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I recently had the privilege of visiting Tokyo, a city bursting with history, culture and delicious food. The highlight for me (apart from the sushi) was the view of the glittering metropolis from the top of Tokyo Tower with the moody backdrop of a lightning storm. This got me thinking about buildings in Tokyo, and how they deal with the challenges that nature throws at them.

As we transition from the (somewhat) warm and sunny days of summer for the colder, blustery winter period, it’s time to start thinking about how to protect our homes from the wind. Did you know that during Storm Eunice in February 2022, it was estimated that there was £369 million worth of property damage caused primarily by high winds? That really shows how important it is to wind-proof your home.

The 2024 Paris Olympics are currently underway, and Team GB has already amassed an impressive collection of medals, placing us near the top of the medal table. This event is not just a celebration of athletic prowess but also a chance to experience the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Paris, often referred to as ‘the City of Love.’ With millions of visitors each year, Paris captivates with its charming cafes, world-class museums, and remarkable architectural landmarks, the most iconic of which is the Eiffel Tower.

Embarking on the journey of purchasing your first home is an exciting, yet daunting, process. From navigating unfamiliar procedures to deciphering complex terminology, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. However, with the right guidance, you can navigate this terrain with confidence.

As the calendar turns another page with the lingering warmth of September a faint memory and December just on the horizon, it’s time to acknowledge the changing seasons. The mornings are darker, signalling the inevitable shift towards colder weather and shorter days. Rather than resisting, perhaps it’s an opportune moment to accept and dare we say, even embrace the forthcoming challenges posed by winter.

During a recent visit to Brussels, Belgium, I had the privilege of immersing myself in a world of architectural wonders. Brussels, often regarded as the heart of the European Union, boasts a wealth of impressive sites. Among the city’s many gems are the Stock Exchange, the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries, the Royal Palace, Brussels Park, and the imposing Palace of Justice.

The Lake District, the largest national park in England, is a breath-taking destination that beckons adventurers, hikers, climbers, and water sports enthusiasts alike. Its allure lies not only in its natural beauty, characterised by rolling hills and pristine lakes, but also in its charming vernacular architecture.

In March this year, we took part in a challenge for Comic Relief attempting to climb the equivalent of Mount Everest at the historic Park steps in the centre of Nottingham. This was a huge undertaking as the steps are incredibly steep and uneven; they are hard to walk up and down let alone run. This got me thinking about the design of stairs and steps in the UK.