On 29 May, our Founding Director Catherine Ramsden delivered the IABSE Annual Lecture, ‘Through the redline’, sharing valuable insights on integrating social purpose with design excellence. Her presentation addressed how the built environment industry can move beyond traditional metrics toward more holistic approaches, prioritising long-term impact and environmental responsibility.
A unique perspective on industry transformation
Catherine brought her distinctive perspective to the IABSE platform, drawing from her leadership of an award-winning B Corp and Social Enterprise that is renowned for delivering projects that stretch well beyond their boundaries and notional ‘redline’. Her approach bridges architectural innovation and community impact, offering rigourous frameworks for addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges.
Taking a journey through her work commencing with Mission Bay, California with efforts to rewild the natural wetlands, to loop in the positive ripple effects of the Millennium Bridge while at Foster + Partners and landing with current ambitions to propel material reuse in the recent salvaged steel pedestrian bridge and Brunel Engine Shed retrofit.
The discussion reinforced the sector’s readiness for approaches that balance rigorous technical standards with environmental responsibility and social impact, providing practical pathways for professionals seeking to create more meaningful outcomes through their work.
