Constructing Excellence Herts & Beds

HBCEC Awards, Tour of BRE Innovation Park & MMC Event
2023-04-18 15:15 - 17:45 UTC | BRE Innovation Park, Bucknalls Lane, Garston, Watford, WD25 9XX
Constructing Excellence and CIOB will be coming together with the Club for an opportunity to tour the BRE Innovation Park and a panel discussion on Modern Methods of Construction.
We will also be holding our Awards Presentations for this year’s Club Awards and celebrate all that is great in our sector in Herts & Beds so please join us.
Itinerary:
3.15 pm Welcome and Introductions from CIOB & CE
3.25 pm Introduction to BRE Campus and What They Do on Site
3.35 pm HBCEC Awards
4.05 pm Tour of the Innovation Park – visit various prototypes and how they are all approaching MMC in different ways to provide a range of benefits plus break (coffee & canopies)
5.05 pm Panel Discussion – Delivering Better Outcomes through Modern Methods of Construction
5.45 pm Close
For further details e: marion@rdtarchitects.co.uk or book via eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/modern-methods-of-construction-tour-of-bre-innovation-park-tickets-542961431257
A CPD Accredited Event (certificates available upon request)

Stevenage Town Centre Regeneration Tour
2023-06-13 15:30 - 17:00 | Stevenage Bourough Council Visitors Centre, Unit 4, The Town Square, Stevenage, SG1 1BP, United Kingdom
Join Constructing Excellence Herts and Beds for the Stevenage Town Centre Regeneration Tour.
This is a CDP accredited event. For further details or booking information contact Marion Clapp.

Willmott Dixon’s Net Zero Strategy and Tour of IET Building, Stevenage
2023-11-14 08:30 - 11:00 | Herts.
IET are kindly hosting the Club with an opportunity to tour their new building which has undergone a complete redevelopment “We wanted to design a building with the future in mind – one that gives our employees an intuitive, modern and fully accessible space in which they can thrive as well as playing our part to reduce our impact on the environment by ensuring our new building is built and run in a sustainable way.” Richard Mundy – Head of Facilities at the IET
We are also pleased to be joined by Julia Barrett, Chief Sustainability Officer and Board Director at Willmott Dixon responsible for sustainability and compliance.
Willmott Dixon has been carbon neutral in its own operations since 2012 and is aiming to be zero-carbon without offsetting by 2030. Its sustainability strategy sets out sector-leading targets for its products and services, and well as inspirational ambitions for social value.
Julia is passionate about sustainability, diversity, skills and inspiring and leading change across the built environment sector.

End of Year Breakfast Social
2023-11-30 08:00 - 10:00 | Pitcher & Piano, Hitchin, 31 Market Place, Hitchin, Herts., SG5 1DY
Join us to catch up with members and guests for an end of year social networking event at Pitcher and Piano in Hitchin

February Breakfast Social
2024-02-08 08:00 - 10:00 | Pitcher & Piano, Hitchin, 31 Market Place, Hitchin, Herts., SG5 1DY
We are pleased to be kicking off the new year with our popular breakfast social at Pitcher & Piano Hitchin where we will be announcing details of the Constructing Excellence Awards for 2024.
Please email marion@rdtarchitects.co.uk to reserve a place and we look forward to seeing you there.
Don’t forget to bring your business cards for a chance to win some of Richard’s popular local honey!

Networking Breakfast at the Fielder Centre, Hatfield
2025-01-16 08:00 - 10:00 | Herts.
Please join us for our first social event of 2025 at the new venue of The Fielder Centre in Hatfield.
We are an unique Club for the construction industry, offering networking opportunities, tours of award winning buildings and access to the CE Awards.
Come and network with like minded individuals and share best practice.
Refreshments, bacon rolls and pastries will be provided.
We will also be announcing details of the Constructing Excellence Awards 2025.
This is a free event and members and non-members are both welcome, but please ensure you book by emailing: marion@rdtarchitects.co.uk.
Members will get priority at all future events so we would encourage guests to join the Club after an initial visit. Corporate membership is £150 per annum and individual membership £50. Further details from marion@rdtarchitects.co.uk.

Tour of New Construction Centre at Oaklands College St Albans Campus with R G Carter
2025-03-18 16:00 - 18:00 | AL4 0JA, Oaklands College St Albans Campus, St Albans, Herts., AL4 0JA
Join us at our next event on Tuesday 18th March from 4.00-6.00 pm at Oaklands College where we will have the opportunity to tour the new Construction Centre with the main contractor R G Carter
This new Construction Centre is a significant development for the region. This state-of-the-art facility offers a modern learning environment equipped with advanced tools, technology, and resources tailored to support students gaining essential skills for the construction sector.
The Construction Centre is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the construction industry, which remains a crucial driver of the local and national economy. By providing hands-on training in areas such as bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work as well as construction management and professional services, the centre ensures that learners are equipped with skills that align with industry needs. This is especially valuable as the construction sector evolves with new technologies and sustainable building practices.
Visiting the Construction Centre with the Herts & Beds CE Club would be a fantastic opportunity for members to gain insight into cutting-edge industry practices. The visit will include guided tours and the chance to network with industry professionals.
Moreover, Oaklands College’s strong partnerships with industry leaders mean that visitors can also learn about aligning with the College with employment pathways in the sector.
Email marion@rdtarchitects.co.uk to book your place.

Networking Breakfast and Talk on Designing for Neurodiversity/Inclusive Environments at Altro Limited
2025-04-08 08:30 - 10:30 | SG8 1NW, Works Road, Letchworth Garden City, Herts., SG9 1NW
Join us to hear from STEPHANIE KYLE, Senior Architect and Inclusive Design consultant at Floyd Slaski Architects and first winner of the AJ100 Change-Maker of the Year Award for her contribution to the profession.
Stephanie is passionate about diversity, equality and inclusion in architecture, Stephanie channels her extensive knowledge and creativity into designing innovative and aesthetically beautiful spaces, ensuring that each project not only meets the highest architectural standards, but also demonstrates that inclusivity can be both functional and visually inspiring.
Stephanie offers specialist guidance to other designers, clients and decision -makers, ensuring the seamless integration of inclusive design principles throughout every stage of architectural projects. Her expertise surpasses Part M/BS 8300, encompassing considerations for religion, gender-neutral facilities, and a specialist focus on neurodiverse inclusive design and invisible disabilities. Stephanie’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity extends to being Assistant Professor of Architectural Design at the University of Nottingham, inspiring the next generation of architects.
This event is kindly hosted by ALTRO LIMITED, founded in 1919, is a UK-based manufacturer and supplier of interior surfaces, specialising in flooring and wall cladding systems. Their products cater to various sectors, including healthcare, education, retail, and transport. Altro is recognised for pioneering safety flooring and has a global presence with operations across Europe, the United States, China, Australia, and Canada.
To book email: marion@rdtarchitects.co.uk

Join Us at the H&B CE Club Annual Awards and 20th Anniversary Celebratory Lunch
2025-05-15 12:00 - 15:00 | Herts.
We are delighted to be celebrating our 20th Anniversary this year and want to extend our thanks to everyone who has made this milestone possible.
The Club continues to grow, and we are pleased to welcome many new members this year, along with some new faces on our committee.
To mark this special occasion, we invite you to join us for a celebratory lunch at Tewinbury on 15th May, where we aim to welcome over 100 guests.
This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals in the construction industry while also showcasing award-winning projects and organisations in Herts & Beds.
Early bird tickets: £70 each (available until 5th April)
Standard tickets: £90 each (after 5th April)
Includes a two-course meal and celebratory fizz at this beautiful venue
Tables of 8 or 10 are available
Please see full details attached and BOOK EARLY to secure your place!
Also, if you haven’t already submitted an award entry, the deadline is extended until 5pm on 4th April – details at https://hertsandbeds.constructingexcellence.org.uk/hb-ce-club-awards-launch/

Visit to New Hertfordshire Constabulary HQ Site
2025-09-18 17:30 - 19:00 | Hertfordshire Constabulary HQ, Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, Herts., AL8 6XF
Join us for this fantastic opportunity to visit the new Herts Constabulary HQ building in Welwyn Garden City – hosted by Herts Constabulary, Willmott Dixon and Vincent + Gorbing.
Hertfordshire Constabulary are undergoing a major construction on their Headquarters site in Stanborough. Willmott Dixon are delivering their new £60m Headquarters building, designed by Vincent + Gorbing.
The project delivers around 9,500sq.m. of floor space over 5 storeys and is targeting BREEAM Excellent and WELL standard Platinum accreditations. Two new office wings, which house open plan office space, restaurant, gym and conference facilities, are separated by a full height glazed atrium. The project is constructed from an in-situ concrete frame and feature glulam timber roof.
Hertfordshire Constabulary’s new home will be complete in the Summer of 2026 and will co-locate a number of different departments in the County including Major Crime, Safeguarding, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and other key departments. The new building will provide a flexible and sustainable environment.
This is a rare opportunity to see this important building under construction. Please bring your own PPE if you have it.
Booking Essential: please email marion@rdtarchitects.co.uk or call 01582 461060.
Members will get priority – we are now offering new members 50% discount.

10/10 Charity Walk for OneYMCA
2025-10-10 10:00 - 13:30 | Herts.
Our Chairman’s businesses, RDT Architects and Boast Architects, are undertaking a charity walk on behalf of OneYMCA and Club members are invited to join us.
The event will take place at 10.00 am on 10th October, and we will be walking 10 miles around the beautiful Ashridge Estate.
The charity who will benefit from are OneYMCA, the Club’s chosen charity this year, and this date is particularly significant as 10/10 is both World Mental Health Day and World Homeless Day, both of which are causes supported by this fantastic local charity.
Please let us know if you wish to take part. The entry fee is £25, which will go directly to OneYMCA. There will also be an optional lunch after the walk, which will need to be paid for individually (limited spaces).
OneYMCA’s work makes a significant impact, and if you can’t join the walk, you might like to add a donation to the Club’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/hbcec-2025
Any donations will be added to what the Club has already raised this year from the Awards Lunch.
If you would like further details, please do not hesitate to contact marion@rdtarchitects.co.uk or call 01582 461060
Every donation helps make a difference. Thank you for your support!

Visit to New Bedford Academy Building
2025-10-28 16:30 - 18:00 | Bedford Academy, Mile Road, Bedford, MK42 9TR, United Kingdom
We are looking forward to this visit to a new £12m project for Bedford Borough Council – a state-of-the-art, Net Zero Carbon in Operation, teaching facility designed to support the growth of Bedford Academy (UK) and deliver lasting educational and community value through sustainable construction and inclusive design.
Thank you to our hosts Pick Everard and Ashe Group who have facilitated this visit.
Commissioned to help the Academy expand to 1,800 pupils by 2029, the 2-storey NZCiO Classroom Block offers 16 classrooms, changing facilities for 180 students, a dining area and community café, silent study zones, staff offices, and extensive landscaping. It also includes 300 lockers, 20 parking spaces (including disabled bays), four EV charging points, and 77 cycle spaces – supporting both functionality and sustainability.
Community Impact and Diversity: To promote diversity, the project team thoughtfully allocated staff, engaged with local communities and schools and welcomed student visits to meet diverse role models. Inclusive features within the site set up – such as women-only toilets, prayer spaces, and accessibility ramps – were introduced to foster belonging and challenge stereotypes, helping attract more women and underrepresented groups to construction.

A Collaborative Networking Breakfast
2025-11-27 08:00 - 10:00 | Fielder Centre, Hatfield Avenue, Hatfield, AL10 9TP, United Kingdom
Join Us for Our Next Breakfast networking Event at the Fielder Centre, Hatfield.
We will be collaborating with Bedfordshire Association of Architects to bring you our next networking event and invite you to bring your own guests along.
Please RSVP to marion@rdtarchitects.co.uk or phone 01582 461060 – booking essential.

🌟 Members Only Event: Designing for Neurodiversity & Inclusive Environments 🌟
2026-01-15 08:30 - 11:15 | SG8 1NW, Works Road, Letchworth Garden City, Herts., SG9 1NW
On 15th January at Altro Group, Letchworth – an essential session for anyone passionate about creating spaces that truly welcome everyone.
Our guest speaker, Stephanie Kyle, is an award-winning Associate, Architect, and Inclusive Design Consultant at Floyd Slaski. Stephanie is renowned for her expertise in neurodiversity and inclusive design, and her engaging presentations always leave us inspired and wanting more. This time, she’ll deliver a full 90-minute session, sharing practical insights and innovative strategies for designing environments that support neurodivergent individuals and promote true inclusion.
Why attend?

Discover the latest thinking in neurodiversity and inclusive design
Learn how to integrate sensory-friendly and accessible features into your projects
Network with like-minded professionals committed to positive change in the built environment
Gain CPD accreditation and actionable ideas to take back to your teams

Spaces are limited! If you’re a Club member and would like to secure your place, please contact marion@rdtarchitects.co.uk as soon as possible.
Let’s work together to make our environments more welcoming, supportive, and inspiring for everyone.
2026-01-15-Altro-Flyer

Celebrating Apprenticeship Week - A Networking Event
2026-02-11 08:30 - 10:00 | AL4 0JA, Oaklands College St Albans Campus, St Albans, Herts., AL4 0JA
To celebrate and align with Apprenticeships Week, we will be meeting at Oaklands College Construction Centre, the newest in the UK for teaching construction trades.
Oaklands College are committed to delivering high quality training that meets the needs of industry and supports the next generation of skilled professionals. The Construction Centre has been purpose built to enhance the student experience and raise the standard of construction training and skills development.
The Centre features state of the art practical learning workshops for plumbing, electrical and renewable installation trades, alongside a construction lab, a VR learning suite and modern classrooms.
Since opening, Oaklands College has been selected as one of only six colleges nationally to partner with the Construction Industry Training Board and the Home Builders Federation through their Partner a College project. This prestigious initiative connects our students with housebuilders across the South East, providing invaluable real world experience and helping to shape the future workforce.
ITINERARY
8.30 am Networking and Refreshments
9.00 pm Introduction from Chair and Oaklands College
9.10 am Meet the Apprentices
9.25 am An Employers Perspective
9.30 am Chair of HBCEC – How engaging with Oaklands has helped our business
9.40 am Networking
10.00 am Close
