Sectors · Retrofit
Retrofit
Upgrading the buildings we already have: deep retrofit, reuse and energy upgrades. Why it matters, what it demands and who is hiring.
Knowledge
Working in retrofit.
Retrofit is the work of upgrading the buildings we already have: deep energy retrofits, refurbishments and reuse schemes that cut carbon without demolition. As the industry saying goes, the greenest building is the one that already exists.
It is technical territory. Building physics, fabric-first detailing and energy modelling sit at the centre, and PAS 2035 sets the process for domestic retrofit in the UK. With net zero targets tightening and planning policy favouring reuse, retrofit has become one of the fastest-growing specialisms in the industry.
This hub gathers the live picture for retrofit work: who is hiring, which practices are building capability, and the conversations shaping the sector right now.
- It is the climate brief
Most of the buildings we will use in 2050 already exist, so upgrading them is the climate priority.
- It is technical work
Fabric-first upgrades, energy modelling and PAS 2035 processes make retrofit deeply technical.
- It crosses every sector
Every sector needs it, from housing to offices, so retrofit skills travel across the whole industry.
Practices
Practices connected to Retrofit.
Learn
Learn about retrofit.
- PodcastNavigating Architecture: Chris Hartiss Reflects on Career, Challenges, and ChangeThe Architecture Social PodcastListen
- PodcastSustainable Futures with James Rixon: Retrofit ArchitectureThe Architecture Social PodcastListen
- GuideCharting Christopher Hartiss's Architectural Journey: From Early Inspirations to Shaping FuturesCPD guide from the podcastRead
- GuideRetrofit and Low-Energy Architecture with James RixonCPD guide from the podcastRead
Articles about retrofit appear here as they are tagged in Learn.
Move within retrofit.
Create a profile so practices can find you, or advertise a retrofit role to our UK audience.