NIGEL BELL
Principle, ECOdesign Architects + Consultants
Nigel Bell (FRAIA) is principle of ECOdesign Architects + Consultants, working from Katoomba (NSW) studio with decades of experience in balancing ecologically sensitive sites, client and Authority requirements, tight budgets - and now bushfire issues across regional areas. Project work extends from residential to small commercial, government and eco/tourism, with a string of local, state and national awards. Nigel has been a Churchill Fellow (1994), with his practice being judged the Blue Mountains "Outstanding environmental business" (2001). His Banksia Environmental Award ecotourism project (Jemby-Rinjah Lodge) had been the leading ecotourism and environmental education facility through the 1990's and more - but has burnt down in the recent mega-fires.
Nigel has long been involved in educational and teaching work across universities, TAFE, community, through to schools. Using his research and facilitation skills from social ecology higher degree study, this led from 2009 to facilitating recovery within bushfire devastated communities in Victoria including leading the community visioning followed by a design charette. Further involvement occurred following the 2013 local bushfires, assisting both in recovery and enhancing sustainable architectural design.
Nigel has written four Environmental Design 'Notes' on bushfire and sustainability matters (most recent published last October 2019); is an Al Gore trained "Climate Leader'; has been elected to two terms as NSW AIA 'Chapter Councillor'; and three terms to the 'NSW Architects Registration Board' in seeking positive change within the profession.
In consequence, Nigel has a strong history and commitment to people, planet and place, extending the architectural ethos into regional areas, community involvements, and past that of promoting elite architecture.