Rachel leads Orms’ research into materials passports, which was initiated as part of a wider project into material reuse. The outcome of this work is a methodology for encouraging more meaningful material reuse, by creating a material database for the project. The approach is deliberately open source and flexible, allowing design teams of any size or skill set to apply the work to their projects. She now leads a materials passports working group within the UK, a cross industry collaboration of over 100 individuals, with the aim of turning the research into a clear project deliverable. In 2023 Orms received funding with Lancaster University and supported by the University of Sheffield to develop a materials passports policy paper and templates which will facilitate wider adoption of materials passports. This work launched in January 2024.

Orms

We design places for learning, living, working and mixing that are deeply functional and forever generous. Created in collaboration with investors, developers, organisations and communities across the UK, these democratic spaces put people at the heart of the narrative.

Based in central London, we’ve been in practice for more than 40 years, continually evolving our studio to make it fit for purpose. In 2018 we became an Employee Owned Trust (EOT) and in 2024 a BCorp.

Our approach is shaped by Ultrapractical, a manual for design that has helped us to re-learn the rules of engagement and that will shape our outlook for years to come.

orms.co.uk