Ecology should be part of the creative process
Great design comes from understanding a place: its character, its constraints and its opportunities.
Ecology is part of that picture.
Crossman Ecology works collaboratively with architects from the earliest stages of design, helping identify the natural features that matter and exploring how they can become part of the solution rather than simply constraints to design around.
That might mean retaining a mature hedgerow and making it part of the character of a scheme, using a habitat buffer to create a green corridor, designing lighting around bat activity, integrating biodiversity into landscaping, or creating buildings that provide new opportunities for wildlife.
We believe the best outcomes come when architects, ecologists, landscape architects, planners and other specialists solve problems together.
Bring ecology into the conversation early
Ecology is much easier to work with while the design is still evolving.
If ecological requirements are identified after a layout or building design has been substantially fixed, they can feel like restrictions: retain this, move that, provide a buffer here, change the lighting there.
Bring the ecologist into the project earlier and the conversation changes.
Instead of asking “How do we fit ecology into this design?”, the design team can ask “How can the ecology help inform a better design?”
Early collaboration gives everyone more freedom to explore alternatives, resolve potential conflicts and identify opportunities before they become expensive or difficult to accommodate.
Understand the site before designing the solution
Every site has an ecological story.
Existing trees and hedgerows may define natural routes through a site. Watercourses and ponds may provide focal points. Bat activity may influence lighting. Existing habitats may suggest where development, open space or landscape features are most appropriately located.
An early ecological appraisal helps the design team understand that context.
It can identify important habitats and ecological features, potential protected species constraints, opportunities for enhancement and the further ecological work likely to be required.
The purpose is not simply to produce another technical report.
It is to give the design team useful information while there is still time to do something creative with it.
Find out more about Ecological Appraisal
Constraints can become design opportunities
Ecological constraints inevitably influence some projects. But a constraint does not always have to result in a poorer design.
A requirement to retain habitat can help establish the green structure of a site. A buffer can become part of an attractive landscape corridor. Sustainable drainage can provide habitat as well as water management. Biodiversity features can be incorporated into the architecture itself.
The opportunity comes from looking at these requirements collectively rather than treating ecology, architecture and landscape as separate disciplines.
Our role is to explain what ecological outcome needs to be achieved and then work with the design team to explore the best way of achieving it.
Designing buildings with wildlife in mind
Buildings themselves can provide opportunities for biodiversity.
Depending on the project and its ecological context, features such as integrated bat roosting spaces and bird nesting opportunities can become part of the architecture rather than additions considered at the end of the project.
Thoughtful specification and positioning are important. A biodiversity feature only has real value if it is appropriate for the species, located somewhere the species is likely to use it and compatible with the way the building and surrounding landscape will function.
Early coordination allows these features to be considered alongside elevations, materials, lighting and landscape design.
Lighting can be part of the ecological design
Lighting is one of the areas where collaboration between architects, lighting designers and ecologists can make a significant difference.
Artificial light can affect bats and other wildlife, particularly where development is close to important habitat features or commuting and foraging routes.
That does not necessarily mean leaving a development in darkness.
It means understanding where darkness matters and designing the lighting strategy accordingly.
Early discussion about the position of buildings, access routes, glazing, external lighting and important habitat features can help create a scheme that is both usable for people and sensitive to wildlife.
Biodiversity Net Gain can contribute to placemaking
Biodiversity Net Gain should not simply be a number calculated once the landscape plan has been completed.
Used well, it can contribute to the wider design of a place.
Existing habitats can help establish character. New habitat can be integrated into public open space. Sustainable drainage features can provide biodiversity alongside their engineering function. Trees, hedgerows and planting can contribute to ecological connectivity while helping define streets and spaces.
Working collaboratively with architects and landscape architects allows us to explore how biodiversity requirements can contribute to places that feel greener, richer and more connected to their surroundings.
Find out more about Biodiversity Net Gain
Collaboration creates better outcomes
No individual consultant designs a great development alone.
Architecture interacts with landscape. Landscape interacts with drainage. Lighting interacts with ecology. Ecology interacts with planning. And all of those decisions ultimately affect the experience of the people who use the place.
We therefore see ourselves as part of the design team, not simply a specialist consultant producing a report in the background.
We want architects to be able to pick up the phone, discuss an idea and ask:
- Could we move this habitat?
- How much of this hedgerow really needs to be retained?
- Could this area of open space perform the ecological function instead?
- Can we incorporate habitat into the building?
- How can we light this route without affecting bats?
- Could the drainage feature contribute to biodiversity?
- Is there another way of achieving the same ecological outcome?
Sometimes the answer will be no. Often there will be another option.
The important thing is having the conversation while the design can still respond.
Ecology support throughout the design process
Site appraisal
We identify important ecological features, potential constraints and opportunities so they can inform the earliest design decisions.
Concept design
We work with the design team to explore how existing habitats and ecological requirements can influence layout, landscape and the character of the development.
Protected species surveys
Where further surveys are required, we establish how protected species use the site and explain the practical implications for the design.
Biodiversity Net Gain
We work alongside architects and landscape architects to consider how habitat retention, creation and enhancement can be integrated intelligently into the scheme.
Planning
We prepare the ecological assessments and supporting information needed for planning and help resolve ecological matters raised during determination.
Detailed design
We help translate ecological commitments into practical details covering habitat creation, biodiversity features, lighting, landscaping and mitigation.
Construction
Where required, we provide ecological supervision, protected species licensing and practical support as the design becomes a built project.
Ecology services for architects
Ecological Appraisal
Understand the site’s ecological context before the design becomes fixed, including important habitats, protected species potential, constraints and opportunities.
Biodiversity Net Gain
Strategic advice on retaining, creating and enhancing habitats and integrating biodiversity requirements into landscape and site design.
Ecological Impact Assessment
Assessment of the ecological effects of larger or more sensitive developments, with practical recommendations for avoidance, mitigation and enhancement.
Protected Species Surveys
Surveys that establish how protected species use the site and provide the evidence needed to develop an appropriate design and mitigation strategy.
Protected Species Licensing
Where impacts cannot be avoided through design, we can develop appropriate mitigation and obtain protected species licences where required.
Why architects work with Crossman Ecology
We enjoy the design process
We do not see ecology as a checklist to be applied once the design is complete. We enjoy working through problems with architects and finding solutions that satisfy ecological requirements while contributing positively to the scheme.
We explain the outcome, not just the rule
Rather than simply telling the design team that something cannot be done, we explain what ecological outcome needs to be achieved and explore whether there are different ways of achieving it.
We are pragmatic
Ecological mitigation should be proportionate to the ecological issue. We look for solutions that are robust and compliant without adding unnecessary complexity to the design.
We understand the bigger picture
Ecology is only one consideration within a design. We recognise that architects are balancing planning, viability, landscape, access, drainage, sustainability, client requirements and the experience of the people who will ultimately use the building or place.
We collaborate
We believe the strongest outcomes come from consultants sharing ideas rather than defending individual disciplines. We work constructively with architects, landscape architects, planners, engineers, lighting designers and other members of the project team.
The Crossman Ecology Three-Part Client Guarantee
Creative collaboration works best when you can also rely on the fundamentals: clear advice, agreed timescales and certainty over the service you will receive.
That’s why our work is backed by the Crossman Ecology Three-Part Client Guarantee.
Discover our Three-Part Client Guarantee
Frequently asked questions from architects
When should an architect involve an ecologist?
Ideally, before the concept design or site layout becomes fixed.
Early ecological input identifies important habitats, protected species considerations and other constraints while there is still freedom to respond creatively.
It also allows ecological opportunities to influence the design rather than being added retrospectively once the main decisions have already been made.
How can ecology influence the design of a development?
Ecology can influence the position of buildings, access, public open space, landscaping, lighting, drainage and the retention or creation of habitat.
The objective should not necessarily be to design around every ecological feature. It is to understand which features matter, why they matter and what ecological outcome needs to be achieved.
That information allows the architect and ecologist to explore the design together.
Does finding protected species mean the design has to change?
Not necessarily.
It depends on the species, how it uses the site and the nature of the proposed impact.
Sometimes a design change is the simplest solution. In other circumstances, impacts may be addressed through timing, mitigation, compensation or protected species licensing.
Our preference is to explain the options and their implications so the design team can make an informed decision.
Can ecological constraints improve a design?
They can.
A retained hedgerow might help define a green corridor. A habitat buffer could become part of the landscape structure. A pond or sustainable drainage feature could become an attractive focal point. Existing mature vegetation can give a new development an immediate sense of character.
The opportunity comes from recognising these features early enough for them to become part of the design concept.
How can buildings provide habitat for wildlife?
Buildings can incorporate features such as bat roosting opportunities and bird nesting spaces, where these are appropriate to the site and target species.
Integrated features can often be visually discreet and considered alongside the architecture rather than appearing as additions after the design is complete.
The location and specification matter, so ecological input should ideally take place during design rather than immediately before construction.
How should lighting be designed where bats are present?
The starting point is understanding how bats are using the site and identifying the habitat features where maintaining darkness is important.
The lighting strategy can then consider the location, direction, intensity and operation of lighting alongside the layout of buildings, paths and access.
The aim is not necessarily to remove lighting, but to provide light where people need it while protecting the ecological function of important dark areas.
Can landscaping and public open space contribute to Biodiversity Net Gain?
Potentially, yes.
Landscape areas can provide amenity, recreation and visual value while also contributing to habitat creation and ecological connectivity.
However, habitats proposed for BNG need to be appropriate, achievable and capable of being managed to the required condition.
Early collaboration between the architect, landscape architect and ecologist is therefore particularly valuable.
Can sustainable drainage also provide ecological value?
Yes. Appropriately designed sustainable drainage features can potentially provide habitat as well as performing their drainage function.
The best solution will depend on factors such as water levels, planting, engineering requirements, safety, maintenance and the wider ecological strategy.
This is a good example of why multidisciplinary design can create better outcomes than considering each requirement separately.
What information does an architect need from an ecologist?
At an early stage, the most useful information is usually not a long technical report. It is a clear understanding of the site’s important ecological features, what needs to be protected or accommodated, where there is flexibility and what further information will be needed.
As the project progresses, more detailed information may be required for planning, mitigation, Biodiversity Net Gain, lighting, landscaping and construction.
We aim to translate ecological requirements into information that the design team can actually use.
What is the best way for architects and ecologists to work together?
Talk early and talk often.
Sharing emerging layouts and ideas before they become fixed allows ecological issues to be identified and resolved much more creatively.
A short conversation between the architect and ecologist at the right stage can sometimes avoid multiple revisions later in the project.
We see our role as part of the design conversation: explaining the ecological requirements clearly, listening to what the architect is trying to achieve and working together to find the best solution.
Designing something new?
Bring us into the conversation early.
Send us the site and your emerging ideas and we’ll help you understand the ecological context, identify the constraints that genuinely matter and explore the opportunities nature could bring to the design.
The best ecological design should not feel like ecology has been added to a project. It should feel like it belonged there from the beginning.