We attended the bi-annual Workplace Trends conference at the British Library - an event which focused on Evidence Based Design in the workplace. A host of speakers gave an interesting insight into the data behind workplace decisions - something which very much chimes with the way we work. We are constantly striving to find new and innovative ways of documenting and analysing the workplace experience through our range of tools - allowing us to design spaces which compliment the way people use them.

Most of us haven't done a "show and tell" since primary school and with a growing number of large scale projects underway for us, it was high-time we shared what we've been up to. It's not too often that our Shropshire and London studios come together as one, so what better venue than The Screening Room at Somerset House for such an occasion. We had a whole day of presentations from everyone across iDEA - it was a truly eclectic mix. We covered everything from video to VR, programming to painting. Our design diversity is a huge part of our DNA, and it's something we're proud to celebrate. Roll on the next one!

We were proud to be given the opportunity to demonstrate the latest iteration of our 3D environment viewer at the AGI Scotland annual event in Stirling - showing off our visualisation of asset management down to room level. The theme for the event was "innovation and opportunity: stepping out of the GI comfort zone". Fantastic event and great to be widening our horizons into new challenges and oportunities.

It's exciting to see steel framework going up at our latest project for this Global Aerospace Technology Firm at Ansty Park in the West Midlands. The 440,000 sq ft building, on a 23-acre site, will bring together 1,000 staff from various locations around the UK. Through a series of detailed engagement sessions, we helped to shape the vision for the interior spaces of this impressive facility - watch this (aero)space!

Following our tradition of celebrating Christmas at project locations, this year we travelled to Oxford where we have been developing the brief for a new university building. If you're wondering what the link to the title is .... our venue for this festive occasion was the scene of much historical debate The Oxford Union. Much hysterical debate ensued culminating in our own College photo. You can see it in all its glory here

Following the success of our work in developing a pilot workplace project for Allied Irish Bank (AIB) in Dublin we have been appointed by First Trust in Belfast to design the workplace for the refurbishment of their Ann Street premises. To date we have completed our Me + My Workplace survey to understand levels of occupancy and adjacencies and to define work styles. This will be followed by detailed interviews and Statement of Requirements.

UCL has a diverse estate that extends well beyond its traditional boundaries of Bloomsbury. iDEA have been appointed by UCL to undertake a review of the estate totalling circa 455,000m2 and to help develop an accommodation masterplan. The role will involve modelling in 3d the components of the existing portfolio and overlaying the opportunities and drivers to support sustainable growth.

As part of our continuing role with Manchester University's MECD project we are developing pilot projects for the Academic and Professional Services Staff office areas. Three pilot schemes are being trialled with each being occupied for a term at a time by selected teams. Achieving a contemporary and optimum environment for the diverse needs of University staff is a challenge for the HE sector. Time will tell on wether we achieve a degree of success.

Crikey, we're getting old! iDEA has been in business now for a quarter of a century. We’ve been around longer than Google, Facebook, YouTube, the Euro, texting, DVDs, Justin Bieber…

We’re always looking for ways to improve as a company - it’s been one of our strengths that has kept us going all these years. Last year we had complete overhaul of our brand, logo and website. We made the conscious decision to ensure everything with our name attached is approached with the same level of care and attention to detail, regardless of whether it’s a design proposal, holiday request form or a glossy publication.

Presenting information in the most clear and beautiful way possible is part of what makes iDEA unique and it really matters to us.

We are working with The University of Glasgow to schedule and photograph key research equipment in The School of Engineering. If this sounds a little dull- far from it. iDEA will then combine all the data and photos into 360 degree viewable rooms accessed via a 3D model of the James Watt and Rankine buildings with an easily updatable database for onward use by the University. It's a great example of complex information made simple and amazingly, asset management made interesting.

Next time you're thankful that your plane stops before the runway runs out you can thank Meggitt, a global producer of aircraft brake pads and much more. iDEA are currently engaged in developing the detailed workplace brief and design for their new 40,000m2 manufacturing and office facility in Coventry. When complete this will be the home for circa 1,000 staff and represents one of the largest industrial projects in the Midlands in more than a decade.

We're delighted that this re-designed website has been shortlisted for 3 Archiboo web awards: Best Written Content, Best Mobile Experience and Best Overall Experience.

The Archiboo Web Awards recognise and celebrate architects, designers and their collaborators who best use online to communicate their work. Judged by a panel of 30 experts from tech to property, the 10 categories recognise outstanding digital performers from engagingly written content and impactful design to firms pushing the boundaries with the latest technologies such as VR.

In 2017, the awards attracted over 250 entries from studios around the world. For 2018, Archiboo added one more category to reflect the importance of mobile devices - we couldn't agree more - therefore we're excited that this is one of the categories in which we've been nominated.

We're proud to be recognised amongst an impressive list of nominees and look forward to learning our fate on the 19th September.