in the City of London in May 2023 on behalf of Sellar and Network Rail. Now the AJ understands the practice is drawing up a rival scheme, separate to its original proposal, which is effectively a third but as yet unseen design for the station and a development above it. ACME, on behalf of Network Rail, submitted its own proposals in April after Network Rail appointed the Shoreditch practice to draw up plans last year. This put the brakes on Herzog & de Meuron’s 2023 scheme, which had been updated with amendments in 2024 in response to criticism over heritage harm – though the application was never withdrawn and remains live on the City of London’s planning portal.Advertisement According to sources, Herzog & de Meuron – still with Sellar’s backing – is actively working on a fresh scheme with ‘much less demolition’, which could rival ACME’s plans as well as its own 2023 scheme. SAVE Britain’s Heritage, which the AJ understands is among several bodies to have been consulted on the ‘third’ scheme for Liverpool Street station, told the AJ: ‘There are now potentially three live schemes for the same site. ‘However, what is interesting about Sellar’s latest proposal is that it involves much less demolition of the station. Network Rail and their current favoured architect, ACME, would do well to take note.’ Historic England, which strongly opposed the original Herzog & de Meuron scheme, is understood to have been shown the Swiss architects’ latest proposals in March. The heritage body’s official response to the ACME scheme has not yet been made public. A spokesperson for the government’s heritage watchdog told the AJ of the emerging third proposal: ‘We have seen a revised scheme designed by Herzog & de Meuron, but it has not been submitted as a formal proposal and we have not provided advice on it.’Advertisement The C20 Society added that it ‘can confirm that it has been in pre-app consultation with both ACME and Herzog & de Meuron regarding the various schemes in development for Liverpool Street Station’. The body, which campaigns to protect 20th century buildings, added: ‘We will provide a full statement once all plans have been scrutinised.’ In November, the Tate Modern architects appeared to be off the job following the appointment by Network Rail of Shoreditch-based ACME, which came up with an alternative scheme featuring slightly smaller office towers as part of the planned above-station development. The ACME plan for Liverpool Street includes an above-station office development that would rise to 18 storeys, with balcony spaces on the 10th to 17th storeys and outdoor garden terraces from the 14th to 17th storeys. These proposals are marginally shorter than Herzog & de Meuron’s original 15 and 21-storey designs. However, despite these changes, ACME and Network Rail’s scheme has recently seen criticism by the Victorian Society, which told the AJ last month that it would object to the ACME scheme, claiming the above-station development ‘would be hugely damaging to Liverpool Street Station and the wider historic environment of the City of London’. In September last year, Sellar confirmed that that Herzog & de Meuron was working on an amended proposal, as the AJ revealed at the time. However, it is unclear if the latest, third option is related to that work. While both applications introduce more escalators down to platform level and accessibility improvements, the Herzog & de Meuron scheme proved controversial because of planned changes to the inside of the Grade II*-listed former Great Eastern Hotel building above the concourse, which would have seen the hotel relocate to new-build elements. The Swiss architect’s original proposals would have also removed much of the 1992 additions to the concourse by British Rail’s last chief architect, Nick Derbyshire – which had not been included in the original 1975 listing for Liverpool Street station. Historic England listed that part of the station in late 2022 after a first consultation on the Herzog & de Meuron plans. Network Rail told the AJ that it remains ‘fully committed’ to the ACME plan, which was validated only last month. Herzog & de Meuron referred the AJ to Sellar for comment. Sellar declined to comment. ACME has been approached for comment. #exclusive #herzog #meuron #working #allnew
    WWW.ARCHITECTSJOURNAL.CO.UK
    Exclusive: Herzog and de Meuron working on all-new rival Liverpool Street plans
    The Swiss architects first submitted controversial plans to overhaul the Grade II-listed terminus in the City of London in May 2023 on behalf of Sellar and Network Rail. Now the AJ understands the practice is drawing up a rival scheme, separate to its original proposal, which is effectively a third but as yet unseen design for the station and a development above it. ACME, on behalf of Network Rail, submitted its own proposals in April after Network Rail appointed the Shoreditch practice to draw up plans last year. This put the brakes on Herzog & de Meuron’s 2023 scheme, which had been updated with amendments in 2024 in response to criticism over heritage harm – though the application was never withdrawn and remains live on the City of London’s planning portal.Advertisement According to sources, Herzog & de Meuron – still with Sellar’s backing – is actively working on a fresh scheme with ‘much less demolition’, which could rival ACME’s plans as well as its own 2023 scheme. SAVE Britain’s Heritage, which the AJ understands is among several bodies to have been consulted on the ‘third’ scheme for Liverpool Street station, told the AJ: ‘There are now potentially three live schemes for the same site. ‘However, what is interesting about Sellar’s latest proposal is that it involves much less demolition of the station. Network Rail and their current favoured architect, ACME, would do well to take note.’ Historic England, which strongly opposed the original Herzog & de Meuron scheme, is understood to have been shown the Swiss architects’ latest proposals in March. The heritage body’s official response to the ACME scheme has not yet been made public. A spokesperson for the government’s heritage watchdog told the AJ of the emerging third proposal: ‘We have seen a revised scheme designed by Herzog & de Meuron, but it has not been submitted as a formal proposal and we have not provided advice on it.’Advertisement The C20 Society added that it ‘can confirm that it has been in pre-app consultation with both ACME and Herzog & de Meuron regarding the various schemes in development for Liverpool Street Station’. The body, which campaigns to protect 20th century buildings, added: ‘We will provide a full statement once all plans have been scrutinised.’ In November, the Tate Modern architects appeared to be off the job following the appointment by Network Rail of Shoreditch-based ACME, which came up with an alternative scheme featuring slightly smaller office towers as part of the planned above-station development. The ACME plan for Liverpool Street includes an above-station office development that would rise to 18 storeys, with balcony spaces on the 10th to 17th storeys and outdoor garden terraces from the 14th to 17th storeys. These proposals are marginally shorter than Herzog & de Meuron’s original 15 and 21-storey designs. However, despite these changes, ACME and Network Rail’s scheme has recently seen criticism by the Victorian Society, which told the AJ last month that it would object to the ACME scheme, claiming the above-station development ‘would be hugely damaging to Liverpool Street Station and the wider historic environment of the City of London’. In September last year, Sellar confirmed that that Herzog & de Meuron was working on an amended proposal, as the AJ revealed at the time. However, it is unclear if the latest, third option is related to that work. While both applications introduce more escalators down to platform level and accessibility improvements, the Herzog & de Meuron scheme proved controversial because of planned changes to the inside of the Grade II*-listed former Great Eastern Hotel building above the concourse, which would have seen the hotel relocate to new-build elements. The Swiss architect’s original proposals would have also removed much of the 1992 additions to the concourse by British Rail’s last chief architect, Nick Derbyshire – which had not been included in the original 1975 listing for Liverpool Street station. Historic England listed that part of the station in late 2022 after a first consultation on the Herzog & de Meuron plans. Network Rail told the AJ that it remains ‘fully committed’ to the ACME plan, which was validated only last month. Herzog & de Meuron referred the AJ to Sellar for comment. Sellar declined to comment. ACME has been approached for comment.
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  • After the flood: Malecón de Villahermosa in Villahermosa, Mexico, by Taller Mauricio Rocha, TaAU and Alejandro Castro

    With reclaimed land previously allocated to cars, the Grijalva River boardwalk offers generous public spaces and reconnects the Mexican city of Villahermosa to its river
    In Villahermosa, nature reigns supreme. Surrounded by rivers, lagoons, wild vegetation and the scorching heat of a humid tropical climate, the city’s identity is shaped by intense and unpredictable natural forces. The capital of the Mexican state of Tabasco was founded in 1564 on the banks of the Grijalva River, a vital trade route that has significantly shaped the city’s development. For locals, the river has long been both blessing and threat; major floods have been recorded since the 17th century. A devastating flood in 2007 submerged what officials estimated to be 80 per cent of the city, damaging or destroying more than 120,000 homes.
    In the aftermath of the inundation, high concrete retaining walls were built along both banks of the Grijalva River to prevent further flooding. While this was an understandable measure at first glance, it consequently caused residents to lose both their visual and physical connection with the river. As a result, people moved, particularly from the western bank where the historical centre is located, to new areas further away from the Grijalva River. The riverfront was left to deteriorate into a troubled zone. On the eastern bank, the neighbourhood of Gaviotas was already considered unsafe before the flood, yet it maintained more of its residential character.
    In 2022, 15 years after the dramatic flood, then‑president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, more commonly known as AMLO, announced the construction of a new 6km‑long riverfront promenade in Villahermosa, the capital of his home state. The idea was to enable the population to once again take pride in and live with their river, looking to Paris and Rome as examples. The monumental task, with its large urban scale and the population’s psychological trauma, was entrusted to the Ministry of Agricultural, Territorial and Urban Developmentas part of their Programa de Mejoramiento Urbano. This programme aimed to use architecture as an ‘instrument of social transformation’. High expectations were placed on these projects; architects were asked to create ‘places of national pride’ while improving everyday living conditions.
    The architectural trio of Alejandro Castro Jiménez Labora, Mauricio Rocha Iturbide, and Óscar Rodríguez Castañeda, along with their teams, were commissioned to design a linear park along both banks of the Grijalva. Each architect contributed their strength: Castro brought his expertise in poetic urban furniture; Rocha his sensitive and atmospheric architectural approach; and Rodríguez his thoughtful urban and traffic planning skills. The SEDATU team provided technical and participatory expertise, enabling contextual sensitivity by sharing essential information about the site’s topography, soil conditions and water flows.
    From the city’s existing observatory, the Torre del Caballero landmark, visitors enjoy an excellent view over the redesigned riverbanks. The historical centre and the Gaviotas neighbourhood now form a single ensemble, while the intervention carefully responds to the different conditions found along the length of the river. The project’s main objective is to reclaim some of the land previously allocated to cars and create a promenade for pedestrians and slower vehicles, punctuated with public spaces and facilities. On both sides of the river, cars are now limited to just one or two grey asphalt lanes. Running alongside are generous cycle paths and pedestrian walkways made of earth‑coloured concrete. Speed bumps in the same material and colour connect the pavements on either side of the road while helping to limit traffic speed to 30km/h, further enhancing pedestrian safety.
    Several design elements are found along almost the entire promenade. A ribbon of light‑grey benches delineates the edge of the elevated riverfront; stone walls, steps and ramps are used to negotiate the slight changes in level; planters and lush vegetation soften the transition to the walkways, creating a welcome buffer from street traffic. The most visually striking components are the tall, red‑pigmented concrete light poles on the elevated path, adorned with elegant L‑shaped steel light fixtures, which establish a strong and cohesive visual rhythm.
    Only upon closer inspection you notice the 2007 retaining walls peeking through the dense tropical vegetation. Removing these unattractive concrete barriers was never an option; they stand as a symbol of successful flood protection for the local population. The architectural team ingeniously built the elevated promenade atop the existing wall – an effective concealment from the street side while simultaneously inviting residents to reconnect with the Grijalva. 
    At the foot of the observatory, directly below the retaining wall, the earth‑toned concrete platforms of the Carlos A Madrazo Becerra Park stretch towards the river. Visitors can access the park via a ramp from the promenade on the western bank or by ferry from the opposite side. In the park, concrete furnishings invite visitors to linger among tropical vegetation set against tall natural stone walls. Importantly, it is a space that is durable and requires minimal maintenance – a survival formula for public parks in the Mexican context. Small traces on the concrete benches reveal that the park weathered its baptism of fire last year: the design accommodates the river’s natural dynamics, adapting to fluctuating water levels without compromising public safety. Beyond providing much‑needed shade, the extensive planting of native, low‑maintenance plants on both riverbanks has improved soil stability.
    Above the park, on a broad extension of the elevated pathway, stand three long, elegant buildings with large cantilevered roofs supported by hefty beams resting on distinctive double columns. The tall glass walls that enclose the interiors are set back, creating a visual flow between interior and exterior spaces. While the beams evoke timber construction, they – like the columns – are made of the same pigmented concrete used for the promenade paving. Despite their refined composition, these structures have remained largely unused since their completion over a year ago, neither serving their intended function as restaurants nor hosting alternative uses. Even the beautifully designed park sees only limited public engagement. The ambitious goal of SEDATU with the PMU projects to ‘counteract violence and strengthen the social fabric’ appears, for now, to have fallen short in this area. According to national statistics, Villahermosa ranks first in perceived insecurity among Mexican cities. This sense of insecurity is tangible on the promenade by the city centre, where buildings that look abandoned contribute to an atmosphere of neglect.
    The situation is markedly different on the opposite riverbank, in the Gaviotas neighbourhood. Construction of the 3.5km promenade on this side began in 2021 with three open pavilions housing several small kiosks, which quickly evolved into popular taco stands. The Plaza Solidaridad, revitalised by the architectural trio, draws people from the surrounding vibrant neighbourhood. Further south, the final section that was built is a large sports area and children’s playground, which were embraced by the local community even before their official inauguration in February 2024. Especially after sunset, when the air cools, the well‑lit Gaviotas riverfront comes to life. During daylight hours, however, air‑conditioned shopping centres remain the preferred gathering places for the residents of Villahermosa.
    Rocha describes the city’s new promenade as a ‘jazz composition’, a striking metaphor that speaks of rhythmic complexity and the freedom to improvise. With just a few designed elements and carefully selected colours, the architects have harmoniously layered the river’s urban spaces. The project is earning international recognition but, in Mexico, it faced sharp criticism and was overshadowed by accusations of nepotism. Castro is a friend of AMLO’s son, and the fact that the intervention took place in the home state of the then‑president, coupled with its substantial budget by local standards, drew considerable attention. According to residents, this undermined public acceptance. When asked about the negative press, Rocha speaks of the need to develop a ‘crisis muscle’; he says architects working on public projects in Mexico must ‘let go of perfectionism’ as much lies beyond their control. 
    During AMLO’s six‑year term, which ended in 2024, SEDATU implemented 1,300 PMU projects in 193 highly marginalised municipalities across the country. While many of these interventions undoubtedly improved people’s quality of life, the Villahermosa riverside project also reveals architecture’s limitations, exposing some of the programme’s weaknesses: architectural interventions often act as sticking plasters on an extensively damaged urban fabric. They are handed over from a national ministry with comprehensive expertise and funding to local governments lacking the means to sustain them. Although SEDATU conducted participatory consultations during the project’s implementation, this engagement was absent once the project was completed. Public acceptance and appropriation can take time; what this project does is send an invitation out.

    2025-06-05
    Reuben J Brown

    Share

    AR June 2025RoadsBuy Now
    #after #flood #malecón #villahermosa #mexico
    After the flood: Malecón de Villahermosa in Villahermosa, Mexico, by Taller Mauricio Rocha, TaAU and Alejandro Castro
    With reclaimed land previously allocated to cars, the Grijalva River boardwalk offers generous public spaces and reconnects the Mexican city of Villahermosa to its river In Villahermosa, nature reigns supreme. Surrounded by rivers, lagoons, wild vegetation and the scorching heat of a humid tropical climate, the city’s identity is shaped by intense and unpredictable natural forces. The capital of the Mexican state of Tabasco was founded in 1564 on the banks of the Grijalva River, a vital trade route that has significantly shaped the city’s development. For locals, the river has long been both blessing and threat; major floods have been recorded since the 17th century. A devastating flood in 2007 submerged what officials estimated to be 80 per cent of the city, damaging or destroying more than 120,000 homes. In the aftermath of the inundation, high concrete retaining walls were built along both banks of the Grijalva River to prevent further flooding. While this was an understandable measure at first glance, it consequently caused residents to lose both their visual and physical connection with the river. As a result, people moved, particularly from the western bank where the historical centre is located, to new areas further away from the Grijalva River. The riverfront was left to deteriorate into a troubled zone. On the eastern bank, the neighbourhood of Gaviotas was already considered unsafe before the flood, yet it maintained more of its residential character. In 2022, 15 years after the dramatic flood, then‑president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, more commonly known as AMLO, announced the construction of a new 6km‑long riverfront promenade in Villahermosa, the capital of his home state. The idea was to enable the population to once again take pride in and live with their river, looking to Paris and Rome as examples. The monumental task, with its large urban scale and the population’s psychological trauma, was entrusted to the Ministry of Agricultural, Territorial and Urban Developmentas part of their Programa de Mejoramiento Urbano. This programme aimed to use architecture as an ‘instrument of social transformation’. High expectations were placed on these projects; architects were asked to create ‘places of national pride’ while improving everyday living conditions. The architectural trio of Alejandro Castro Jiménez Labora, Mauricio Rocha Iturbide, and Óscar Rodríguez Castañeda, along with their teams, were commissioned to design a linear park along both banks of the Grijalva. Each architect contributed their strength: Castro brought his expertise in poetic urban furniture; Rocha his sensitive and atmospheric architectural approach; and Rodríguez his thoughtful urban and traffic planning skills. The SEDATU team provided technical and participatory expertise, enabling contextual sensitivity by sharing essential information about the site’s topography, soil conditions and water flows. From the city’s existing observatory, the Torre del Caballero landmark, visitors enjoy an excellent view over the redesigned riverbanks. The historical centre and the Gaviotas neighbourhood now form a single ensemble, while the intervention carefully responds to the different conditions found along the length of the river. The project’s main objective is to reclaim some of the land previously allocated to cars and create a promenade for pedestrians and slower vehicles, punctuated with public spaces and facilities. On both sides of the river, cars are now limited to just one or two grey asphalt lanes. Running alongside are generous cycle paths and pedestrian walkways made of earth‑coloured concrete. Speed bumps in the same material and colour connect the pavements on either side of the road while helping to limit traffic speed to 30km/h, further enhancing pedestrian safety. Several design elements are found along almost the entire promenade. A ribbon of light‑grey benches delineates the edge of the elevated riverfront; stone walls, steps and ramps are used to negotiate the slight changes in level; planters and lush vegetation soften the transition to the walkways, creating a welcome buffer from street traffic. The most visually striking components are the tall, red‑pigmented concrete light poles on the elevated path, adorned with elegant L‑shaped steel light fixtures, which establish a strong and cohesive visual rhythm. Only upon closer inspection you notice the 2007 retaining walls peeking through the dense tropical vegetation. Removing these unattractive concrete barriers was never an option; they stand as a symbol of successful flood protection for the local population. The architectural team ingeniously built the elevated promenade atop the existing wall – an effective concealment from the street side while simultaneously inviting residents to reconnect with the Grijalva.  At the foot of the observatory, directly below the retaining wall, the earth‑toned concrete platforms of the Carlos A Madrazo Becerra Park stretch towards the river. Visitors can access the park via a ramp from the promenade on the western bank or by ferry from the opposite side. In the park, concrete furnishings invite visitors to linger among tropical vegetation set against tall natural stone walls. Importantly, it is a space that is durable and requires minimal maintenance – a survival formula for public parks in the Mexican context. Small traces on the concrete benches reveal that the park weathered its baptism of fire last year: the design accommodates the river’s natural dynamics, adapting to fluctuating water levels without compromising public safety. Beyond providing much‑needed shade, the extensive planting of native, low‑maintenance plants on both riverbanks has improved soil stability. Above the park, on a broad extension of the elevated pathway, stand three long, elegant buildings with large cantilevered roofs supported by hefty beams resting on distinctive double columns. The tall glass walls that enclose the interiors are set back, creating a visual flow between interior and exterior spaces. While the beams evoke timber construction, they – like the columns – are made of the same pigmented concrete used for the promenade paving. Despite their refined composition, these structures have remained largely unused since their completion over a year ago, neither serving their intended function as restaurants nor hosting alternative uses. Even the beautifully designed park sees only limited public engagement. The ambitious goal of SEDATU with the PMU projects to ‘counteract violence and strengthen the social fabric’ appears, for now, to have fallen short in this area. According to national statistics, Villahermosa ranks first in perceived insecurity among Mexican cities. This sense of insecurity is tangible on the promenade by the city centre, where buildings that look abandoned contribute to an atmosphere of neglect. The situation is markedly different on the opposite riverbank, in the Gaviotas neighbourhood. Construction of the 3.5km promenade on this side began in 2021 with three open pavilions housing several small kiosks, which quickly evolved into popular taco stands. The Plaza Solidaridad, revitalised by the architectural trio, draws people from the surrounding vibrant neighbourhood. Further south, the final section that was built is a large sports area and children’s playground, which were embraced by the local community even before their official inauguration in February 2024. Especially after sunset, when the air cools, the well‑lit Gaviotas riverfront comes to life. During daylight hours, however, air‑conditioned shopping centres remain the preferred gathering places for the residents of Villahermosa. Rocha describes the city’s new promenade as a ‘jazz composition’, a striking metaphor that speaks of rhythmic complexity and the freedom to improvise. With just a few designed elements and carefully selected colours, the architects have harmoniously layered the river’s urban spaces. The project is earning international recognition but, in Mexico, it faced sharp criticism and was overshadowed by accusations of nepotism. Castro is a friend of AMLO’s son, and the fact that the intervention took place in the home state of the then‑president, coupled with its substantial budget by local standards, drew considerable attention. According to residents, this undermined public acceptance. When asked about the negative press, Rocha speaks of the need to develop a ‘crisis muscle’; he says architects working on public projects in Mexico must ‘let go of perfectionism’ as much lies beyond their control.  During AMLO’s six‑year term, which ended in 2024, SEDATU implemented 1,300 PMU projects in 193 highly marginalised municipalities across the country. While many of these interventions undoubtedly improved people’s quality of life, the Villahermosa riverside project also reveals architecture’s limitations, exposing some of the programme’s weaknesses: architectural interventions often act as sticking plasters on an extensively damaged urban fabric. They are handed over from a national ministry with comprehensive expertise and funding to local governments lacking the means to sustain them. Although SEDATU conducted participatory consultations during the project’s implementation, this engagement was absent once the project was completed. Public acceptance and appropriation can take time; what this project does is send an invitation out. 2025-06-05 Reuben J Brown Share AR June 2025RoadsBuy Now #after #flood #malecón #villahermosa #mexico
    WWW.ARCHITECTURAL-REVIEW.COM
    After the flood: Malecón de Villahermosa in Villahermosa, Mexico, by Taller Mauricio Rocha, TaAU and Alejandro Castro
    With reclaimed land previously allocated to cars, the Grijalva River boardwalk offers generous public spaces and reconnects the Mexican city of Villahermosa to its river In Villahermosa, nature reigns supreme. Surrounded by rivers, lagoons, wild vegetation and the scorching heat of a humid tropical climate, the city’s identity is shaped by intense and unpredictable natural forces. The capital of the Mexican state of Tabasco was founded in 1564 on the banks of the Grijalva River, a vital trade route that has significantly shaped the city’s development. For locals, the river has long been both blessing and threat; major floods have been recorded since the 17th century. A devastating flood in 2007 submerged what officials estimated to be 80 per cent of the city, damaging or destroying more than 120,000 homes. In the aftermath of the inundation, high concrete retaining walls were built along both banks of the Grijalva River to prevent further flooding. While this was an understandable measure at first glance, it consequently caused residents to lose both their visual and physical connection with the river. As a result, people moved, particularly from the western bank where the historical centre is located, to new areas further away from the Grijalva River. The riverfront was left to deteriorate into a troubled zone. On the eastern bank, the neighbourhood of Gaviotas was already considered unsafe before the flood, yet it maintained more of its residential character. In 2022, 15 years after the dramatic flood, then‑president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, more commonly known as AMLO, announced the construction of a new 6km‑long riverfront promenade in Villahermosa, the capital of his home state. The idea was to enable the population to once again take pride in and live with their river, looking to Paris and Rome as examples. The monumental task, with its large urban scale and the population’s psychological trauma, was entrusted to the Ministry of Agricultural, Territorial and Urban Development (SEDATU) as part of their Programa de Mejoramiento Urbano (Urban Improvement Programme, or PMU). This programme aimed to use architecture as an ‘instrument of social transformation’. High expectations were placed on these projects; architects were asked to create ‘places of national pride’ while improving everyday living conditions. The architectural trio of Alejandro Castro Jiménez Labora, Mauricio Rocha Iturbide, and Óscar Rodríguez Castañeda, along with their teams, were commissioned to design a linear park along both banks of the Grijalva. Each architect contributed their strength: Castro brought his expertise in poetic urban furniture; Rocha his sensitive and atmospheric architectural approach; and Rodríguez his thoughtful urban and traffic planning skills. The SEDATU team provided technical and participatory expertise, enabling contextual sensitivity by sharing essential information about the site’s topography, soil conditions and water flows. From the city’s existing observatory, the Torre del Caballero landmark, visitors enjoy an excellent view over the redesigned riverbanks. The historical centre and the Gaviotas neighbourhood now form a single ensemble, while the intervention carefully responds to the different conditions found along the length of the river. The project’s main objective is to reclaim some of the land previously allocated to cars and create a promenade for pedestrians and slower vehicles, punctuated with public spaces and facilities. On both sides of the river, cars are now limited to just one or two grey asphalt lanes. Running alongside are generous cycle paths and pedestrian walkways made of earth‑coloured concrete. Speed bumps in the same material and colour connect the pavements on either side of the road while helping to limit traffic speed to 30km/h, further enhancing pedestrian safety. Several design elements are found along almost the entire promenade. A ribbon of light‑grey benches delineates the edge of the elevated riverfront; stone walls, steps and ramps are used to negotiate the slight changes in level; planters and lush vegetation soften the transition to the walkways, creating a welcome buffer from street traffic. The most visually striking components are the tall, red‑pigmented concrete light poles on the elevated path, adorned with elegant L‑shaped steel light fixtures, which establish a strong and cohesive visual rhythm. Only upon closer inspection you notice the 2007 retaining walls peeking through the dense tropical vegetation. Removing these unattractive concrete barriers was never an option; they stand as a symbol of successful flood protection for the local population. The architectural team ingeniously built the elevated promenade atop the existing wall – an effective concealment from the street side while simultaneously inviting residents to reconnect with the Grijalva.  At the foot of the observatory, directly below the retaining wall, the earth‑toned concrete platforms of the Carlos A Madrazo Becerra Park stretch towards the river. Visitors can access the park via a ramp from the promenade on the western bank or by ferry from the opposite side. In the park, concrete furnishings invite visitors to linger among tropical vegetation set against tall natural stone walls. Importantly, it is a space that is durable and requires minimal maintenance – a survival formula for public parks in the Mexican context. Small traces on the concrete benches reveal that the park weathered its baptism of fire last year: the design accommodates the river’s natural dynamics, adapting to fluctuating water levels without compromising public safety. Beyond providing much‑needed shade, the extensive planting of native, low‑maintenance plants on both riverbanks has improved soil stability. Above the park, on a broad extension of the elevated pathway, stand three long, elegant buildings with large cantilevered roofs supported by hefty beams resting on distinctive double columns. The tall glass walls that enclose the interiors are set back, creating a visual flow between interior and exterior spaces. While the beams evoke timber construction, they – like the columns – are made of the same pigmented concrete used for the promenade paving. Despite their refined composition, these structures have remained largely unused since their completion over a year ago, neither serving their intended function as restaurants nor hosting alternative uses. Even the beautifully designed park sees only limited public engagement. The ambitious goal of SEDATU with the PMU projects to ‘counteract violence and strengthen the social fabric’ appears, for now, to have fallen short in this area. According to national statistics, Villahermosa ranks first in perceived insecurity among Mexican cities. This sense of insecurity is tangible on the promenade by the city centre, where buildings that look abandoned contribute to an atmosphere of neglect. The situation is markedly different on the opposite riverbank, in the Gaviotas neighbourhood. Construction of the 3.5km promenade on this side began in 2021 with three open pavilions housing several small kiosks, which quickly evolved into popular taco stands. The Plaza Solidaridad, revitalised by the architectural trio, draws people from the surrounding vibrant neighbourhood. Further south, the final section that was built is a large sports area and children’s playground, which were embraced by the local community even before their official inauguration in February 2024. Especially after sunset, when the air cools, the well‑lit Gaviotas riverfront comes to life. During daylight hours, however, air‑conditioned shopping centres remain the preferred gathering places for the residents of Villahermosa. Rocha describes the city’s new promenade as a ‘jazz composition’, a striking metaphor that speaks of rhythmic complexity and the freedom to improvise. With just a few designed elements and carefully selected colours, the architects have harmoniously layered the river’s urban spaces. The project is earning international recognition but, in Mexico, it faced sharp criticism and was overshadowed by accusations of nepotism. Castro is a friend of AMLO’s son, and the fact that the intervention took place in the home state of the then‑president, coupled with its substantial budget by local standards, drew considerable attention. According to residents, this undermined public acceptance. When asked about the negative press, Rocha speaks of the need to develop a ‘crisis muscle’; he says architects working on public projects in Mexico must ‘let go of perfectionism’ as much lies beyond their control.  During AMLO’s six‑year term, which ended in 2024, SEDATU implemented 1,300 PMU projects in 193 highly marginalised municipalities across the country. While many of these interventions undoubtedly improved people’s quality of life, the Villahermosa riverside project also reveals architecture’s limitations, exposing some of the programme’s weaknesses: architectural interventions often act as sticking plasters on an extensively damaged urban fabric. They are handed over from a national ministry with comprehensive expertise and funding to local governments lacking the means to sustain them. Although SEDATU conducted participatory consultations during the project’s implementation, this engagement was absent once the project was completed. Public acceptance and appropriation can take time; what this project does is send an invitation out. 2025-06-05 Reuben J Brown Share AR June 2025RoadsBuy Now
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  • Browning Industrial Park / MULTIPLE Architecture & Urbanism

    Browning Industrial Park / MULTIPLE Architecture & UrbanismSave this picture!© Bruno Dias Ventura

    Architects:
    MULTIPLE Architecture & Urbanism
    Area
    Area of this architecture project

    Area: 
    15562 m²

    Year
    Completion year of this architecture project

    Year: 

    2024

    Photographs

    Photographs:Bruno Dias Ventura

    Manufacturers
    Brands with products used in this architecture project

    Manufacturers:  Joris Ide, Ozklux, VMZINC, ZumtobelMore SpecsLess Specs
    this picture!
    Text description provided by the architects. The Browning Park project emerged from a strong ambition: to transform a derelict industrial site - once home to Herstal's weapons industry - into a vibrant green lung at the heart of the city. Over time, the site had become a sealed and fragmented grey zone, disconnected from its surrounding neighborhoods. The project was driven by a desire to reverse this fragmentation by creating a continuous pedestrian path, reopening the site, and reconnecting it with its urban context. This central promenade became the backbone of the design, around which inclusive and fully accessible public spaces were thoughtfully arranged.this picture!this picture!this picture!One of the most significant challenges stemmed from the condition of the site itself. Decades of industrial activity had left behind polluted soils and substantial infrastructural remnants. A deep soil remediation process - reaching depths of up to 12 meters - was required before any development could begin. This necessary intervention also offered the opportunity to reshape the topography and increase permeable surfaces, thus improving rainwater infiltration and boosting the site's resilience to climate change. Another key challenge involved balancing heritage preservation with new uses. The former Browning factory, for instance, had to be partially dismantled, structurally reinforced, and reimagined, while retaining its historical identity.this picture!In terms of construction, the project focused on reusing existing structures wherever possible. The factory's original metal frame was preserved and strengthened, and a new timber roof was added to create a covered public hall. Adjacent to it, the garden integrates remnants of the steel framework, which now supports wild vegetation and forms a robust, weather-resistant landscape feature. These gestures embody the project's commitment to circularity and a low environmental footprint.this picture!this picture!this picture!this picture!The spatial layout of the park was carefully designed to accommodate a wide variety of users and age groups. Along the main pedestrian spine, a sequence of diverse atmospheres and uses unfolds: a skatepark, a playground, picnic areas, outdoor fitness zones, a square with a fountain, a woodland area, and a flower garden. All these features are barrier-free and fully accessible.this picture!The project was developed in close dialogue with the people of Herstal and future park users. A series of public consultations and co-creation workshops were held throughout the design process, ensuring the park would reflect local needs and aspirations. The involvement of municipal services, which will oversee the long-term maintenance of the park, the hall, and the intergenerational house, was also crucial to ensuring the project's durability and success.this picture!

    Project gallerySee allShow less
    Project locationAddress:Herstal, BelgiumLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this office
    MaterialSteelMaterials and TagsPublished on June 05, 2025Cite: "Browning Industrial Park / MULTIPLE Architecture & Urbanism" 05 Jun 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . < ISSN 0719-8884Save世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!想浏览ArchDaily中国吗?是否
    You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream
    #browning #industrial #park #multiple #architecture
    Browning Industrial Park / MULTIPLE Architecture & Urbanism
    Browning Industrial Park / MULTIPLE Architecture & UrbanismSave this picture!© Bruno Dias Ventura Architects: MULTIPLE Architecture & Urbanism Area Area of this architecture project Area:  15562 m² Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2024 Photographs Photographs:Bruno Dias Ventura Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers:  Joris Ide, Ozklux, VMZINC, ZumtobelMore SpecsLess Specs this picture! Text description provided by the architects. The Browning Park project emerged from a strong ambition: to transform a derelict industrial site - once home to Herstal's weapons industry - into a vibrant green lung at the heart of the city. Over time, the site had become a sealed and fragmented grey zone, disconnected from its surrounding neighborhoods. The project was driven by a desire to reverse this fragmentation by creating a continuous pedestrian path, reopening the site, and reconnecting it with its urban context. This central promenade became the backbone of the design, around which inclusive and fully accessible public spaces were thoughtfully arranged.this picture!this picture!this picture!One of the most significant challenges stemmed from the condition of the site itself. Decades of industrial activity had left behind polluted soils and substantial infrastructural remnants. A deep soil remediation process - reaching depths of up to 12 meters - was required before any development could begin. This necessary intervention also offered the opportunity to reshape the topography and increase permeable surfaces, thus improving rainwater infiltration and boosting the site's resilience to climate change. Another key challenge involved balancing heritage preservation with new uses. The former Browning factory, for instance, had to be partially dismantled, structurally reinforced, and reimagined, while retaining its historical identity.this picture!In terms of construction, the project focused on reusing existing structures wherever possible. The factory's original metal frame was preserved and strengthened, and a new timber roof was added to create a covered public hall. Adjacent to it, the garden integrates remnants of the steel framework, which now supports wild vegetation and forms a robust, weather-resistant landscape feature. These gestures embody the project's commitment to circularity and a low environmental footprint.this picture!this picture!this picture!this picture!The spatial layout of the park was carefully designed to accommodate a wide variety of users and age groups. Along the main pedestrian spine, a sequence of diverse atmospheres and uses unfolds: a skatepark, a playground, picnic areas, outdoor fitness zones, a square with a fountain, a woodland area, and a flower garden. All these features are barrier-free and fully accessible.this picture!The project was developed in close dialogue with the people of Herstal and future park users. A series of public consultations and co-creation workshops were held throughout the design process, ensuring the park would reflect local needs and aspirations. The involvement of municipal services, which will oversee the long-term maintenance of the park, the hall, and the intergenerational house, was also crucial to ensuring the project's durability and success.this picture! Project gallerySee allShow less Project locationAddress:Herstal, BelgiumLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this office MaterialSteelMaterials and TagsPublished on June 05, 2025Cite: "Browning Industrial Park / MULTIPLE Architecture & Urbanism" 05 Jun 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . < ISSN 0719-8884Save世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!想浏览ArchDaily中国吗?是否 You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream #browning #industrial #park #multiple #architecture
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    Browning Industrial Park / MULTIPLE Architecture & Urbanism
    Browning Industrial Park / MULTIPLE Architecture & UrbanismSave this picture!© Bruno Dias Ventura Architects: MULTIPLE Architecture & Urbanism Area Area of this architecture project Area:  15562 m² Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2024 Photographs Photographs:Bruno Dias Ventura Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers:  Joris Ide, Ozklux, VMZINC, ZumtobelMore SpecsLess Specs Save this picture! Text description provided by the architects. The Browning Park project emerged from a strong ambition: to transform a derelict industrial site - once home to Herstal's weapons industry - into a vibrant green lung at the heart of the city. Over time, the site had become a sealed and fragmented grey zone, disconnected from its surrounding neighborhoods. The project was driven by a desire to reverse this fragmentation by creating a continuous pedestrian path, reopening the site, and reconnecting it with its urban context. This central promenade became the backbone of the design, around which inclusive and fully accessible public spaces were thoughtfully arranged.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!One of the most significant challenges stemmed from the condition of the site itself. Decades of industrial activity had left behind polluted soils and substantial infrastructural remnants. A deep soil remediation process - reaching depths of up to 12 meters - was required before any development could begin. This necessary intervention also offered the opportunity to reshape the topography and increase permeable surfaces, thus improving rainwater infiltration and boosting the site's resilience to climate change. Another key challenge involved balancing heritage preservation with new uses. The former Browning factory, for instance, had to be partially dismantled, structurally reinforced, and reimagined, while retaining its historical identity.Save this picture!In terms of construction, the project focused on reusing existing structures wherever possible. The factory's original metal frame was preserved and strengthened, and a new timber roof was added to create a covered public hall. Adjacent to it, the garden integrates remnants of the steel framework, which now supports wild vegetation and forms a robust, weather-resistant landscape feature. These gestures embody the project's commitment to circularity and a low environmental footprint.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The spatial layout of the park was carefully designed to accommodate a wide variety of users and age groups. Along the main pedestrian spine, a sequence of diverse atmospheres and uses unfolds: a skatepark, a playground, picnic areas, outdoor fitness zones, a square with a fountain, a woodland area, and a flower garden. All these features are barrier-free and fully accessible.Save this picture!The project was developed in close dialogue with the people of Herstal and future park users. A series of public consultations and co-creation workshops were held throughout the design process, ensuring the park would reflect local needs and aspirations. The involvement of municipal services, which will oversee the long-term maintenance of the park, the hall, and the intergenerational house, was also crucial to ensuring the project's durability and success.Save this picture! Project gallerySee allShow less Project locationAddress:Herstal, BelgiumLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this office MaterialSteelMaterials and TagsPublished on June 05, 2025Cite: "Browning Industrial Park / MULTIPLE Architecture & Urbanism" 05 Jun 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1030623/browning-industrial-park-multiple-architecture-and-urbanism&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!想浏览ArchDaily中国吗?是否 You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream
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  • Patel Taylor unveils images for 54-storey Canary Wharf tower

    How the 54-storey towerwould look when built
    Architect Patel Taylor has unveiled images of what one of London’s tallest residential towers in Canary Wharf would look like.
    The 54-storey 77 Marsh Wall scheme is being developed by Areli Developments on behalf of British Airways Pension Trustees and would contain around 820 homes above a mixed-use podium which will include retail, restaurant and café space.
    It would be Canary Wharf’s third tallest tower if built, behind the 235m One Canada Square and 233m Landmark Pinnacle.
    The scheme would require the demolition of the site’s existing building, a 17-storey office block built in the early 1990s known as Sierra Quebec Bravo.

    The 77 Marsh Wall scheme would include restaurants and retail at ground floor level
    Areli said the existing building offers “very little in the way of benefits to the community” and that it wanted to maximise the “unique and exciting” potential of the waterfront site with new public spaces, shops and restaurants.
    The podium would contain around 4,000sq m of retail, leisure and workspace along with a cinema and cycle parking under early plans aired in a public consultation. Green space is also included in the plans which saw two public consultation events held last month.
    Homes in the tower above the podium would be of a mix of tenures including shared ownership, build to rent, social rent, apart-hotel and co-living.

    The site’s existing 17-storey office block would be demolished
    An environmental impact assessment scoping report has been drawn up by consultant Trium for to Tower Hamlets council with a planning application expected to be submitted later this summer.
    Other firms currently on the project team include planning consultant DP9 and communications firm Kanda Consulting.
    #patel #taylor #unveils #images #54storey
    Patel Taylor unveils images for 54-storey Canary Wharf tower
    How the 54-storey towerwould look when built Architect Patel Taylor has unveiled images of what one of London’s tallest residential towers in Canary Wharf would look like. The 54-storey 77 Marsh Wall scheme is being developed by Areli Developments on behalf of British Airways Pension Trustees and would contain around 820 homes above a mixed-use podium which will include retail, restaurant and café space. It would be Canary Wharf’s third tallest tower if built, behind the 235m One Canada Square and 233m Landmark Pinnacle. The scheme would require the demolition of the site’s existing building, a 17-storey office block built in the early 1990s known as Sierra Quebec Bravo. The 77 Marsh Wall scheme would include restaurants and retail at ground floor level Areli said the existing building offers “very little in the way of benefits to the community” and that it wanted to maximise the “unique and exciting” potential of the waterfront site with new public spaces, shops and restaurants. The podium would contain around 4,000sq m of retail, leisure and workspace along with a cinema and cycle parking under early plans aired in a public consultation. Green space is also included in the plans which saw two public consultation events held last month. Homes in the tower above the podium would be of a mix of tenures including shared ownership, build to rent, social rent, apart-hotel and co-living. The site’s existing 17-storey office block would be demolished An environmental impact assessment scoping report has been drawn up by consultant Trium for to Tower Hamlets council with a planning application expected to be submitted later this summer. Other firms currently on the project team include planning consultant DP9 and communications firm Kanda Consulting. #patel #taylor #unveils #images #54storey
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    Patel Taylor unveils images for 54-storey Canary Wharf tower
    How the 54-storey tower (centre) would look when built Architect Patel Taylor has unveiled images of what one of London’s tallest residential towers in Canary Wharf would look like. The 54-storey 77 Marsh Wall scheme is being developed by Areli Developments on behalf of British Airways Pension Trustees and would contain around 820 homes above a mixed-use podium which will include retail, restaurant and café space. It would be Canary Wharf’s third tallest tower if built, behind the 235m One Canada Square and 233m Landmark Pinnacle. The scheme would require the demolition of the site’s existing building, a 17-storey office block built in the early 1990s known as Sierra Quebec Bravo. The 77 Marsh Wall scheme would include restaurants and retail at ground floor level Areli said the existing building offers “very little in the way of benefits to the community” and that it wanted to maximise the “unique and exciting” potential of the waterfront site with new public spaces, shops and restaurants. The podium would contain around 4,000sq m of retail, leisure and workspace along with a cinema and cycle parking under early plans aired in a public consultation. Green space is also included in the plans which saw two public consultation events held last month. Homes in the tower above the podium would be of a mix of tenures including shared ownership, build to rent, social rent, apart-hotel and co-living. The site’s existing 17-storey office block would be demolished An environmental impact assessment scoping report has been drawn up by consultant Trium for to Tower Hamlets council with a planning application expected to be submitted later this summer. Other firms currently on the project team include planning consultant DP9 and communications firm Kanda Consulting.
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  • Mistral AI launches code embedding model, claims edge over OpenAI and Cohere

    French startup Mistral AI on Wednesday unveiled Codestral Embed, its first code-specific embedding model, claiming it outperforms rival offerings from OpenAI, Cohere, and Voyage.

    The company said the model supports configurable embedding outputs with varying dimensions and precision levels, allowing users to manage trade-offs between retrieval performance and storage requirements.

    “Codestral Embed with dimension 256 and int8 precision still performs better than any model from our competitors,” Mistral AI said in a statement.

    Codestral Embed is designed for use cases such as code completion, editing, or explanation tasks. It can also be applied in semantic search, duplicate detection, and repository-level analytics across large-scale codebases, the company said.“Codestral Embed supports unsupervised grouping of code based on functionality or structure,” Mistral AI added. “This is useful for analyzing repository composition, identifying emergent architecture patterns, or feeding into automated documentation and categorization systems.”

    The model is available through Mistral’s API under the name codestral-embed-2505, priced at per million tokens. A batch API version is offered at a 50 percent discount, and on-premise deployments are available through direct consultation with the company’s applied AI team.The launch follows Mistral’s recent introduction of the Agents API, which the company said complements its Chat Completion API and is intended to simplify the development of agent-based applications.

    Enterprise interest in embeddings

    Advanced code embedding models are gaining traction as key tools in enterprise software development, offering improvements in productivity, code quality, and risk management across the software lifecycle.

    “Models like Mistral’s Codestral Embed enable precise semantic code search and similarity detection, allowing enterprises to quickly identify reusable code and near-duplicates across large repositories,” said Prabhu Ram, VP of the industry research group at Cybermedia Research. “By facilitating rapid retrieval of relevant code snippets for bug fixes, feature enhancements, or onboarding, these embeddings significantly improve maintenance workflows.”

    However, despite promising early benchmarks, the long-term value of such models will depend on how well they perform in production environments.

    Factors such as ease of integration, scalability across enterprise systems, and consistency under real-world coding conditions will play a crucial role in determining their adoption.

    “Codestral Embed’s strong technical foundation and flexible deployment options make it a compelling solution for AI-driven software development, though its real-world impact will require validation beyond initial benchmark results,” Ram added.

    Further reading

    Vector Institute aims to clear up confusion about AI model performance

    When LLMs become influencers

    Researchers reveal flaws in AI agent benchmarking

    What misleading Meta Llama 4 benchmark scores show enterprise leaders about evaluating AI performance claims

    How CIOs navigate generative AI in the enterprise
    #mistral #launches #code #embedding #model
    Mistral AI launches code embedding model, claims edge over OpenAI and Cohere
    French startup Mistral AI on Wednesday unveiled Codestral Embed, its first code-specific embedding model, claiming it outperforms rival offerings from OpenAI, Cohere, and Voyage. The company said the model supports configurable embedding outputs with varying dimensions and precision levels, allowing users to manage trade-offs between retrieval performance and storage requirements. “Codestral Embed with dimension 256 and int8 precision still performs better than any model from our competitors,” Mistral AI said in a statement. Codestral Embed is designed for use cases such as code completion, editing, or explanation tasks. It can also be applied in semantic search, duplicate detection, and repository-level analytics across large-scale codebases, the company said.“Codestral Embed supports unsupervised grouping of code based on functionality or structure,” Mistral AI added. “This is useful for analyzing repository composition, identifying emergent architecture patterns, or feeding into automated documentation and categorization systems.” The model is available through Mistral’s API under the name codestral-embed-2505, priced at per million tokens. A batch API version is offered at a 50 percent discount, and on-premise deployments are available through direct consultation with the company’s applied AI team.The launch follows Mistral’s recent introduction of the Agents API, which the company said complements its Chat Completion API and is intended to simplify the development of agent-based applications. Enterprise interest in embeddings Advanced code embedding models are gaining traction as key tools in enterprise software development, offering improvements in productivity, code quality, and risk management across the software lifecycle. “Models like Mistral’s Codestral Embed enable precise semantic code search and similarity detection, allowing enterprises to quickly identify reusable code and near-duplicates across large repositories,” said Prabhu Ram, VP of the industry research group at Cybermedia Research. “By facilitating rapid retrieval of relevant code snippets for bug fixes, feature enhancements, or onboarding, these embeddings significantly improve maintenance workflows.” However, despite promising early benchmarks, the long-term value of such models will depend on how well they perform in production environments. Factors such as ease of integration, scalability across enterprise systems, and consistency under real-world coding conditions will play a crucial role in determining their adoption. “Codestral Embed’s strong technical foundation and flexible deployment options make it a compelling solution for AI-driven software development, though its real-world impact will require validation beyond initial benchmark results,” Ram added. Further reading Vector Institute aims to clear up confusion about AI model performance When LLMs become influencers Researchers reveal flaws in AI agent benchmarking What misleading Meta Llama 4 benchmark scores show enterprise leaders about evaluating AI performance claims How CIOs navigate generative AI in the enterprise #mistral #launches #code #embedding #model
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    Mistral AI launches code embedding model, claims edge over OpenAI and Cohere
    French startup Mistral AI on Wednesday unveiled Codestral Embed, its first code-specific embedding model, claiming it outperforms rival offerings from OpenAI, Cohere, and Voyage. The company said the model supports configurable embedding outputs with varying dimensions and precision levels, allowing users to manage trade-offs between retrieval performance and storage requirements. “Codestral Embed with dimension 256 and int8 precision still performs better than any model from our competitors,” Mistral AI said in a statement. Codestral Embed is designed for use cases such as code completion, editing, or explanation tasks. It can also be applied in semantic search, duplicate detection, and repository-level analytics across large-scale codebases, the company said.“Codestral Embed supports unsupervised grouping of code based on functionality or structure,” Mistral AI added. “This is useful for analyzing repository composition, identifying emergent architecture patterns, or feeding into automated documentation and categorization systems.” The model is available through Mistral’s API under the name codestral-embed-2505, priced at $0.15 per million tokens. A batch API version is offered at a 50 percent discount, and on-premise deployments are available through direct consultation with the company’s applied AI team.The launch follows Mistral’s recent introduction of the Agents API, which the company said complements its Chat Completion API and is intended to simplify the development of agent-based applications. Enterprise interest in embeddings Advanced code embedding models are gaining traction as key tools in enterprise software development, offering improvements in productivity, code quality, and risk management across the software lifecycle. “Models like Mistral’s Codestral Embed enable precise semantic code search and similarity detection, allowing enterprises to quickly identify reusable code and near-duplicates across large repositories,” said Prabhu Ram, VP of the industry research group at Cybermedia Research. “By facilitating rapid retrieval of relevant code snippets for bug fixes, feature enhancements, or onboarding, these embeddings significantly improve maintenance workflows.” However, despite promising early benchmarks, the long-term value of such models will depend on how well they perform in production environments. Factors such as ease of integration, scalability across enterprise systems, and consistency under real-world coding conditions will play a crucial role in determining their adoption. “Codestral Embed’s strong technical foundation and flexible deployment options make it a compelling solution for AI-driven software development, though its real-world impact will require validation beyond initial benchmark results,” Ram added. Further reading Vector Institute aims to clear up confusion about AI model performance When LLMs become influencers Researchers reveal flaws in AI agent benchmarking What misleading Meta Llama 4 benchmark scores show enterprise leaders about evaluating AI performance claims How CIOs navigate generative AI in the enterprise
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  • ARB sets out plans to reform professional experience for trainee architects

    The Architects Registration Boardhas published an action plan outlining changes to the way in which trainee architects gain and record their professional practical experience, following recommendations made by its independent Professional Practical Experience Commission.
    The reforms include the introduction of a new co-ordinating role for learning providers and the creation of a standardised record of competencyfor trainees. The measures are intended to improve access to high-quality and consistent professional experience, and to address concerns over the uneven and sometimes unsupported nature of the current process.
    ARB intends to work with architectural education providers and other stakeholders through a series of focus groups to develop the new co-ordinating role. The responsibilities of this role will be detailed in ARB’s Standards for Learning Providers and its accreditation handbook, and will be subject to public consultation.
    The new ROC is intended to provide a more structured and consistent way for trainees to record their experience. Minimum requirements for evidencing practical experience will be set by ARB.
    ARB has said the changes seek to shift some of the responsibility and risk currently borne by trainees onto institutions better placed to provide oversight. The intention is to prioritise outcomes and provide a more transparent and supportive framework for those seeking registration.
    Alan Kershaw, chair of ARB, said: “Professional practical experience is central to a trainee’s journey to becoming an architect and achieving professional registration. The plan that we have set out today recognises the vital role learning providers play in shaping how aspiring architects gain the experience they need.
    “The new co-ordinating role will need to work for all learning providers, so we’re going to design it with them to ensure it is flexible but also, crucially, effective for trainees.”
    The action plan accepts all but one of the commission’s recommendations. ARB does not currently plan to make continuing professional developmentin mentoring a mandatory requirement, but has acknowledged the role mentoring could play in supporting wider cultural change across the profession.
    The regulator is exploring ways to help architects develop mentoring skills.
    A full breakdown of the actions and implementation timelines is available on the ARB website. ARB is inviting stakeholders to join the development process via its Architectural Educators Engagement Network.
    #arb #sets #out #plans #reform
    ARB sets out plans to reform professional experience for trainee architects
    The Architects Registration Boardhas published an action plan outlining changes to the way in which trainee architects gain and record their professional practical experience, following recommendations made by its independent Professional Practical Experience Commission. The reforms include the introduction of a new co-ordinating role for learning providers and the creation of a standardised record of competencyfor trainees. The measures are intended to improve access to high-quality and consistent professional experience, and to address concerns over the uneven and sometimes unsupported nature of the current process. ARB intends to work with architectural education providers and other stakeholders through a series of focus groups to develop the new co-ordinating role. The responsibilities of this role will be detailed in ARB’s Standards for Learning Providers and its accreditation handbook, and will be subject to public consultation. The new ROC is intended to provide a more structured and consistent way for trainees to record their experience. Minimum requirements for evidencing practical experience will be set by ARB. ARB has said the changes seek to shift some of the responsibility and risk currently borne by trainees onto institutions better placed to provide oversight. The intention is to prioritise outcomes and provide a more transparent and supportive framework for those seeking registration. Alan Kershaw, chair of ARB, said: “Professional practical experience is central to a trainee’s journey to becoming an architect and achieving professional registration. The plan that we have set out today recognises the vital role learning providers play in shaping how aspiring architects gain the experience they need. “The new co-ordinating role will need to work for all learning providers, so we’re going to design it with them to ensure it is flexible but also, crucially, effective for trainees.” The action plan accepts all but one of the commission’s recommendations. ARB does not currently plan to make continuing professional developmentin mentoring a mandatory requirement, but has acknowledged the role mentoring could play in supporting wider cultural change across the profession. The regulator is exploring ways to help architects develop mentoring skills. A full breakdown of the actions and implementation timelines is available on the ARB website. ARB is inviting stakeholders to join the development process via its Architectural Educators Engagement Network. #arb #sets #out #plans #reform
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    ARB sets out plans to reform professional experience for trainee architects
    The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has published an action plan outlining changes to the way in which trainee architects gain and record their professional practical experience, following recommendations made by its independent Professional Practical Experience Commission. The reforms include the introduction of a new co-ordinating role for learning providers and the creation of a standardised record of competency (ROC) for trainees. The measures are intended to improve access to high-quality and consistent professional experience, and to address concerns over the uneven and sometimes unsupported nature of the current process. ARB intends to work with architectural education providers and other stakeholders through a series of focus groups to develop the new co-ordinating role. The responsibilities of this role will be detailed in ARB’s Standards for Learning Providers and its accreditation handbook, and will be subject to public consultation. The new ROC is intended to provide a more structured and consistent way for trainees to record their experience. Minimum requirements for evidencing practical experience will be set by ARB. ARB has said the changes seek to shift some of the responsibility and risk currently borne by trainees onto institutions better placed to provide oversight. The intention is to prioritise outcomes and provide a more transparent and supportive framework for those seeking registration. Alan Kershaw, chair of ARB, said: “Professional practical experience is central to a trainee’s journey to becoming an architect and achieving professional registration. The plan that we have set out today recognises the vital role learning providers play in shaping how aspiring architects gain the experience they need. “The new co-ordinating role will need to work for all learning providers, so we’re going to design it with them to ensure it is flexible but also, crucially, effective for trainees.” The action plan accepts all but one of the commission’s recommendations. ARB does not currently plan to make continuing professional development (CPD) in mentoring a mandatory requirement, but has acknowledged the role mentoring could play in supporting wider cultural change across the profession. The regulator is exploring ways to help architects develop mentoring skills. A full breakdown of the actions and implementation timelines is available on the ARB website. ARB is inviting stakeholders to join the development process via its Architectural Educators Engagement Network.
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  • Rocky Mountain Region Interior Designers, Architects, and Builders to Know From the AD PRO Directory

    Rocky Mountain region interior designers, architects, builders, and landscape architects have a bounty of inspiration right outside their doors. Accordingly, their work reflects the beauty of the natural world. The region’s design and construction talents have the ability to bring the surrounding landscape into projects of all types, from modern mountain homes to urban apartments and town houses. If you’re ready to start a project, these AD-approved Rocky Mountain region interior designers, architects, builders, and landscape architects should be your first call.On the listInterior DesignersAshley Scheidel Design StudioAshley Scheidel Design Studio let the natural beauty of the materials take center stage in a Denver home’s tranquil bedroom.
    Photo by Jess Blackwell PhotographySustainability is a driving force in interiors by Ashley Scheidel Design Studio. The Denver-based interior architecture and design firm specializes in new construction and renovations. Whether they are helping clients reimagine their existing spaces or building new ones from scratch, Scheidel and her team focus on creating timeless environments that balance livability and easygoing elegance. The client’s personal style also drives the design, but natural materials such as warm woods and rugged stone feature prominently in the firm’s portfolio.Beaumier InteriorsIn a renovated midcentury brick ranch home in Denver, Beaumier Interiors balanced warmth and restraint through the use of soft textures, sculptural forms, and quiet tones. The resulting space feels both grounded and welcoming.
    Photo by Jess BlackwellAfter earning her stripes working for several leading firms in Chicago, designer Ashley Beaumier brought her signature organic modern style to the Denver area, where she founded her eponymous firm. Beaumier Interiors crafts polished interiors, which are layered with natural materials, including striking stone, pale linens, and warm woods. The full-service firm works with clients on projects of all sizes, including large renovations and new constructions, and guides each project from start to finish, ensuring a cohesive look throughout the entire home.Elizabeth Stanley DesignCurated vintage furnishings and lighting by Elizabeth Stanley Design softens the concrete architectural rigor of this austere Austin home.
    Photo by Shade DeggesFor nearly 20 years, contemporary and minimalist houses have been transformed into welcoming, character-filled homes at the hands of designer Elizabeth Stanley and her eponymous firm. The Aspen, Colorado–based studio focuses on bringing its clients’ personal style to the fore as it guides them through the design process. The resulting tranquil spaces balance functionality and aesthetics and incorporate statement furnishings, natural materials, graphic art, and rich textures.Donna Mondi Interior DesignIn a Michigan living room by Donna Mondi Interior Design, sculptural seating and a floating concrete fireplace strike a confident balance between softness and strength. Cascading fiber art adds an unexpected edge.
    Photo by Dustin Halleck; Styled by Darwin FitzKnown for her ability to mix traditional and modern design into soulful spaces, designer Donna Mondi has been transforming everything from city penthouses to country estates to desert retreats for almost 25 years. With offices in Denver and Chicago, Donna Mondi Interior Design works on high-end projects across the country, including renovations, new construction, and furnishings. The firm specializes in crafting architecturally driven designs that expertly balance luxury and comfort.Dream Homes Inc.In a Denver home, Dream Homes Inc. moved and redesigned the fireplace with a chevron-patterned Italian granite surround.
    Photo by David Patterson PhotographySpecializing in large-scale renovations, Denver-based Dream Homes Inc. has been transforming homes in the Rocky Mountain region and nationwide since 1999. Led by founder Joyce Clegg, the interior architecture and design firm is known for its expertly planned and personality-filled residences. Dream Homes oversees every aspect of the construction process, and also works on kitchen and bath remodels. Notably, accessibility and aging is at the forefront of its place design.Duet Design GroupIn a historic Denver neighborhood, Duet Design created a cozy family home in a 1937 Tudor. The original architecture’s charm is elevated with inherited art, classic and modern pieces, and vintage finds.
    Photo by David PattersonWhether designing an updated log cabin, a historic Tudor home, or a contemporary Mexican beach retreat, Denver-based Duet Design Group has an uncanny ability to bring the beauty of a home’s natural surroundings indoors. Led by founder and principal Devon Tobin, the firm works with clients on residential projects, including renovations and new construction, as well as commercial spaces. While the firm is known for its collaborative process, clients can also expect every logistical detail to be taken care of for a stress-free experience.Jede InteriorsBeauty and functionality meet in this polished Orem, Utah, kitchen designed by Jede Interiors.
    Photo by Camilia LundNeutral hues and natural materials contribute to the calming, timeless homes created by Orem, Utah–based Jede Interiors. Led by principal designer Jen Dean, the firm is known for its fresh take on traditional style, combining comfortable furnishings with vintage pieces that add patina and history. Jede Interiors works to make every space feel authentic to the clients who live in it—it services those based locally and across the country.Bowen Design StudioThe Red Rocks of Southern Utah were the inspiration for the dining area’s cabinet color, adding a playful yet sophisticated design element.
    Photo by Lacey Alexander PhotographyBuilding a new home can bring a daunting number of decisions, which is where Bowen Design Studio comes in. Led by designer Hailey Brodale, the Saint George, Utah–based firm specializes in helping clients make their custom homes feel truly personal. Whether it’s devising an organic desert retreat or a dramatic mountain home, Bowen Design Studio takes a hands-on approach throughout the construction process, making sure that the end result is exactly what the client envisioned.Lund Haus StudioFor a mountain home, Lund Haus Studio incorporated thoughtful organization solutions to enhance functionality and ease of living, as well as textures and materials inspired by the raw beauty of nature.
    Photo by Rebekah WestoverSalt Lake City, Utah–based Lund Haus Studio designs joyful homes that truly work. The firm focuses on functionality, adding creative storage solutions and crafting layouts optimized for family life. Principal designer and professional organizer Sam Lund draws on her background in psychology as she works with clients, helping them express their needs and visions for their homes, and the team boasts extensive experience with construction, allowing the firm to expertly manage projects from start to finish.Eider InteriorsA book-matched stone fireplace is a focal point in the living area of an Eider Interiors–designed contemporary home overlooking the Salt Lake City Valley.
    Photo by Christina Zolotaia PhotographyA clients’ story is at the heart of every space that Bluffdale, Utah–based Eider Interiors creates. Led by founder and principal designer Mallory Bouchard, the residential and commercial design studio is known for its contemporary interiors that balance modern details with elements of warmth and texture. Eider Interiors works on a wide range of projects, from a modern Miami apartment to a nature-inspired desert escape to a luxurious RV.The FlairhunterHigh on the ski runs of Park City, this custom bunk room was designed by The Flairhunter to comfortably accommodate adults and/or kids. Crafted from reclaimed barn wood, it features pops of color in the bedding and accessories to add an element of freshness and fun.
    Photo by Doug Burke; Styling by Jen PaulInterior design firm The Flairhunter isn’t afraid to make a statement, incorporating bold colors, unique elements, and eye-catching artwork. Founder Stephanie Hunt leads a team of ten across the firm’s outposts in Salt Lake City and Southern California, and the firm works on projects throughout the United States and globally. The Flairhunter balances custom furnishings with vintage pieces and adds energy and personality by mixing colors, patterns, and materials.DwellifyCheckered floors, butcher block countertops, and vintage finishes revived the kitchen of this 100-year-old home updated by Dwellify.
    Photo by Katie Griffith PhotographyDwellify streamlines the remodeling process, letting homeowners easily choose a design that fits their personal aesthetic and budget constraints. The company’s technology helps clients visualize their future spaces, and the process also includes virtual meetings with designers and Design Boxes of physical samples. The Salt Lake City–based company works remotely with clients across the country, pairing them with a remodel coordinator and a network of carefully vetted pros to help get the job done.Studio EckströmStudio Eckström revives the living room of a 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival in Omaha.
    Photo by Daniel Johnson PhotographyDesigners Mark and Mikal Eckstrom bring a sense of whimsy and fun to the interiors they create with their Omaha, Nebraska–based firm, Studio Eckström. Unique details abound in the firm’s projects, from fanciful ironwork to bold wall treatments to unexpected color palettes, and the team isn’t afraid to push clients out of their comfort zones. Studio Eckström relies on a trusted roster of artisans, gallerists, and dealers to help them make each home one of a kind.Trove HomesDrawing inspiration from the breathtaking lake views, Trove Home’s design for a Lake Quivira kitchen features a custom curved island leg—an homage to the natural, flowing beauty of the water.
    Photo by Nate Sheets PhotographyWith a portfolio full of dramatic before and afters, it’s obvious that Kansas City, Kansas–based firm Trove Homes knows how to completely reinvent a home to fit its clients’ personal styles. Co-owners Jessica and Nate White lead clients through every decision, ensuring that the finished space balances livability and sophistication. Whether tackling a renovation or starting from the ground up with a new build, the firm works in an array of aesthetics, from traditional to coastal.Emily Tucker DesignEmily Tucker Design updated a historic Denver Tudor for a young family, maintaining the history of the home while giving the furnishings a more youthful feel.
    Photo by David LauerBased in Boulder, Colorado, Emily Tucker Design is a full-service firm helping clients across the country create personalized and highly curated residences. Tucker and her team work in a variety of styles, from modern mountain homes to historical residences, adding unexpected touches, including bold color palettes, playful patterns, and dazzling art. The firm prides itself on designing livable spaces, so it’s no wonder it has become a go-to for families looking for stylish yet durable interiors. Emily Tucker Design works on projects of a variety of scopes, including gut renovations, full home design, and new construction.Nadia Watts Interior DesignNadia Watts Interior Design created a bold dining room in a Denver home. Katie Ridder’s Pagoda wallpaper inspired the room’s unexpected color palette.
    Photo by Emily Minton RedfieldDesigner Nadia Watts founded her eponymous Denver design firm in 2009, and since then she’s become known for her artful—and often colorful—approach to interiors. The great, great granddaughter of Louis Comfort Tiffany and a former assistant to a curator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Watts has a special appreciation for the decorative arts and is able to give her client’s collections of art and furnishings the showcase they deserve. In addition to working with clients across the country, Watts recently launched a fabric collection with Kravet and designed a jewel-inspired space for the 2024 Kips Bay Palm Beach Showhouse.Inside StoriesA custom fireplace with walnut panels is the focal point of an Aspen home by Inside Stories. A piece by artist Trevor Kiernander is on display alongside swivel chairs by A. Rudin and a leather ottoman by Lee Industries.
    Photo by Eric LuceroDenver’s Inside Stories combines the capabilities of a large design firm with the hands-on approach of a smaller studio, giving clients the best of both worlds. Led by designer Miranda Cullen, the company tackles projects of all scopes, from paint consultations to complete redesigns, as well as commercial and hospitality designs. For clients looking for white-glove service, Inside Stories has a Residential X team that handles luxury projects like new builds and full-home renovations. Cullen and her team aren’t afraid of making bold moves in their designs, which showcase a mix of styles from midcentury-modern to rustic.Kristin Dittmar DesignKristin Dittmar Design devised a warm and moody primary bathroom for a home in Aspen. Herringbone marble tile lines the floor, while the vanity showcases warm walnut accents.
    Photo courtesy of Kristin Dittmar DesignEarthy elements and streamlined details blend beautifully in the work of Aspen’s Kristin Dittmar Design. The firm brings its signature mountain modern style to homes across the country, showcasing the natural beauty of each location with rugged stonework, warm wood accents, and perfectly framed views. Whether they’re designing a retreat in the Rockies or modernizing a 19th-century Victorian, Dittmar and her team are hands-on during each phase of a project, making sure that every space shows exacting attention to detail.Susannah Holmberg StudiosFor the foyer of a Chicago carriage house, Susannah Holmberg Studios used wallpaper, art, and color to create a layered entryway.
    Ryan McDonald. Stylist: Kimberly SwedeliusWhether it’s in a desert retreat or a storied Tudor house, Salt Lake City’s Susannah Holmberg Studios knows how to set a mood. The firm’s stylish spaces balance beauty and livability, and showcase the client’s personality with unique color palettes, curated art, and iconic design pieces. While they specialize in full-home renovations and new construction, Holmerg and her team work on residential and commercial projects across the country, tailoring the designs to each client, as well as the geographic and architectural settings.Margarita BravoFor a whole-home project in Denver’s LoHi district, Bravo drew inspiration from her client’s adventurous spirit and love of unique design, incorporating a mix of colors, patterns, and textures to create a sophisticated and dynamic space.
    Photo courtesy of Margarita BravoDesigner Margarita Bravo’s projects are as far-flung as her inspirations. Her eponymous firm is headquartered in Denver and has outposts in Miami, Montecito, Aspen, and Barcelona. Bringing in influences from European and Latin American design, Bravo masterfully mixes natural elements, streamlined furnishings, metallic accents, and delightful patterns in her projects, which range from mountain homes to beachfront condos. The designer is also behind Sorella Furniture, which she created with her sister Maria, and MB Home Collection.Ashley Campbell Interior DesignAshley Campbell Interior Design turned the lower level of a new build in Denver into a party-ready space with a wet bar and a custom concrete coffee table.
    Photo by Meagan Larsen PhotographyDenver designer Ashley Campbell puts a contemporary twist on mountain style, contrasting natural elements with streamlined furnishings, a crisp black-and-white palette, and minimalist lighting and fireplaces. These sophisticated spaces serve as striking backdrops for her clients’ collections of art and artifacts, and Campbell balances contemporary elements with plenty of texture to bring in a sense of warmth. The firm uses the latest technology to realize its designs, giving clients the full picture of the team’s creative vision.ArchitectsCharles Cunniffe Architects & InteriorsIn the great room of an Aspen, Colorado, home, Charles Cunniffe Architects perfectly framed the mountain views in a seating area.
    Photo by Aaron LeitzScenic views are treated like works of art in the homes designed by Charles Cunniffe Architects & Interiors. The Aspen, Colorado–based firm has been creating residential, commercial, and institutional structures for over 40 years. They bring a dedication to sustainability and innovation to each project, incorporating innovative materials and energy-efficient systems for spaces that enhance their occupant’s well-being. A project’s context is a driving force in the creative process, and CCA expertly incorporates nature into the design.CLB ArchitectsSituated in the heart of Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana, CLB Architects’ Basecamp residence rises into the dense fir and pine trees, offering a close connection to the natural environment.
    Photo by Kevin ScottNature isn’t just an inspiration for the work of CLB Architects, it’s an integral part of each design. The cross-disciplinary design studio, which has offices in Jackson, Wyoming, and Bozeman, Montana, takes a site-specific approach and lets the surroundings inform each detail. The firm works on projects across the country and internationally, each rooted in context, whether it’s a ski-in, ski-out mountain retreat or an Upper East Side apartment.Forum Phi Architecture and Interior DesignBlending seamlessly with its surroundings, this home by Forum Phi Architecture + Interior Design pairs rustic textures with modern lines—capturing the spirit of the landscape through thoughtful design.
    Photo by Dallas & Harris PhotographyForum Phi Architecture and Interior Design brings architecture, interior design, and land planning together under one roof, allowing the team to work collaboratively with clients on all aspects of a project. The resulting structures showcase the beauty of the natural world. With offices in Aspen, Denver, and Carbondale, the team works on residential, commercial, and institutional projects in a wide range of locations and styles, from rustic ranches to historic renovations to modern mountain retreats.CCY ArchitectsClad in stone, wood, steel, and glass, a home by CCY Architects nestles quietly within the natural surroundings of Aspen, Colorado, creating a rugged and durable contemporary interpretation of alpine architecture.
    Photo by Draper WhiteThe American West and its striking landscapes inspire CCY Architects’ regional modernism. The Colorado architecture and design firm seeks to develop a deep connection to nature and community through its work—whether its residential, commercial, or institutional—and makes sustainability a priority. Cross-disciplinary collaboration is at the heart of the firm’s process, and the team immerses itself in the site, ensuring that the final design is rooted in place.Vera Iconica ArchitectureVera Iconica Architecture was inspired by the Japanese concept of ma, or “the space between,” when designing this Shooting Star sanctuary at the base of the Jackson Hole Resort. A series of small view courtyards are carved out of the massing, giving moments for pause and reflection offset with views of woods, streams, and the majestic Tetons.
    Photo by Blok StudiosFor Vera Iconica Architecture, architecture and wellness go hand in hand. The firm’s evidence-based approach prioritizes the health and well-being of a client, resulting in spaces that feel restorative and connected to nature. The team finds inspiration in the landscape of the West, incorporating natural materials and sustainable building practices. With offices in Jackson, Wyoming; Denver, Colorado; and Park City, Utah, Vera Iconica Architecture designs globally, working on residential and hospitality projects from Hong Kong to South Dakota to Peru.Landscape ArchitectsStudio CampoStudio Campo devised a three-acre farm and homestead in Portland, Oregon, with stylist Emily Henderson. The property is complete with a seating area, plunge pool, raised beds, and a greenhouse workout facility.
    Photo by Kaitlin GreenLandscape architecture firm Studio Campo creates outdoor spaces that enhance the ecosystem and the lives of those who enjoy them. Led by founding principal Cali Pfaff, the firm has a naturalistic style and a focus on both placemaking and biodiversity, highlighting native species in its work. Based in Denver and Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Studio Campo works on a wide range of landscape projects, including gardens, public spaces, farms, and habitats.BuildersVitruvius BuiltVitruvius Built collaborated with designer Barclay Butera on a sophisticated Deer Valley mountain retreat that blends rustic charm with modern elegance.
    Photo by Cristina ZolotaiaFounded by Charles Ochello, Park City, Utah–based Vitruvius Built specializes in luxury construction, realizing even the most ambitious designs. The homes, located across the country, feature the highest quality materials and amenities such speakeasy-style golf suites, entertainment floors, and cozy bunk rooms. From a contemporary A-frame style residence to a mountain retreat made for entertaining, the homes in the firm’s portfolio showcase its ability to harness the latest technology to craft personal sanctuaries.Cadre General ContractorsEast Coast meets Colorado in this home constructed by Cadre General Contractors that blends traditional sophistication with a rich, Western aesthetic.
    Photo courtesy of Cadre General ContractorsCadre General Contractors has been building custom homes in Colorado for nearly 30 years and its decades of experience shows in its extensive portfolio. The contracting firm works in a wide range of styles from traditional to contemporary, collaborating closely with architects and designers to bring the overall vision to life. Cadre prides itself on its ability to execute ambitious designs while maintaining an exacting attention to detail and quality.The Jackson Home CompanyWithin a newly constructed home by The Jackson Home Company, the expansive great room, with its vaulted ceilings, exposed steel beams, and grand stone fireplace, is framed by floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing breathtaking views of the Teton Range.
    Photo by David AgnelloThe Jackson Home Company channels the rugged beauty of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, into striking mountain homes. In 2019, Brooklyn Home Company founders Bill Caleo, Lyndsay Caleo Karol, and Fitzhugh Karol expanded west to Wyoming, and since then the division has designed and built over 20 luxury single-family homes, including a 6,414-square-foot ski-in/ski-out home in Teton Village and an artful retreat nestled beside an Aspen grove. The firm prioritizes sustainability in its homes, incorporating elements like green roofs and locally sourced materials.APPLY NOWGrow your business with the AD PRO DirectoryArrowAre you looking for an interior decorator or designer to hire for your next project? Wherever you are, visit the AD PRO Directory to browse our list of AD-approved designers and find your match for a design consultation.
    #rocky #mountain #region #interior #designers
    Rocky Mountain Region Interior Designers, Architects, and Builders to Know From the AD PRO Directory
    Rocky Mountain region interior designers, architects, builders, and landscape architects have a bounty of inspiration right outside their doors. Accordingly, their work reflects the beauty of the natural world. The region’s design and construction talents have the ability to bring the surrounding landscape into projects of all types, from modern mountain homes to urban apartments and town houses. If you’re ready to start a project, these AD-approved Rocky Mountain region interior designers, architects, builders, and landscape architects should be your first call.On the listInterior DesignersAshley Scheidel Design StudioAshley Scheidel Design Studio let the natural beauty of the materials take center stage in a Denver home’s tranquil bedroom. Photo by Jess Blackwell PhotographySustainability is a driving force in interiors by Ashley Scheidel Design Studio. The Denver-based interior architecture and design firm specializes in new construction and renovations. Whether they are helping clients reimagine their existing spaces or building new ones from scratch, Scheidel and her team focus on creating timeless environments that balance livability and easygoing elegance. The client’s personal style also drives the design, but natural materials such as warm woods and rugged stone feature prominently in the firm’s portfolio.Beaumier InteriorsIn a renovated midcentury brick ranch home in Denver, Beaumier Interiors balanced warmth and restraint through the use of soft textures, sculptural forms, and quiet tones. The resulting space feels both grounded and welcoming. Photo by Jess BlackwellAfter earning her stripes working for several leading firms in Chicago, designer Ashley Beaumier brought her signature organic modern style to the Denver area, where she founded her eponymous firm. Beaumier Interiors crafts polished interiors, which are layered with natural materials, including striking stone, pale linens, and warm woods. The full-service firm works with clients on projects of all sizes, including large renovations and new constructions, and guides each project from start to finish, ensuring a cohesive look throughout the entire home.Elizabeth Stanley DesignCurated vintage furnishings and lighting by Elizabeth Stanley Design softens the concrete architectural rigor of this austere Austin home. Photo by Shade DeggesFor nearly 20 years, contemporary and minimalist houses have been transformed into welcoming, character-filled homes at the hands of designer Elizabeth Stanley and her eponymous firm. The Aspen, Colorado–based studio focuses on bringing its clients’ personal style to the fore as it guides them through the design process. The resulting tranquil spaces balance functionality and aesthetics and incorporate statement furnishings, natural materials, graphic art, and rich textures.Donna Mondi Interior DesignIn a Michigan living room by Donna Mondi Interior Design, sculptural seating and a floating concrete fireplace strike a confident balance between softness and strength. Cascading fiber art adds an unexpected edge. Photo by Dustin Halleck; Styled by Darwin FitzKnown for her ability to mix traditional and modern design into soulful spaces, designer Donna Mondi has been transforming everything from city penthouses to country estates to desert retreats for almost 25 years. With offices in Denver and Chicago, Donna Mondi Interior Design works on high-end projects across the country, including renovations, new construction, and furnishings. The firm specializes in crafting architecturally driven designs that expertly balance luxury and comfort.Dream Homes Inc.In a Denver home, Dream Homes Inc. moved and redesigned the fireplace with a chevron-patterned Italian granite surround. Photo by David Patterson PhotographySpecializing in large-scale renovations, Denver-based Dream Homes Inc. has been transforming homes in the Rocky Mountain region and nationwide since 1999. Led by founder Joyce Clegg, the interior architecture and design firm is known for its expertly planned and personality-filled residences. Dream Homes oversees every aspect of the construction process, and also works on kitchen and bath remodels. Notably, accessibility and aging is at the forefront of its place design.Duet Design GroupIn a historic Denver neighborhood, Duet Design created a cozy family home in a 1937 Tudor. The original architecture’s charm is elevated with inherited art, classic and modern pieces, and vintage finds. Photo by David PattersonWhether designing an updated log cabin, a historic Tudor home, or a contemporary Mexican beach retreat, Denver-based Duet Design Group has an uncanny ability to bring the beauty of a home’s natural surroundings indoors. Led by founder and principal Devon Tobin, the firm works with clients on residential projects, including renovations and new construction, as well as commercial spaces. While the firm is known for its collaborative process, clients can also expect every logistical detail to be taken care of for a stress-free experience.Jede InteriorsBeauty and functionality meet in this polished Orem, Utah, kitchen designed by Jede Interiors. Photo by Camilia LundNeutral hues and natural materials contribute to the calming, timeless homes created by Orem, Utah–based Jede Interiors. Led by principal designer Jen Dean, the firm is known for its fresh take on traditional style, combining comfortable furnishings with vintage pieces that add patina and history. Jede Interiors works to make every space feel authentic to the clients who live in it—it services those based locally and across the country.Bowen Design StudioThe Red Rocks of Southern Utah were the inspiration for the dining area’s cabinet color, adding a playful yet sophisticated design element. Photo by Lacey Alexander PhotographyBuilding a new home can bring a daunting number of decisions, which is where Bowen Design Studio comes in. Led by designer Hailey Brodale, the Saint George, Utah–based firm specializes in helping clients make their custom homes feel truly personal. Whether it’s devising an organic desert retreat or a dramatic mountain home, Bowen Design Studio takes a hands-on approach throughout the construction process, making sure that the end result is exactly what the client envisioned.Lund Haus StudioFor a mountain home, Lund Haus Studio incorporated thoughtful organization solutions to enhance functionality and ease of living, as well as textures and materials inspired by the raw beauty of nature. Photo by Rebekah WestoverSalt Lake City, Utah–based Lund Haus Studio designs joyful homes that truly work. The firm focuses on functionality, adding creative storage solutions and crafting layouts optimized for family life. Principal designer and professional organizer Sam Lund draws on her background in psychology as she works with clients, helping them express their needs and visions for their homes, and the team boasts extensive experience with construction, allowing the firm to expertly manage projects from start to finish.Eider InteriorsA book-matched stone fireplace is a focal point in the living area of an Eider Interiors–designed contemporary home overlooking the Salt Lake City Valley. Photo by Christina Zolotaia PhotographyA clients’ story is at the heart of every space that Bluffdale, Utah–based Eider Interiors creates. Led by founder and principal designer Mallory Bouchard, the residential and commercial design studio is known for its contemporary interiors that balance modern details with elements of warmth and texture. Eider Interiors works on a wide range of projects, from a modern Miami apartment to a nature-inspired desert escape to a luxurious RV.The FlairhunterHigh on the ski runs of Park City, this custom bunk room was designed by The Flairhunter to comfortably accommodate adults and/or kids. Crafted from reclaimed barn wood, it features pops of color in the bedding and accessories to add an element of freshness and fun. Photo by Doug Burke; Styling by Jen PaulInterior design firm The Flairhunter isn’t afraid to make a statement, incorporating bold colors, unique elements, and eye-catching artwork. Founder Stephanie Hunt leads a team of ten across the firm’s outposts in Salt Lake City and Southern California, and the firm works on projects throughout the United States and globally. The Flairhunter balances custom furnishings with vintage pieces and adds energy and personality by mixing colors, patterns, and materials.DwellifyCheckered floors, butcher block countertops, and vintage finishes revived the kitchen of this 100-year-old home updated by Dwellify. Photo by Katie Griffith PhotographyDwellify streamlines the remodeling process, letting homeowners easily choose a design that fits their personal aesthetic and budget constraints. The company’s technology helps clients visualize their future spaces, and the process also includes virtual meetings with designers and Design Boxes of physical samples. The Salt Lake City–based company works remotely with clients across the country, pairing them with a remodel coordinator and a network of carefully vetted pros to help get the job done.Studio EckströmStudio Eckström revives the living room of a 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival in Omaha. Photo by Daniel Johnson PhotographyDesigners Mark and Mikal Eckstrom bring a sense of whimsy and fun to the interiors they create with their Omaha, Nebraska–based firm, Studio Eckström. Unique details abound in the firm’s projects, from fanciful ironwork to bold wall treatments to unexpected color palettes, and the team isn’t afraid to push clients out of their comfort zones. Studio Eckström relies on a trusted roster of artisans, gallerists, and dealers to help them make each home one of a kind.Trove HomesDrawing inspiration from the breathtaking lake views, Trove Home’s design for a Lake Quivira kitchen features a custom curved island leg—an homage to the natural, flowing beauty of the water. Photo by Nate Sheets PhotographyWith a portfolio full of dramatic before and afters, it’s obvious that Kansas City, Kansas–based firm Trove Homes knows how to completely reinvent a home to fit its clients’ personal styles. Co-owners Jessica and Nate White lead clients through every decision, ensuring that the finished space balances livability and sophistication. Whether tackling a renovation or starting from the ground up with a new build, the firm works in an array of aesthetics, from traditional to coastal.Emily Tucker DesignEmily Tucker Design updated a historic Denver Tudor for a young family, maintaining the history of the home while giving the furnishings a more youthful feel. Photo by David LauerBased in Boulder, Colorado, Emily Tucker Design is a full-service firm helping clients across the country create personalized and highly curated residences. Tucker and her team work in a variety of styles, from modern mountain homes to historical residences, adding unexpected touches, including bold color palettes, playful patterns, and dazzling art. The firm prides itself on designing livable spaces, so it’s no wonder it has become a go-to for families looking for stylish yet durable interiors. Emily Tucker Design works on projects of a variety of scopes, including gut renovations, full home design, and new construction.Nadia Watts Interior DesignNadia Watts Interior Design created a bold dining room in a Denver home. Katie Ridder’s Pagoda wallpaper inspired the room’s unexpected color palette. Photo by Emily Minton RedfieldDesigner Nadia Watts founded her eponymous Denver design firm in 2009, and since then she’s become known for her artful—and often colorful—approach to interiors. The great, great granddaughter of Louis Comfort Tiffany and a former assistant to a curator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Watts has a special appreciation for the decorative arts and is able to give her client’s collections of art and furnishings the showcase they deserve. In addition to working with clients across the country, Watts recently launched a fabric collection with Kravet and designed a jewel-inspired space for the 2024 Kips Bay Palm Beach Showhouse.Inside StoriesA custom fireplace with walnut panels is the focal point of an Aspen home by Inside Stories. A piece by artist Trevor Kiernander is on display alongside swivel chairs by A. Rudin and a leather ottoman by Lee Industries. Photo by Eric LuceroDenver’s Inside Stories combines the capabilities of a large design firm with the hands-on approach of a smaller studio, giving clients the best of both worlds. Led by designer Miranda Cullen, the company tackles projects of all scopes, from paint consultations to complete redesigns, as well as commercial and hospitality designs. For clients looking for white-glove service, Inside Stories has a Residential X team that handles luxury projects like new builds and full-home renovations. Cullen and her team aren’t afraid of making bold moves in their designs, which showcase a mix of styles from midcentury-modern to rustic.Kristin Dittmar DesignKristin Dittmar Design devised a warm and moody primary bathroom for a home in Aspen. Herringbone marble tile lines the floor, while the vanity showcases warm walnut accents. Photo courtesy of Kristin Dittmar DesignEarthy elements and streamlined details blend beautifully in the work of Aspen’s Kristin Dittmar Design. The firm brings its signature mountain modern style to homes across the country, showcasing the natural beauty of each location with rugged stonework, warm wood accents, and perfectly framed views. Whether they’re designing a retreat in the Rockies or modernizing a 19th-century Victorian, Dittmar and her team are hands-on during each phase of a project, making sure that every space shows exacting attention to detail.Susannah Holmberg StudiosFor the foyer of a Chicago carriage house, Susannah Holmberg Studios used wallpaper, art, and color to create a layered entryway. Ryan McDonald. Stylist: Kimberly SwedeliusWhether it’s in a desert retreat or a storied Tudor house, Salt Lake City’s Susannah Holmberg Studios knows how to set a mood. The firm’s stylish spaces balance beauty and livability, and showcase the client’s personality with unique color palettes, curated art, and iconic design pieces. While they specialize in full-home renovations and new construction, Holmerg and her team work on residential and commercial projects across the country, tailoring the designs to each client, as well as the geographic and architectural settings.Margarita BravoFor a whole-home project in Denver’s LoHi district, Bravo drew inspiration from her client’s adventurous spirit and love of unique design, incorporating a mix of colors, patterns, and textures to create a sophisticated and dynamic space. Photo courtesy of Margarita BravoDesigner Margarita Bravo’s projects are as far-flung as her inspirations. Her eponymous firm is headquartered in Denver and has outposts in Miami, Montecito, Aspen, and Barcelona. Bringing in influences from European and Latin American design, Bravo masterfully mixes natural elements, streamlined furnishings, metallic accents, and delightful patterns in her projects, which range from mountain homes to beachfront condos. The designer is also behind Sorella Furniture, which she created with her sister Maria, and MB Home Collection.Ashley Campbell Interior DesignAshley Campbell Interior Design turned the lower level of a new build in Denver into a party-ready space with a wet bar and a custom concrete coffee table. Photo by Meagan Larsen PhotographyDenver designer Ashley Campbell puts a contemporary twist on mountain style, contrasting natural elements with streamlined furnishings, a crisp black-and-white palette, and minimalist lighting and fireplaces. These sophisticated spaces serve as striking backdrops for her clients’ collections of art and artifacts, and Campbell balances contemporary elements with plenty of texture to bring in a sense of warmth. The firm uses the latest technology to realize its designs, giving clients the full picture of the team’s creative vision.ArchitectsCharles Cunniffe Architects & InteriorsIn the great room of an Aspen, Colorado, home, Charles Cunniffe Architects perfectly framed the mountain views in a seating area. Photo by Aaron LeitzScenic views are treated like works of art in the homes designed by Charles Cunniffe Architects & Interiors. The Aspen, Colorado–based firm has been creating residential, commercial, and institutional structures for over 40 years. They bring a dedication to sustainability and innovation to each project, incorporating innovative materials and energy-efficient systems for spaces that enhance their occupant’s well-being. A project’s context is a driving force in the creative process, and CCA expertly incorporates nature into the design.CLB ArchitectsSituated in the heart of Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana, CLB Architects’ Basecamp residence rises into the dense fir and pine trees, offering a close connection to the natural environment. Photo by Kevin ScottNature isn’t just an inspiration for the work of CLB Architects, it’s an integral part of each design. The cross-disciplinary design studio, which has offices in Jackson, Wyoming, and Bozeman, Montana, takes a site-specific approach and lets the surroundings inform each detail. The firm works on projects across the country and internationally, each rooted in context, whether it’s a ski-in, ski-out mountain retreat or an Upper East Side apartment.Forum Phi Architecture and Interior DesignBlending seamlessly with its surroundings, this home by Forum Phi Architecture + Interior Design pairs rustic textures with modern lines—capturing the spirit of the landscape through thoughtful design. Photo by Dallas & Harris PhotographyForum Phi Architecture and Interior Design brings architecture, interior design, and land planning together under one roof, allowing the team to work collaboratively with clients on all aspects of a project. The resulting structures showcase the beauty of the natural world. With offices in Aspen, Denver, and Carbondale, the team works on residential, commercial, and institutional projects in a wide range of locations and styles, from rustic ranches to historic renovations to modern mountain retreats.CCY ArchitectsClad in stone, wood, steel, and glass, a home by CCY Architects nestles quietly within the natural surroundings of Aspen, Colorado, creating a rugged and durable contemporary interpretation of alpine architecture. Photo by Draper WhiteThe American West and its striking landscapes inspire CCY Architects’ regional modernism. The Colorado architecture and design firm seeks to develop a deep connection to nature and community through its work—whether its residential, commercial, or institutional—and makes sustainability a priority. Cross-disciplinary collaboration is at the heart of the firm’s process, and the team immerses itself in the site, ensuring that the final design is rooted in place.Vera Iconica ArchitectureVera Iconica Architecture was inspired by the Japanese concept of ma, or “the space between,” when designing this Shooting Star sanctuary at the base of the Jackson Hole Resort. A series of small view courtyards are carved out of the massing, giving moments for pause and reflection offset with views of woods, streams, and the majestic Tetons. Photo by Blok StudiosFor Vera Iconica Architecture, architecture and wellness go hand in hand. The firm’s evidence-based approach prioritizes the health and well-being of a client, resulting in spaces that feel restorative and connected to nature. The team finds inspiration in the landscape of the West, incorporating natural materials and sustainable building practices. With offices in Jackson, Wyoming; Denver, Colorado; and Park City, Utah, Vera Iconica Architecture designs globally, working on residential and hospitality projects from Hong Kong to South Dakota to Peru.Landscape ArchitectsStudio CampoStudio Campo devised a three-acre farm and homestead in Portland, Oregon, with stylist Emily Henderson. The property is complete with a seating area, plunge pool, raised beds, and a greenhouse workout facility. Photo by Kaitlin GreenLandscape architecture firm Studio Campo creates outdoor spaces that enhance the ecosystem and the lives of those who enjoy them. Led by founding principal Cali Pfaff, the firm has a naturalistic style and a focus on both placemaking and biodiversity, highlighting native species in its work. Based in Denver and Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Studio Campo works on a wide range of landscape projects, including gardens, public spaces, farms, and habitats.BuildersVitruvius BuiltVitruvius Built collaborated with designer Barclay Butera on a sophisticated Deer Valley mountain retreat that blends rustic charm with modern elegance. Photo by Cristina ZolotaiaFounded by Charles Ochello, Park City, Utah–based Vitruvius Built specializes in luxury construction, realizing even the most ambitious designs. The homes, located across the country, feature the highest quality materials and amenities such speakeasy-style golf suites, entertainment floors, and cozy bunk rooms. From a contemporary A-frame style residence to a mountain retreat made for entertaining, the homes in the firm’s portfolio showcase its ability to harness the latest technology to craft personal sanctuaries.Cadre General ContractorsEast Coast meets Colorado in this home constructed by Cadre General Contractors that blends traditional sophistication with a rich, Western aesthetic. Photo courtesy of Cadre General ContractorsCadre General Contractors has been building custom homes in Colorado for nearly 30 years and its decades of experience shows in its extensive portfolio. The contracting firm works in a wide range of styles from traditional to contemporary, collaborating closely with architects and designers to bring the overall vision to life. Cadre prides itself on its ability to execute ambitious designs while maintaining an exacting attention to detail and quality.The Jackson Home CompanyWithin a newly constructed home by The Jackson Home Company, the expansive great room, with its vaulted ceilings, exposed steel beams, and grand stone fireplace, is framed by floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing breathtaking views of the Teton Range. Photo by David AgnelloThe Jackson Home Company channels the rugged beauty of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, into striking mountain homes. In 2019, Brooklyn Home Company founders Bill Caleo, Lyndsay Caleo Karol, and Fitzhugh Karol expanded west to Wyoming, and since then the division has designed and built over 20 luxury single-family homes, including a 6,414-square-foot ski-in/ski-out home in Teton Village and an artful retreat nestled beside an Aspen grove. The firm prioritizes sustainability in its homes, incorporating elements like green roofs and locally sourced materials.APPLY NOWGrow your business with the AD PRO DirectoryArrowAre you looking for an interior decorator or designer to hire for your next project? Wherever you are, visit the AD PRO Directory to browse our list of AD-approved designers and find your match for a design consultation. #rocky #mountain #region #interior #designers
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    Rocky Mountain Region Interior Designers, Architects, and Builders to Know From the AD PRO Directory
    Rocky Mountain region interior designers, architects, builders, and landscape architects have a bounty of inspiration right outside their doors. Accordingly, their work reflects the beauty of the natural world. The region’s design and construction talents have the ability to bring the surrounding landscape into projects of all types, from modern mountain homes to urban apartments and town houses. If you’re ready to start a project, these AD-approved Rocky Mountain region interior designers, architects, builders, and landscape architects should be your first call.On the listInterior DesignersAshley Scheidel Design StudioAshley Scheidel Design Studio let the natural beauty of the materials take center stage in a Denver home’s tranquil bedroom. Photo by Jess Blackwell PhotographySustainability is a driving force in interiors by Ashley Scheidel Design Studio. The Denver-based interior architecture and design firm specializes in new construction and renovations. Whether they are helping clients reimagine their existing spaces or building new ones from scratch, Scheidel and her team focus on creating timeless environments that balance livability and easygoing elegance. The client’s personal style also drives the design, but natural materials such as warm woods and rugged stone feature prominently in the firm’s portfolio.Beaumier InteriorsIn a renovated midcentury brick ranch home in Denver, Beaumier Interiors balanced warmth and restraint through the use of soft textures, sculptural forms, and quiet tones. The resulting space feels both grounded and welcoming. Photo by Jess BlackwellAfter earning her stripes working for several leading firms in Chicago, designer Ashley Beaumier brought her signature organic modern style to the Denver area, where she founded her eponymous firm. Beaumier Interiors crafts polished interiors, which are layered with natural materials, including striking stone, pale linens, and warm woods. The full-service firm works with clients on projects of all sizes, including large renovations and new constructions, and guides each project from start to finish, ensuring a cohesive look throughout the entire home.Elizabeth Stanley DesignCurated vintage furnishings and lighting by Elizabeth Stanley Design softens the concrete architectural rigor of this austere Austin home. Photo by Shade DeggesFor nearly 20 years, contemporary and minimalist houses have been transformed into welcoming, character-filled homes at the hands of designer Elizabeth Stanley and her eponymous firm. The Aspen, Colorado–based studio focuses on bringing its clients’ personal style to the fore as it guides them through the design process. The resulting tranquil spaces balance functionality and aesthetics and incorporate statement furnishings, natural materials, graphic art, and rich textures.Donna Mondi Interior DesignIn a Michigan living room by Donna Mondi Interior Design, sculptural seating and a floating concrete fireplace strike a confident balance between softness and strength. Cascading fiber art adds an unexpected edge. Photo by Dustin Halleck; Styled by Darwin FitzKnown for her ability to mix traditional and modern design into soulful spaces, designer Donna Mondi has been transforming everything from city penthouses to country estates to desert retreats for almost 25 years. With offices in Denver and Chicago, Donna Mondi Interior Design works on high-end projects across the country, including renovations, new construction, and furnishings. The firm specializes in crafting architecturally driven designs that expertly balance luxury and comfort.Dream Homes Inc.In a Denver home, Dream Homes Inc. moved and redesigned the fireplace with a chevron-patterned Italian granite surround. Photo by David Patterson PhotographySpecializing in large-scale renovations, Denver-based Dream Homes Inc. has been transforming homes in the Rocky Mountain region and nationwide since 1999. Led by founder Joyce Clegg, the interior architecture and design firm is known for its expertly planned and personality-filled residences. Dream Homes oversees every aspect of the construction process, and also works on kitchen and bath remodels. Notably, accessibility and aging is at the forefront of its place design.Duet Design GroupIn a historic Denver neighborhood, Duet Design created a cozy family home in a 1937 Tudor. The original architecture’s charm is elevated with inherited art, classic and modern pieces, and vintage finds. Photo by David PattersonWhether designing an updated log cabin, a historic Tudor home, or a contemporary Mexican beach retreat, Denver-based Duet Design Group has an uncanny ability to bring the beauty of a home’s natural surroundings indoors. Led by founder and principal Devon Tobin, the firm works with clients on residential projects, including renovations and new construction, as well as commercial spaces. While the firm is known for its collaborative process, clients can also expect every logistical detail to be taken care of for a stress-free experience.Jede InteriorsBeauty and functionality meet in this polished Orem, Utah, kitchen designed by Jede Interiors. Photo by Camilia LundNeutral hues and natural materials contribute to the calming, timeless homes created by Orem, Utah–based Jede Interiors. Led by principal designer Jen Dean, the firm is known for its fresh take on traditional style, combining comfortable furnishings with vintage pieces that add patina and history. Jede Interiors works to make every space feel authentic to the clients who live in it—it services those based locally and across the country.Bowen Design StudioThe Red Rocks of Southern Utah were the inspiration for the dining area’s cabinet color, adding a playful yet sophisticated design element. Photo by Lacey Alexander PhotographyBuilding a new home can bring a daunting number of decisions, which is where Bowen Design Studio comes in. Led by designer Hailey Brodale, the Saint George, Utah–based firm specializes in helping clients make their custom homes feel truly personal. Whether it’s devising an organic desert retreat or a dramatic mountain home, Bowen Design Studio takes a hands-on approach throughout the construction process, making sure that the end result is exactly what the client envisioned.Lund Haus StudioFor a mountain home, Lund Haus Studio incorporated thoughtful organization solutions to enhance functionality and ease of living, as well as textures and materials inspired by the raw beauty of nature. Photo by Rebekah WestoverSalt Lake City, Utah–based Lund Haus Studio designs joyful homes that truly work. The firm focuses on functionality, adding creative storage solutions and crafting layouts optimized for family life. Principal designer and professional organizer Sam Lund draws on her background in psychology as she works with clients, helping them express their needs and visions for their homes, and the team boasts extensive experience with construction, allowing the firm to expertly manage projects from start to finish.Eider InteriorsA book-matched stone fireplace is a focal point in the living area of an Eider Interiors–designed contemporary home overlooking the Salt Lake City Valley. Photo by Christina Zolotaia PhotographyA clients’ story is at the heart of every space that Bluffdale, Utah–based Eider Interiors creates. Led by founder and principal designer Mallory Bouchard, the residential and commercial design studio is known for its contemporary interiors that balance modern details with elements of warmth and texture. Eider Interiors works on a wide range of projects, from a modern Miami apartment to a nature-inspired desert escape to a luxurious RV.The FlairhunterHigh on the ski runs of Park City, this custom bunk room was designed by The Flairhunter to comfortably accommodate adults and/or kids. Crafted from reclaimed barn wood, it features pops of color in the bedding and accessories to add an element of freshness and fun. Photo by Doug Burke; Styling by Jen PaulInterior design firm The Flairhunter isn’t afraid to make a statement, incorporating bold colors, unique elements, and eye-catching artwork. Founder Stephanie Hunt leads a team of ten across the firm’s outposts in Salt Lake City and Southern California, and the firm works on projects throughout the United States and globally. The Flairhunter balances custom furnishings with vintage pieces and adds energy and personality by mixing colors, patterns, and materials.DwellifyCheckered floors, butcher block countertops, and vintage finishes revived the kitchen of this 100-year-old home updated by Dwellify. Photo by Katie Griffith PhotographyDwellify streamlines the remodeling process, letting homeowners easily choose a design that fits their personal aesthetic and budget constraints. The company’s technology helps clients visualize their future spaces, and the process also includes virtual meetings with designers and Design Boxes of physical samples. The Salt Lake City–based company works remotely with clients across the country, pairing them with a remodel coordinator and a network of carefully vetted pros to help get the job done.Studio EckströmStudio Eckström revives the living room of a 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival in Omaha. Photo by Daniel Johnson PhotographyDesigners Mark and Mikal Eckstrom bring a sense of whimsy and fun to the interiors they create with their Omaha, Nebraska–based firm, Studio Eckström. Unique details abound in the firm’s projects, from fanciful ironwork to bold wall treatments to unexpected color palettes, and the team isn’t afraid to push clients out of their comfort zones. Studio Eckström relies on a trusted roster of artisans, gallerists, and dealers to help them make each home one of a kind.Trove HomesDrawing inspiration from the breathtaking lake views, Trove Home’s design for a Lake Quivira kitchen features a custom curved island leg—an homage to the natural, flowing beauty of the water. Photo by Nate Sheets PhotographyWith a portfolio full of dramatic before and afters, it’s obvious that Kansas City, Kansas–based firm Trove Homes knows how to completely reinvent a home to fit its clients’ personal styles. Co-owners Jessica and Nate White lead clients through every decision, ensuring that the finished space balances livability and sophistication. Whether tackling a renovation or starting from the ground up with a new build, the firm works in an array of aesthetics, from traditional to coastal.Emily Tucker DesignEmily Tucker Design updated a historic Denver Tudor for a young family, maintaining the history of the home while giving the furnishings a more youthful feel. Photo by David LauerBased in Boulder, Colorado, Emily Tucker Design is a full-service firm helping clients across the country create personalized and highly curated residences. Tucker and her team work in a variety of styles, from modern mountain homes to historical residences, adding unexpected touches, including bold color palettes, playful patterns, and dazzling art. The firm prides itself on designing livable spaces, so it’s no wonder it has become a go-to for families looking for stylish yet durable interiors. Emily Tucker Design works on projects of a variety of scopes, including gut renovations, full home design, and new construction.Nadia Watts Interior DesignNadia Watts Interior Design created a bold dining room in a Denver home. Katie Ridder’s Pagoda wallpaper inspired the room’s unexpected color palette. Photo by Emily Minton RedfieldDesigner Nadia Watts founded her eponymous Denver design firm in 2009, and since then she’s become known for her artful—and often colorful—approach to interiors. The great, great granddaughter of Louis Comfort Tiffany and a former assistant to a curator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Watts has a special appreciation for the decorative arts and is able to give her client’s collections of art and furnishings the showcase they deserve. In addition to working with clients across the country, Watts recently launched a fabric collection with Kravet and designed a jewel-inspired space for the 2024 Kips Bay Palm Beach Showhouse.Inside StoriesA custom fireplace with walnut panels is the focal point of an Aspen home by Inside Stories. A piece by artist Trevor Kiernander is on display alongside swivel chairs by A. Rudin and a leather ottoman by Lee Industries. Photo by Eric LuceroDenver’s Inside Stories combines the capabilities of a large design firm with the hands-on approach of a smaller studio, giving clients the best of both worlds. Led by designer Miranda Cullen, the company tackles projects of all scopes, from paint consultations to complete redesigns, as well as commercial and hospitality designs. For clients looking for white-glove service, Inside Stories has a Residential X team that handles luxury projects like new builds and full-home renovations. Cullen and her team aren’t afraid of making bold moves in their designs, which showcase a mix of styles from midcentury-modern to rustic.Kristin Dittmar DesignKristin Dittmar Design devised a warm and moody primary bathroom for a home in Aspen. Herringbone marble tile lines the floor, while the vanity showcases warm walnut accents. Photo courtesy of Kristin Dittmar DesignEarthy elements and streamlined details blend beautifully in the work of Aspen’s Kristin Dittmar Design. The firm brings its signature mountain modern style to homes across the country, showcasing the natural beauty of each location with rugged stonework, warm wood accents, and perfectly framed views. Whether they’re designing a retreat in the Rockies or modernizing a 19th-century Victorian, Dittmar and her team are hands-on during each phase of a project, making sure that every space shows exacting attention to detail.Susannah Holmberg StudiosFor the foyer of a Chicago carriage house, Susannah Holmberg Studios used wallpaper, art, and color to create a layered entryway. Ryan McDonald. Stylist: Kimberly SwedeliusWhether it’s in a desert retreat or a storied Tudor house, Salt Lake City’s Susannah Holmberg Studios knows how to set a mood. The firm’s stylish spaces balance beauty and livability, and showcase the client’s personality with unique color palettes, curated art, and iconic design pieces. While they specialize in full-home renovations and new construction, Holmerg and her team work on residential and commercial projects across the country, tailoring the designs to each client, as well as the geographic and architectural settings.Margarita BravoFor a whole-home project in Denver’s LoHi district, Bravo drew inspiration from her client’s adventurous spirit and love of unique design, incorporating a mix of colors, patterns, and textures to create a sophisticated and dynamic space. Photo courtesy of Margarita BravoDesigner Margarita Bravo’s projects are as far-flung as her inspirations. Her eponymous firm is headquartered in Denver and has outposts in Miami, Montecito, Aspen, and Barcelona. Bringing in influences from European and Latin American design, Bravo masterfully mixes natural elements, streamlined furnishings, metallic accents, and delightful patterns in her projects, which range from mountain homes to beachfront condos. The designer is also behind Sorella Furniture, which she created with her sister Maria, and MB Home Collection.Ashley Campbell Interior DesignAshley Campbell Interior Design turned the lower level of a new build in Denver into a party-ready space with a wet bar and a custom concrete coffee table. Photo by Meagan Larsen PhotographyDenver designer Ashley Campbell puts a contemporary twist on mountain style, contrasting natural elements with streamlined furnishings, a crisp black-and-white palette, and minimalist lighting and fireplaces. These sophisticated spaces serve as striking backdrops for her clients’ collections of art and artifacts, and Campbell balances contemporary elements with plenty of texture to bring in a sense of warmth. The firm uses the latest technology to realize its designs, giving clients the full picture of the team’s creative vision.ArchitectsCharles Cunniffe Architects & InteriorsIn the great room of an Aspen, Colorado, home, Charles Cunniffe Architects perfectly framed the mountain views in a seating area. Photo by Aaron LeitzScenic views are treated like works of art in the homes designed by Charles Cunniffe Architects & Interiors. The Aspen, Colorado–based firm has been creating residential, commercial, and institutional structures for over 40 years. They bring a dedication to sustainability and innovation to each project, incorporating innovative materials and energy-efficient systems for spaces that enhance their occupant’s well-being. A project’s context is a driving force in the creative process, and CCA expertly incorporates nature into the design.CLB ArchitectsSituated in the heart of Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana, CLB Architects’ Basecamp residence rises into the dense fir and pine trees, offering a close connection to the natural environment. Photo by Kevin ScottNature isn’t just an inspiration for the work of CLB Architects, it’s an integral part of each design. The cross-disciplinary design studio, which has offices in Jackson, Wyoming, and Bozeman, Montana, takes a site-specific approach and lets the surroundings inform each detail. The firm works on projects across the country and internationally, each rooted in context, whether it’s a ski-in, ski-out mountain retreat or an Upper East Side apartment.Forum Phi Architecture and Interior DesignBlending seamlessly with its surroundings, this home by Forum Phi Architecture + Interior Design pairs rustic textures with modern lines—capturing the spirit of the landscape through thoughtful design. Photo by Dallas & Harris PhotographyForum Phi Architecture and Interior Design brings architecture, interior design, and land planning together under one roof, allowing the team to work collaboratively with clients on all aspects of a project. The resulting structures showcase the beauty of the natural world. With offices in Aspen, Denver, and Carbondale, the team works on residential, commercial, and institutional projects in a wide range of locations and styles, from rustic ranches to historic renovations to modern mountain retreats.CCY ArchitectsClad in stone, wood, steel, and glass, a home by CCY Architects nestles quietly within the natural surroundings of Aspen, Colorado, creating a rugged and durable contemporary interpretation of alpine architecture. Photo by Draper WhiteThe American West and its striking landscapes inspire CCY Architects’ regional modernism. The Colorado architecture and design firm seeks to develop a deep connection to nature and community through its work—whether its residential, commercial, or institutional—and makes sustainability a priority. Cross-disciplinary collaboration is at the heart of the firm’s process, and the team immerses itself in the site, ensuring that the final design is rooted in place.Vera Iconica ArchitectureVera Iconica Architecture was inspired by the Japanese concept of ma, or “the space between,” when designing this Shooting Star sanctuary at the base of the Jackson Hole Resort. A series of small view courtyards are carved out of the massing, giving moments for pause and reflection offset with views of woods, streams, and the majestic Tetons. Photo by Blok StudiosFor Vera Iconica Architecture, architecture and wellness go hand in hand. The firm’s evidence-based approach prioritizes the health and well-being of a client, resulting in spaces that feel restorative and connected to nature. The team finds inspiration in the landscape of the West, incorporating natural materials and sustainable building practices. With offices in Jackson, Wyoming; Denver, Colorado; and Park City, Utah, Vera Iconica Architecture designs globally, working on residential and hospitality projects from Hong Kong to South Dakota to Peru.Landscape ArchitectsStudio CampoStudio Campo devised a three-acre farm and homestead in Portland, Oregon, with stylist Emily Henderson. The property is complete with a seating area, plunge pool, raised beds, and a greenhouse workout facility. Photo by Kaitlin GreenLandscape architecture firm Studio Campo creates outdoor spaces that enhance the ecosystem and the lives of those who enjoy them. Led by founding principal Cali Pfaff, the firm has a naturalistic style and a focus on both placemaking and biodiversity, highlighting native species in its work. Based in Denver and Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Studio Campo works on a wide range of landscape projects, including gardens, public spaces, farms, and habitats.BuildersVitruvius BuiltVitruvius Built collaborated with designer Barclay Butera on a sophisticated Deer Valley mountain retreat that blends rustic charm with modern elegance. Photo by Cristina ZolotaiaFounded by Charles Ochello, Park City, Utah–based Vitruvius Built specializes in luxury construction, realizing even the most ambitious designs. The homes, located across the country, feature the highest quality materials and amenities such speakeasy-style golf suites, entertainment floors, and cozy bunk rooms. From a contemporary A-frame style residence to a mountain retreat made for entertaining, the homes in the firm’s portfolio showcase its ability to harness the latest technology to craft personal sanctuaries.Cadre General ContractorsEast Coast meets Colorado in this home constructed by Cadre General Contractors that blends traditional sophistication with a rich, Western aesthetic. Photo courtesy of Cadre General ContractorsCadre General Contractors has been building custom homes in Colorado for nearly 30 years and its decades of experience shows in its extensive portfolio. The contracting firm works in a wide range of styles from traditional to contemporary, collaborating closely with architects and designers to bring the overall vision to life. Cadre prides itself on its ability to execute ambitious designs while maintaining an exacting attention to detail and quality.The Jackson Home CompanyWithin a newly constructed home by The Jackson Home Company, the expansive great room, with its vaulted ceilings, exposed steel beams, and grand stone fireplace, is framed by floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing breathtaking views of the Teton Range. Photo by David AgnelloThe Jackson Home Company channels the rugged beauty of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, into striking mountain homes. In 2019, Brooklyn Home Company founders Bill Caleo, Lyndsay Caleo Karol, and Fitzhugh Karol expanded west to Wyoming, and since then the division has designed and built over 20 luxury single-family homes, including a 6,414-square-foot ski-in/ski-out home in Teton Village and an artful retreat nestled beside an Aspen grove. The firm prioritizes sustainability in its homes, incorporating elements like green roofs and locally sourced materials.APPLY NOWGrow your business with the AD PRO DirectoryArrowAre you looking for an interior decorator or designer to hire for your next project? Wherever you are, visit the AD PRO Directory to browse our list of AD-approved designers and find your match for a design consultation.
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  • Gotham Enterprises: Remote Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    DescriptionRemote Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist– Washington StateLocation: Yakima, Washington Job Types: Full-timeCompetitive pay and incentives: - per year + benefitsFlexible schedule: Monday-FridayPosition Summary:We are looking for a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapistlicensed in Washington to join our dynamic and supportive virtual team. As a remote therapist, you will deliver confidential, evidence-based therapy to clients navigating a wide range of emotional and relational issues.What You’ll Do:Conduct individual, couples, and family therapy sessions via a secure telehealth platformDevelop tailored treatment plans based on clinical assessmentsMaintain timely and accurate clinical documentationParticipate in virtual team meetings and peer consultationsAdhere to ethical and state licensing standardsRequirementsActive LMFT license in the state of WashingtonMaster’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related fieldMinimum 1 year of clinical experience post-licensureTech-savvy and comfortable with telehealth platformsExcellent interpersonal and communication skillsBenefitsCompetitive compensation structureFlexible scheduling to fit your lifestyle100% remote work – no commutingClinical support and peer consultation opportunitiesContinuing education and professional development resourcesHIPAA-compliant telehealth tools and platform providedAre you ready to make a difference from anywhere in Washington? Join a team that values your skills!Apply NowLet's start your dream job Apply now Meet JobCopilot: Your Personal AI Job HunterAutomatically Apply to Remote Sales and Marketing JobsJust set your preferences and Job Copilot will do the rest-finding, filtering, and applying while you focus on what matters. Activate JobCopilot
    #gotham #enterprises #remote #licensed #marriage
    Gotham Enterprises: Remote Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
    DescriptionRemote Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist– Washington StateLocation: Yakima, Washington Job Types: Full-timeCompetitive pay and incentives: - per year + benefitsFlexible schedule: Monday-FridayPosition Summary:We are looking for a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapistlicensed in Washington to join our dynamic and supportive virtual team. As a remote therapist, you will deliver confidential, evidence-based therapy to clients navigating a wide range of emotional and relational issues.What You’ll Do:Conduct individual, couples, and family therapy sessions via a secure telehealth platformDevelop tailored treatment plans based on clinical assessmentsMaintain timely and accurate clinical documentationParticipate in virtual team meetings and peer consultationsAdhere to ethical and state licensing standardsRequirementsActive LMFT license in the state of WashingtonMaster’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related fieldMinimum 1 year of clinical experience post-licensureTech-savvy and comfortable with telehealth platformsExcellent interpersonal and communication skillsBenefitsCompetitive compensation structureFlexible scheduling to fit your lifestyle100% remote work – no commutingClinical support and peer consultation opportunitiesContinuing education and professional development resourcesHIPAA-compliant telehealth tools and platform providedAre you ready to make a difference from anywhere in Washington? Join a team that values your skills!Apply NowLet's start your dream job Apply now Meet JobCopilot: Your Personal AI Job HunterAutomatically Apply to Remote Sales and Marketing JobsJust set your preferences and Job Copilot will do the rest-finding, filtering, and applying while you focus on what matters. Activate JobCopilot #gotham #enterprises #remote #licensed #marriage
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    Gotham Enterprises: Remote Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
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  • Labour puts Humphrey AI to work for council admin

    Flyalone - Adobe

    News

    Labour puts Humphrey AI to work for council admin
    A tool built on the government’s Humphrey AI toolset is being piloted by 25 councils to take notes during meetings

    Published: 23 May 2025 15:45

    The UK government has announced that its artificial intelligencesuite, Humphrey, is being trialled by a number of local councils.
    Its AI tool, Minute, takes notes in meetings, and was recently used in one chaired by prime minister Keir Starmer.

    Part of Humphrey, the package of AI tools built to help civil servants deliver for ministers and the public more effectively, uses generative AI to turn meetings into notes, and provides tools for correcting summaries. The government found that early tests using Minute showed that officials saved an hour of admin per one-hour meeting.

    The Department for Science, Innovation and Technologysaid Minute can help speed up actions after planning meetings, allowing officers to focus on the task at hand, rather than paperwork, and make informed decisions to get homes built. It’s currently being trailed by 25 local councils.

    Among the ways it’s being used is to help streamline burdensome admin tasks in the planning process as part of the government’s plans to build 1.5 million homes by 2030.

    Lords minister for housing and local government Sharon Taylor said: “Local councils are on the frontline of housing delivery, and we’re backing them with cutting-edge AI technology like Minute so officers can spend less time buried in admin and more time helping to get Britain building.

    “This is alongside our landmark reforms to deliver 1.5 million homes, including the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which will get working people and families into secure homes and boost economic growth right across the country,” she said.

    stories about public sector AI

    Humphrey AI tool powers Scottish Parliament consultation: AI-powered Consult tool has helped the Scottish Parliament to organise feedback from a public consultation into themes.
    Major obstacles facing Labour’s AI opportunity action plan: Skills, data held in legacy tech and a lack of leadership are among the areas discussed during a recent Public Accounts Committee session.

    Minute can also be used to take notes in meetings between social care workers and their supervisors, allowing workers to focus on offering more support instead of being bogged down by bureaucracy.  

    The Minute trial ties in with a broader government initiative to help local councils use technology to improve essential services they are responsible for delivering to local residents. To fulfil one of the actions in the 50-point AI Opportunities Plan of Action, which was published in January, the government has also introduced an AI Knowledge Hub for sharing examples of how local councils are using technology so others can learn from them – such as an AI assistant that speeds up the reporting of fly-tipping and graffiti in central London.
    In 2024, a Local Government Associationsurvey found that the majority of councils who took part in the pollwere using or exploring how they would use AI. The areas where most respondents had realised benefits from using AI were staff productivity, service efficienciesand cost savings.
    However, the LGA reported that the five biggest barriers to deploying AI identified by respondents were a lack of funding, a lack of staff capabilities, a lack of staff capacity, a lack of sufficient governance and a lack of clear use cases.

    The government’s own State of digital government review, published earlier this year, reported that each of the 320 local authorities in England negotiate technology contracts with big tech companies independently – when many are buying exactly the same tools – making this spending much less effective. The trials with AI-based tools built on Humphrey and the AI Knowledge Hub represent an attempt by the government to reduce the barriers to deploying AI across the public sector.

    AI and digital government minister Feryal Clark said: “From parking permits and planning permission, local councils handle some of the services that impact our daily lives most. For too long, they have been left to fend for themselves when keeping up with rapid innovations in AI and digital technology – when we know it has huge potential to help solve many of the challenges they face.

    Clark said the government was going to work with local councils to help them buy and build the technology they need to deliver Labour’s Plan for Change and support their local communities more effectively. 

    In The Current Issue:

    UK critical systems at risk from ‘digital divide’ created by AI threats
    UK at risk of Russian cyber and physical attacks as Ukraine seeks peace deal
    Standard Chartered grounds AI ambitions in data governance

    Download Current Issue

    SAP Sapphire 2025: Developers take centre stage as AI integration deepens
    – CW Developer Network

    Microsoft entices developers to build more Windows AI apps
    – Cliff Saran's Enterprise blog

    View All Blogs
    #labour #puts #humphrey #work #council
    Labour puts Humphrey AI to work for council admin
    Flyalone - Adobe News Labour puts Humphrey AI to work for council admin A tool built on the government’s Humphrey AI toolset is being piloted by 25 councils to take notes during meetings Published: 23 May 2025 15:45 The UK government has announced that its artificial intelligencesuite, Humphrey, is being trialled by a number of local councils. Its AI tool, Minute, takes notes in meetings, and was recently used in one chaired by prime minister Keir Starmer. Part of Humphrey, the package of AI tools built to help civil servants deliver for ministers and the public more effectively, uses generative AI to turn meetings into notes, and provides tools for correcting summaries. The government found that early tests using Minute showed that officials saved an hour of admin per one-hour meeting. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technologysaid Minute can help speed up actions after planning meetings, allowing officers to focus on the task at hand, rather than paperwork, and make informed decisions to get homes built. It’s currently being trailed by 25 local councils. Among the ways it’s being used is to help streamline burdensome admin tasks in the planning process as part of the government’s plans to build 1.5 million homes by 2030. Lords minister for housing and local government Sharon Taylor said: “Local councils are on the frontline of housing delivery, and we’re backing them with cutting-edge AI technology like Minute so officers can spend less time buried in admin and more time helping to get Britain building. “This is alongside our landmark reforms to deliver 1.5 million homes, including the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which will get working people and families into secure homes and boost economic growth right across the country,” she said. stories about public sector AI Humphrey AI tool powers Scottish Parliament consultation: AI-powered Consult tool has helped the Scottish Parliament to organise feedback from a public consultation into themes. Major obstacles facing Labour’s AI opportunity action plan: Skills, data held in legacy tech and a lack of leadership are among the areas discussed during a recent Public Accounts Committee session. Minute can also be used to take notes in meetings between social care workers and their supervisors, allowing workers to focus on offering more support instead of being bogged down by bureaucracy.   The Minute trial ties in with a broader government initiative to help local councils use technology to improve essential services they are responsible for delivering to local residents. To fulfil one of the actions in the 50-point AI Opportunities Plan of Action, which was published in January, the government has also introduced an AI Knowledge Hub for sharing examples of how local councils are using technology so others can learn from them – such as an AI assistant that speeds up the reporting of fly-tipping and graffiti in central London. In 2024, a Local Government Associationsurvey found that the majority of councils who took part in the pollwere using or exploring how they would use AI. The areas where most respondents had realised benefits from using AI were staff productivity, service efficienciesand cost savings. However, the LGA reported that the five biggest barriers to deploying AI identified by respondents were a lack of funding, a lack of staff capabilities, a lack of staff capacity, a lack of sufficient governance and a lack of clear use cases. The government’s own State of digital government review, published earlier this year, reported that each of the 320 local authorities in England negotiate technology contracts with big tech companies independently – when many are buying exactly the same tools – making this spending much less effective. The trials with AI-based tools built on Humphrey and the AI Knowledge Hub represent an attempt by the government to reduce the barriers to deploying AI across the public sector. AI and digital government minister Feryal Clark said: “From parking permits and planning permission, local councils handle some of the services that impact our daily lives most. For too long, they have been left to fend for themselves when keeping up with rapid innovations in AI and digital technology – when we know it has huge potential to help solve many of the challenges they face. Clark said the government was going to work with local councils to help them buy and build the technology they need to deliver Labour’s Plan for Change and support their local communities more effectively.  In The Current Issue: UK critical systems at risk from ‘digital divide’ created by AI threats UK at risk of Russian cyber and physical attacks as Ukraine seeks peace deal Standard Chartered grounds AI ambitions in data governance Download Current Issue SAP Sapphire 2025: Developers take centre stage as AI integration deepens – CW Developer Network Microsoft entices developers to build more Windows AI apps – Cliff Saran's Enterprise blog View All Blogs #labour #puts #humphrey #work #council
    WWW.COMPUTERWEEKLY.COM
    Labour puts Humphrey AI to work for council admin
    Flyalone - Adobe News Labour puts Humphrey AI to work for council admin A tool built on the government’s Humphrey AI toolset is being piloted by 25 councils to take notes during meetings Published: 23 May 2025 15:45 The UK government has announced that its artificial intelligence (AI) suite, Humphrey, is being trialled by a number of local councils. Its AI tool, Minute, takes notes in meetings, and was recently used in one chaired by prime minister Keir Starmer. Part of Humphrey, the package of AI tools built to help civil servants deliver for ministers and the public more effectively, uses generative AI to turn meetings into notes, and provides tools for correcting summaries. The government found that early tests using Minute showed that officials saved an hour of admin per one-hour meeting. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said Minute can help speed up actions after planning meetings, allowing officers to focus on the task at hand, rather than paperwork, and make informed decisions to get homes built. It’s currently being trailed by 25 local councils. Among the ways it’s being used is to help streamline burdensome admin tasks in the planning process as part of the government’s plans to build 1.5 million homes by 2030. Lords minister for housing and local government Sharon Taylor said: “Local councils are on the frontline of housing delivery, and we’re backing them with cutting-edge AI technology like Minute so officers can spend less time buried in admin and more time helping to get Britain building. “This is alongside our landmark reforms to deliver 1.5 million homes, including the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which will get working people and families into secure homes and boost economic growth right across the country,” she said. Read more stories about public sector AI Humphrey AI tool powers Scottish Parliament consultation: AI-powered Consult tool has helped the Scottish Parliament to organise feedback from a public consultation into themes. Major obstacles facing Labour’s AI opportunity action plan: Skills, data held in legacy tech and a lack of leadership are among the areas discussed during a recent Public Accounts Committee session. Minute can also be used to take notes in meetings between social care workers and their supervisors, allowing workers to focus on offering more support instead of being bogged down by bureaucracy.   The Minute trial ties in with a broader government initiative to help local councils use technology to improve essential services they are responsible for delivering to local residents. To fulfil one of the actions in the 50-point AI Opportunities Plan of Action, which was published in January, the government has also introduced an AI Knowledge Hub for sharing examples of how local councils are using technology so others can learn from them – such as an AI assistant that speeds up the reporting of fly-tipping and graffiti in central London. In 2024, a Local Government Association (LGA) survey found that the majority of councils who took part in the poll (85%) were using or exploring how they would use AI. The areas where most respondents had realised benefits from using AI were staff productivity (35%), service efficiencies (32%) and cost savings (22%). However, the LGA reported that the five biggest barriers to deploying AI identified by respondents were a lack of funding (64%), a lack of staff capabilities (53%), a lack of staff capacity (50%), a lack of sufficient governance and a lack of clear use cases (41% each). The government’s own State of digital government review, published earlier this year, reported that each of the 320 local authorities in England negotiate technology contracts with big tech companies independently – when many are buying exactly the same tools – making this spending much less effective. The trials with AI-based tools built on Humphrey and the AI Knowledge Hub represent an attempt by the government to reduce the barriers to deploying AI across the public sector. AI and digital government minister Feryal Clark said: “From parking permits and planning permission, local councils handle some of the services that impact our daily lives most. For too long, they have been left to fend for themselves when keeping up with rapid innovations in AI and digital technology – when we know it has huge potential to help solve many of the challenges they face. Clark said the government was going to work with local councils to help them buy and build the technology they need to deliver Labour’s Plan for Change and support their local communities more effectively.  In The Current Issue: UK critical systems at risk from ‘digital divide’ created by AI threats UK at risk of Russian cyber and physical attacks as Ukraine seeks peace deal Standard Chartered grounds AI ambitions in data governance Download Current Issue SAP Sapphire 2025: Developers take centre stage as AI integration deepens – CW Developer Network Microsoft entices developers to build more Windows AI apps – Cliff Saran's Enterprise blog View All Blogs
    0 Yorumlar 0 hisse senetleri 0 önizleme
  • Data embassies and US embargo halt give Saudi AI hope

    Saudi Arabia’sattempt to turn from one of the least to most developed data markets in the world has advanced with measures it and the US have taken to encourage investors to build artificial intelligencedatacentres in the country.
    KSA came closer to finalising plans to treat foreign computer systems as “data embassies”, reassuring firms their customer data would be safely stored in the authoritarian Gulf monarchy. Meanwhile, the US scrapped export controls on its most advanced AI chips, which had threatened to stop KSA from ever realising its plan to become a global leader in AI.
    Those legal preparations bore fruit this week before either was actually enacted, when Nvidia, whose advanced AI chips are the subject of US export controls, said it had done a deal to ship 18,000 of them to the Saudi state-owned Public Investment Fund. The chips were the first stage in a plan to install “several hundred thousand” Nvidia Grace Blackwell AI chips in five years, consuming 500MW of energy.
    Political analysts and industry insiders said, before KSA’s plans unfurled this week, that its proposed Global AI Hub Law would allow KSA to get banned AI chips that both it and foreign firms would need to build AI systems in the country. The draft law offers to give foreign computer systems embassy status, so their operators answered only to the laws of their home nations. It would forbid the Saudi state from intruding.
    KSA concluded a public consultation on the law the day after an Investment Summit, at which US president Donald Trump and Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud signed a broad economic partnership and presided over bn of trade deals, the White House said in a statement. They had done bn of deals when the conference opened, and aspired to tn, the prince told the conference on Tuesday. The deals encompassed defence, energy, tech and health.
    The audacity of KSA’s ambition was made apparent by data that in February, according to Computer Weekly analysis, showed how among 20 of the most notable data markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Saudi capital Riyadh had the second-least of all operational, planned and unfinished datacentres, above only Athens.
    With 125MW of computing capacity then planned in Riyadh, it was barely 5% of the forecast size of EMEA market leader London, and not 15% of the size of its rival and neighbour, the United Arab Emirates, according to numbers published by commercial estate agent Cushman & Wakefield. The largest datacentre investment deal apparent, among those announced at the Forum, was Saudi firm DataVolt, investing bn in the US.

    about US and Saudi agreements

    On Monday, the US scrapped the AI Diffusion Rule, by which former president Joe Biden had blocked exports of powerful AI chips to all but a handful of countries because, US AI tzar David Sacks told the conference, it stopped US technology proliferating around the world and stifled strategic partners such as KSA, when it was supposed to hinder AI development in only a few countries.
    The US had decided instead to model AI policy on Silicon Valley’s software ecosystems, where firms became dominant by publishing application programming interfacesthat others could use to build on their technology.
    “They’re able to build these ecosystems without even having any lawyers involved,” said Sacks. “There’s no need for a contract. You just publish an API. In a similar way, the US needs to encourage the world to build on our tech stack.
    “President Trump said ‘the US has to win the AI race’. How do we win the AI race? We have to build the biggest partner ecosystem. We need our friends like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and other strategic partners and allies, to build on our tech.
    “We want our technology to spread,” he said. “We want people to use it. We want to become the standard.”

    KSA’s attempt, meanwhile, to encourage foreign firms to build AI datacentres in the country by allowing their home nations to retain sovereignty over their data was widely commended as a strategic masterstroke.
    “It’s still an immature market, but the opportunity is huge,” said Stephen Beard, a real estate deal-maker for Knight Frank in Dubai. KSA could be a top-seven datacentre market in a decade. His firm estimated US cloud computing firms had recently committed to bn of investment there by 2027.
    Knight Frank alone was handling bn of datacentre deals for firms attracted by the local market opportunity, in a country with 20% lower power costs than the UK, a large, growing population and a non-democratic government able to digitise rapidly without the inconvenience of parliamentary process. President Trump commended KSA’s ruling family for that in a speech in Riyadh this week.
    “The AI Hub law is optically a fantastic move,” said Beard. “It should go some way to appeasing investors’ concerns. But we are talking about Saudi Arabia. Who decides the law in Saudi Arabia? Any developer looks for a higher return because of the macro risks.”
    But computer firms would invest there to serve KSA. The idea of KSA becoming a “super-hub” was flawed.
    Munir Suboh, a lawyer at Taylor Wessing in Riyadh, said the law would give KSA an “unprecedented advantage” over other countries which hesitate to cede sovereignty over foreign facilities. Contrast Saudi Arabia's attempt to make life easier for foreign investors with Europe’s regulatory preoccupation with imposing safety standards.
    “Traditionally, cross-border data transfers require compliance with multiple data localisation regulations, especially in data-heavy industries,” said Oliver Subhedar, a commercial dispute lawyer with Burlingtons. KSA is seeking a comparative advantage over other states by regulating datacentres themselves.”

    KSA would slash the cost of risk and compliance for multinationals that ordinarily had to accommodate a host of different regulations around the world, said Jade Masri, managing director of investment advisory R Consultancy in Dubai. That would cut capital costs for investors.
    “Hyperscalers need this law to import data into KSA to run large language models and generate meaningful AI,” said Amrik Sangha, a consultant with Gateley in Dubai.
    But KSA needed to address the question of “grey” fibre optic cables that would carry foreign data transfers “without monitoring”, he said. Grey, or “dark”, cables are private, point-to-point communications lines not reliant on local connections.
    Notwithstanding the unexpected US U-turn, Juliana Rordorf, Middle East director for political consultancy Albright Stonebridge Group, said the law might influence the global debate about data localisation, as well as AI export controls.
    Neighbouring Bahrain has had a data embassy law since 2018, while UAE, whose datacentre market and planned construction dwarfs that of KSA, recently made bilateral data embassy agreements with France and Italy.
    Such a law has even been mooted as a way to encourage investors deterred by Europe’s onerous data protection rules, having been pioneered in Estonia, and aped in Monaco, as a means of securing government backup datacentres in Luxembourg, because they otherwise had nowhere to put them safely.
    #data #embassies #embargo #halt #give
    Data embassies and US embargo halt give Saudi AI hope
    Saudi Arabia’sattempt to turn from one of the least to most developed data markets in the world has advanced with measures it and the US have taken to encourage investors to build artificial intelligencedatacentres in the country. KSA came closer to finalising plans to treat foreign computer systems as “data embassies”, reassuring firms their customer data would be safely stored in the authoritarian Gulf monarchy. Meanwhile, the US scrapped export controls on its most advanced AI chips, which had threatened to stop KSA from ever realising its plan to become a global leader in AI. Those legal preparations bore fruit this week before either was actually enacted, when Nvidia, whose advanced AI chips are the subject of US export controls, said it had done a deal to ship 18,000 of them to the Saudi state-owned Public Investment Fund. The chips were the first stage in a plan to install “several hundred thousand” Nvidia Grace Blackwell AI chips in five years, consuming 500MW of energy. Political analysts and industry insiders said, before KSA’s plans unfurled this week, that its proposed Global AI Hub Law would allow KSA to get banned AI chips that both it and foreign firms would need to build AI systems in the country. The draft law offers to give foreign computer systems embassy status, so their operators answered only to the laws of their home nations. It would forbid the Saudi state from intruding. KSA concluded a public consultation on the law the day after an Investment Summit, at which US president Donald Trump and Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud signed a broad economic partnership and presided over bn of trade deals, the White House said in a statement. They had done bn of deals when the conference opened, and aspired to tn, the prince told the conference on Tuesday. The deals encompassed defence, energy, tech and health. The audacity of KSA’s ambition was made apparent by data that in February, according to Computer Weekly analysis, showed how among 20 of the most notable data markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Saudi capital Riyadh had the second-least of all operational, planned and unfinished datacentres, above only Athens. With 125MW of computing capacity then planned in Riyadh, it was barely 5% of the forecast size of EMEA market leader London, and not 15% of the size of its rival and neighbour, the United Arab Emirates, according to numbers published by commercial estate agent Cushman & Wakefield. The largest datacentre investment deal apparent, among those announced at the Forum, was Saudi firm DataVolt, investing bn in the US. about US and Saudi agreements On Monday, the US scrapped the AI Diffusion Rule, by which former president Joe Biden had blocked exports of powerful AI chips to all but a handful of countries because, US AI tzar David Sacks told the conference, it stopped US technology proliferating around the world and stifled strategic partners such as KSA, when it was supposed to hinder AI development in only a few countries. The US had decided instead to model AI policy on Silicon Valley’s software ecosystems, where firms became dominant by publishing application programming interfacesthat others could use to build on their technology. “They’re able to build these ecosystems without even having any lawyers involved,” said Sacks. “There’s no need for a contract. You just publish an API. In a similar way, the US needs to encourage the world to build on our tech stack. “President Trump said ‘the US has to win the AI race’. How do we win the AI race? We have to build the biggest partner ecosystem. We need our friends like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and other strategic partners and allies, to build on our tech. “We want our technology to spread,” he said. “We want people to use it. We want to become the standard.” KSA’s attempt, meanwhile, to encourage foreign firms to build AI datacentres in the country by allowing their home nations to retain sovereignty over their data was widely commended as a strategic masterstroke. “It’s still an immature market, but the opportunity is huge,” said Stephen Beard, a real estate deal-maker for Knight Frank in Dubai. KSA could be a top-seven datacentre market in a decade. His firm estimated US cloud computing firms had recently committed to bn of investment there by 2027. Knight Frank alone was handling bn of datacentre deals for firms attracted by the local market opportunity, in a country with 20% lower power costs than the UK, a large, growing population and a non-democratic government able to digitise rapidly without the inconvenience of parliamentary process. President Trump commended KSA’s ruling family for that in a speech in Riyadh this week. “The AI Hub law is optically a fantastic move,” said Beard. “It should go some way to appeasing investors’ concerns. But we are talking about Saudi Arabia. Who decides the law in Saudi Arabia? Any developer looks for a higher return because of the macro risks.” But computer firms would invest there to serve KSA. The idea of KSA becoming a “super-hub” was flawed. Munir Suboh, a lawyer at Taylor Wessing in Riyadh, said the law would give KSA an “unprecedented advantage” over other countries which hesitate to cede sovereignty over foreign facilities. Contrast Saudi Arabia's attempt to make life easier for foreign investors with Europe’s regulatory preoccupation with imposing safety standards. “Traditionally, cross-border data transfers require compliance with multiple data localisation regulations, especially in data-heavy industries,” said Oliver Subhedar, a commercial dispute lawyer with Burlingtons. KSA is seeking a comparative advantage over other states by regulating datacentres themselves.” KSA would slash the cost of risk and compliance for multinationals that ordinarily had to accommodate a host of different regulations around the world, said Jade Masri, managing director of investment advisory R Consultancy in Dubai. That would cut capital costs for investors. “Hyperscalers need this law to import data into KSA to run large language models and generate meaningful AI,” said Amrik Sangha, a consultant with Gateley in Dubai. But KSA needed to address the question of “grey” fibre optic cables that would carry foreign data transfers “without monitoring”, he said. Grey, or “dark”, cables are private, point-to-point communications lines not reliant on local connections. Notwithstanding the unexpected US U-turn, Juliana Rordorf, Middle East director for political consultancy Albright Stonebridge Group, said the law might influence the global debate about data localisation, as well as AI export controls. Neighbouring Bahrain has had a data embassy law since 2018, while UAE, whose datacentre market and planned construction dwarfs that of KSA, recently made bilateral data embassy agreements with France and Italy. Such a law has even been mooted as a way to encourage investors deterred by Europe’s onerous data protection rules, having been pioneered in Estonia, and aped in Monaco, as a means of securing government backup datacentres in Luxembourg, because they otherwise had nowhere to put them safely. #data #embassies #embargo #halt #give
    WWW.COMPUTERWEEKLY.COM
    Data embassies and US embargo halt give Saudi AI hope
    Saudi Arabia’s (KSA’s) attempt to turn from one of the least to most developed data markets in the world has advanced with measures it and the US have taken to encourage investors to build artificial intelligence (AI) datacentres in the country. KSA came closer to finalising plans to treat foreign computer systems as “data embassies”, reassuring firms their customer data would be safely stored in the authoritarian Gulf monarchy. Meanwhile, the US scrapped export controls on its most advanced AI chips, which had threatened to stop KSA from ever realising its plan to become a global leader in AI. Those legal preparations bore fruit this week before either was actually enacted, when Nvidia, whose advanced AI chips are the subject of US export controls, said it had done a deal to ship 18,000 of them to the Saudi state-owned Public Investment Fund. The chips were the first stage in a plan to install “several hundred thousand” Nvidia Grace Blackwell AI chips in five years, consuming 500MW of energy. Political analysts and industry insiders said, before KSA’s plans unfurled this week, that its proposed Global AI Hub Law would allow KSA to get banned AI chips that both it and foreign firms would need to build AI systems in the country. The draft law offers to give foreign computer systems embassy status, so their operators answered only to the laws of their home nations. It would forbid the Saudi state from intruding. KSA concluded a public consultation on the law the day after an Investment Summit, at which US president Donald Trump and Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud signed a broad economic partnership and presided over $600bn of trade deals, the White House said in a statement. They had done $300bn of deals when the conference opened, and aspired to $1tn, the prince told the conference on Tuesday. The deals encompassed defence, energy, tech and health. The audacity of KSA’s ambition was made apparent by data that in February, according to Computer Weekly analysis, showed how among 20 of the most notable data markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Saudi capital Riyadh had the second-least of all operational, planned and unfinished datacentres, above only Athens. With 125MW of computing capacity then planned in Riyadh, it was barely 5% of the forecast size of EMEA market leader London, and not 15% of the size of its rival and neighbour, the United Arab Emirates, according to numbers published by commercial estate agent Cushman & Wakefield. The largest datacentre investment deal apparent, among those announced at the Forum, was Saudi firm DataVolt, investing $20bn in the US. Read more about US and Saudi agreements On Monday, the US scrapped the AI Diffusion Rule, by which former president Joe Biden had blocked exports of powerful AI chips to all but a handful of countries because, US AI tzar David Sacks told the conference, it stopped US technology proliferating around the world and stifled strategic partners such as KSA, when it was supposed to hinder AI development in only a few countries. The US had decided instead to model AI policy on Silicon Valley’s software ecosystems, where firms became dominant by publishing application programming interfaces (APIs) that others could use to build on their technology. “They’re able to build these ecosystems without even having any lawyers involved,” said Sacks. “There’s no need for a contract. You just publish an API. In a similar way, the US needs to encourage the world to build on our tech stack. “President Trump said ‘the US has to win the AI race’. How do we win the AI race? We have to build the biggest partner ecosystem. We need our friends like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and other strategic partners and allies, to build on our tech. “We want our technology to spread,” he said. “We want people to use it. We want to become the standard.” KSA’s attempt, meanwhile, to encourage foreign firms to build AI datacentres in the country by allowing their home nations to retain sovereignty over their data was widely commended as a strategic masterstroke. “It’s still an immature market, but the opportunity is huge,” said Stephen Beard, a real estate deal-maker for Knight Frank in Dubai. KSA could be a top-seven datacentre market in a decade. His firm estimated US cloud computing firms had recently committed to $9bn of investment there by 2027. Knight Frank alone was handling $7bn of datacentre deals for firms attracted by the local market opportunity, in a country with 20% lower power costs than the UK, a large, growing population and a non-democratic government able to digitise rapidly without the inconvenience of parliamentary process. President Trump commended KSA’s ruling family for that in a speech in Riyadh this week. “The AI Hub law is optically a fantastic move,” said Beard. “It should go some way to appeasing investors’ concerns. But we are talking about Saudi Arabia. Who decides the law in Saudi Arabia? Any developer looks for a higher return because of the macro risks.” But computer firms would invest there to serve KSA. The idea of KSA becoming a “super-hub” was flawed. Munir Suboh, a lawyer at Taylor Wessing in Riyadh, said the law would give KSA an “unprecedented advantage” over other countries which hesitate to cede sovereignty over foreign facilities. Contrast Saudi Arabia's attempt to make life easier for foreign investors with Europe’s regulatory preoccupation with imposing safety standards. “Traditionally, cross-border data transfers require compliance with multiple data localisation regulations, especially in data-heavy industries,” said Oliver Subhedar, a commercial dispute lawyer with Burlingtons. KSA is seeking a comparative advantage over other states by regulating datacentres themselves.” KSA would slash the cost of risk and compliance for multinationals that ordinarily had to accommodate a host of different regulations around the world, said Jade Masri, managing director of investment advisory R Consultancy in Dubai. That would cut capital costs for investors. “Hyperscalers need this law to import data into KSA to run large language models and generate meaningful AI,” said Amrik Sangha, a consultant with Gateley in Dubai. But KSA needed to address the question of “grey” fibre optic cables that would carry foreign data transfers “without monitoring”, he said. Grey, or “dark”, cables are private, point-to-point communications lines not reliant on local connections. Notwithstanding the unexpected US U-turn, Juliana Rordorf, Middle East director for political consultancy Albright Stonebridge Group, said the law might influence the global debate about data localisation, as well as AI export controls. Neighbouring Bahrain has had a data embassy law since 2018, while UAE, whose datacentre market and planned construction dwarfs that of KSA, recently made bilateral data embassy agreements with France and Italy. Such a law has even been mooted as a way to encourage investors deterred by Europe’s onerous data protection rules, having been pioneered in Estonia, and aped in Monaco, as a means of securing government backup datacentres in Luxembourg, because they otherwise had nowhere to put them safely.
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