WMCA Design Lead beats tough competition to bring quality design to UK infrastructure
Published: Tuesday 07 May 2019
Design Lead for the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Louise Wyman has been appointed to an influential government group that will champion design excellence in all new UK infrastructure.
Louise, an experienced chartered surveyor and landscape architect, beat off tough competition to be named one of just ten National Infrastructure Commission Design Group members.
Professor Sadie Morgan, National Infrastructure Commissioner and Stirling Prize winner, said the establishment of the Design Group was a pivotal moment" for the future of UK infrastructure.
Louise Wyman, WMCA Design Lead, has been appointed to the National Infrastructure Commission Design Group
The Group will lobby to ensure that design is considered at the outset of every major project so that it both works well and looks good, enhancing the quality of life for the communities who experience it every day.
Louise said: I'm honoured and delighted to be appointed to the National Infrastructure Commission's Design Group, in the same month I've joined the WMCA.
"I'm passionate about inclusive design and how it can best serve diverse communities and improve quality of life. I'm looking forward to meeting the other Design Group members this week and excited to begin my role linking excellence in the design of UK infrastructure to opportunities across the Midlands, where my career began
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street added: Louise's appointment to the group is testament to her expertise and why we were so pleased she was able to come and work for the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
Our regional economy continues to grow at pace and billions of pounds of infrastructure including new rail stations, tram routes, housing and commercial schemes are being constructed.
But it's crucial we incorporate top quality design into those projects not just for aesthetic reasons but to help build a lasting legacy with strong, thriving communities
The Design Group is expected to meet formally at least four times a year. Their work will include undertaking research examining the added value that design can bring to infrastructure and developing design principles that could be applied to all nationally significant projects.
Prof Morgan said: Too often, and at great social cost, design is an afterthought. Our ambition is to put excellent design at the beating heart of all new projects. These schemes have a lifespan over generations - and it will be design that defines the legacy they leave behind