Why Architects Should Involve Air Conditioning Experts Early in Project Design

Architects shape how buildings perform and feel. But decisions about layout, structure, and materials often lock in constraints that affect air conditioning systems long before an engineer is consulted.

When architects in Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey engage an air conditioning partner early, they avoid costly rework, improve building performance, and deliver better outcomes for clients.

This blog explains why early collaboration matters and how it benefits your project from day one.

What happens when air conditioning is an afterthought

Leaving air conditioning planning until after key layouts are fixed causes:

• Grille and duct clashes with lights, beams or ceiling features
• Plant spaces that are too small for access and servicing
• Excessive surface-mounted pipework that affects finishes
• Increased acoustic complaints due to poor routing
• Delays during coordination as mechanical plans are reworked

These issues are common in projects across Reading, Winchester and Guildford where design freezes happen before mechanical input is sought.

Benefits of early-stage involvement

When air conditioning is considered from RIBA Stage 2 or 3:

• Duct routes align with beams and ceiling zones
• Grille locations are coordinated with lighting and interior finishes
• Plant areas are sized correctly for access and airflow
• Energy calculations support Building Regulations compliance
• F-Gas requirements and TM44 expectations are designed in

Early design support helps you meet regulations like Building Regulations Part L and Part F with fewer last-minute revisions.

Real examples of early collaboration

Oxfordshire residential scheme (Winter 2023)

We were invited by the architect during Stage 3. The ceiling voids were shallow and lighting dense. We proposed compact ducted units and adjusted grille positions to preserve the visual design. Result: no changes required post-installation.

Farnham commercial fit-out (Spring 2024)

ClimateWorks attended pre-start meetings with the architect and interior designer. Our layout advice reduced visible pipework and allowed for a concealed condensing unit location behind a privacy screen.

Andover mixed-use build (Q1 2024)

In this design-and-build project, we worked with the architect to create plant space in a roof recess without impacting external appearance. It avoided the need for planning revisions and preserved the aesthetic.

Endorsements from the design team

"I never realised how much of a difference early AC planning makes. ClimateWorks helped us keep the ceiling design clean without compromising airflow."
Lead Architect, Guildford (2024)

"We had several client-driven changes late in the process. Because they were involved early, it was easy to adapt without losing control of the layout."
Project Architect, Reading (2023)

How this supports your compliance and performance goals

Early collaboration with your air conditioning partner helps:

• Achieve TM44 compliance by design, not correction
• Avoid specification conflicts with SAP or SBEM modelling
• Improve thermal comfort predictions in environmental analysis
• Meet planning expectations around plant visibility and noise
• Deliver low-energy systems that support Net Zero objectives

Design-stage support also reduces liability during handover and avoids design variation claims.

How architects can build this into their process

To get support early:

• Add an air conditioning partner to your Stage 2 or 3 design team
• Share layout plans and ceiling zone constraints
• Ask for guidance on duct space, grille size and plant areas
• Invite them to coordination sessions with the M&E consultant
• Use their input to prepare better tenders and reduce queries

ClimateWorks works with architects across Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey to make sure air conditioning helps, not hinders, your design.

About the author

Dr. Julian Carter
Thermal Systems Expert and Technical Advisor at ClimateWorks

Dr. Julian Carter is a highly experienced thermal systems expert with over 15 years in the field, holding a PhD in thermal systems. His career spans academic research, consulting and teaching, focusing on air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Dr. Carter bridges the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications, providing expert insights to organisations like ClimateWorks, where his guidance informs decision-making and industry best practices. Notably, he has worked on international projects with organisations such as Daikin Industries, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Currently a lecturer at Edinburgh University, Dr. Carter combines his expertise with a passion for educating the next generation of engineers and advancing climate control technologies.

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