Sean Ronnie Hill is a visionary architect and co-founder of RISE Design Studio, renowned for his expertise in sustainable design and his commitment to creating low-energy, environmentally conscious homes. As a certified Passivhaus Designer, Sean has dedicated his career to advancing the principles of energy efficiency, integrating cutting-edge techniques with thoughtful design solutions. Under his leadership, RISE Design Studio has become a trailblazer in the field, pushing the boundaries of innovation and setting new standards for sustainable architecture in the UK.
Sean’s portfolio encompasses a diverse range of projects, from residential homes to community spaces and heritage restorations. His passion for urban regeneration and retrofitting exemplifies his ability to breathe new life into existing structures, merging sustainability with functionality and aesthetic appeal. By focusing on reducing carbon footprints and enhancing energy performance, Sean’s work not only meets today’s demands but also anticipates the needs of a greener, more sustainable future.
Beyond his architectural achievements, Sean is deeply committed to mentorship and education. He dedicates time to guiding emerging architects, inspiring them to embrace sustainability as a core principle of their practice. Through workshops, lectures, and one-on-one mentorship, he is shaping the next generation of architects to prioritize environmental responsibility and design innovation. Sean’s dedication to sustainable design, coupled with his advocacy for education, solidifies his position as a pivotal figure in the evolution of architecture, creating spaces that are as environmentally responsible as they are thoughtfully designed.
Helena Costa: What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture, and how has your passion for the field evolved over the years?
Sean Ronnie: From a young age, I was captivated by how art, science, and the natural world come together which naturally led me to architecture. I’ve always been intrigued by how spaces can shape human experiences and contribute to our well-being. Over the years, my passion has evolved, especially as I’ve gained more experience working on sustainable projects. Initially, I was focused on design aesthetics, but as I’ve grown in my career, I’ve become increasingly driven by the impact of my work on both people and the planet. This shift has pushed me towards creating low-energy, sustainable homes and deep retrofits, where I feel my designs can make a lasting positive environmental contribution.
HC: RISE Design Studio’s ethos revolves around design-led approaches, innovation, and sustainability. How do these principles influence your day-to-day work and decision-making process?
SR: At RISE, these principles are the foundation of everything we do. Whether we’re working on a large-scale urban regeneration project or a small residential home, the approach is always the same - design with purpose, innovate where possible, and always prioritise sustainability. Every decision, from material selection to construction methods, is influenced by these principles. It’s about creating designs that not only look good but function efficiently and sustainably in the long term. For example, I’m constantly balancing the need to push creative boundaries while ensuring that the choices we make today contribute to a sustainable future. This often means challenging the status quo and looking for new, more efficient ways to design and build.
HC: You’re recognised as a Sustainable & Regeneration Architect, as well as a Passivhaus Designer and Retrofit Expert. Can you share how these roles have shaped your approach to residential architecture and community projects?
SR: My work as a Passivhaus Designer and Retrofit Expert has fundamentally reshaped how I approach both residential and community projects. Passivhaus, in particular, has taught me the importance of precision and attention to detail in creating truly energy-efficient buildings. These roles have given me a framework to design homes that not only meet the needs of the present but are built to last well into the future, with minimal environmental impact. When I approach a new project, I’m always thinking about how the design can maximise energy efficiency while still being comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. In community projects, this extends to thinking about how the building serves the wider neighbourhood - whether that’s through reduced carbon emissions, improved public spaces, or enhanced social connections.
HC: In the face of the climate crisis, how does RISE Design Studio incorporate energy efficiency and sustainability into your projects, particularly in urban settings?
SR: The climate crisis is at the forefront of every project we take on, particularly in urban settings where the need for sustainable design is even more critical due to the density of population and the scale of development. For example, when working on a 1930s London townhouse, we combined Passivhaus principles with retrofitting strategies, achieving significant energy reductions while preserving the building’s original charm.
In urban environments, where space is often limited, we’re always thinking about how to make the most of what we have, whether that’s through green roofs, rainwater harvesting, or creating buildings that are adaptable for future needs. We also focus on sustainable materials and technologies that reduce a building’s overall carbon footprint. It’s about ensuring that our buildings are not just sustainable now but can continue to be energy-efficient in the years to come.
HC: Your studio is known for transforming everyday places into extraordinary environments. Could you share a recent project that exemplifies this vision and the impact it had on the community?
SR: A great example of this is the recent extension and renovation of the Lexi Cinema in Kensal Rise. This project was about much more than simply upgrading the cinema - it was about transforming a cherished local institution into a modern, multifunctional space that could better serve the community. We retained key historical features to preserve its charm, while introducing contemporary design elements that improved both the functionality and the user experience. The response from the community has been overwhelming, with many locals expressing how much the upgraded cinema has enhanced their cultural experience. It’s a great feeling to know that we’ve helped breathe new life into a space that means so much to people.
Lexi Cinema retained key historical features while becoming the first cinema auditorium in the UK to eliminate air conditioning. Instead, the auditorium’s temperature is maintained through increased insulation, airtightness, a mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) system, and an air-to-air source heat pump.
HC: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” How does this idea resonate with your approach to design, especially when balancing aesthetics with functionality and sustainability?
SR: This idea perfectly aligns with our philosophy. I’ve always believed that the most sophisticated designs are often the simplest. In architecture, there’s a tendency to overcomplicate things in pursuit of bold statements, but I’ve found that elegance often lies in restraint. Simplicity allows for a focus on quality materials, thoughtful details, and clean, functional spaces. It also resonates with my commitment to sustainability - simple, well-considered designs are often the most sustainable because they require fewer resources and less energy to build and maintain. At RISE, we strive to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also highly functional and environmentally responsible. Balancing these elements requires a careful, thoughtful approach to design.
HC: You have significant experience with listed building consent and conservation area projects. What are the unique challenges and rewards of working on heritage buildings, and how do you approach their regeneration?
SR: Heritage buildings bring with them a unique set of challenges, particularly in terms of regulations and the need to preserve their historical integrity. Navigating the complexities of listed building consent can be time-consuming and requires a deep understanding of both the regulations and the historical significance of the building. However, these projects are incredibly rewarding because they allow me to breathe new life into structures that have stood the test of time. My approach to regeneration is always to respect the history of the building while introducing modern elements that allow it to serve contemporary needs. It’s a delicate balance between preservation and innovation, but when done well, the result is a building that honours its past while being ready for the future.
HC: As a Retrofit Expert, how do you balance the need for modern energy efficiency with the preservation of historical architecture in your projects?
SR: Balancing modern energy efficiency with historical preservation is one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of my work. When working on heritage buildings, I use a ‘light touch’ approach - integrating energy-saving technologies in ways that don’t interfere with the building’s original character. In addition, we often use discreet insulation or discretely detailed glazing to enhance thermal performance without compromising historical aesthetics.
This could involve using discreet insulation materials, installing modern heating systems in a way that doesn’t detract from historical features, or upgrading windows and doors to improve efficiency while preserving their appearance.
The key is to enhance the building’s energy performance without compromising its historical significance. It’s always a fine line to walk, but with careful planning and respect for the building’s heritage, it’s possible to achieve both.
HC: You’ve mentored at several UK universities, shaping the next generation of architects. What key lessons or values do you aim to instil in your students and mentees?
SR: Mentoring has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my career. When I work with students and young architects, I always stress the importance of considering the environmental and social impact of their designs. Architecture isn’t just about creating beautiful buildings—it’s about designing spaces that are functional, sustainable, and beneficial to the communities they serve. I encourage my students to embrace innovation but never at the expense of sustainability or ethics. I also want them to understand the importance of collaboration in architecture. No project is ever a solo effort, and learning to work effectively with a diverse range of people is crucial to success in this field.
One of my proudest moments as a mentor was seeing a student embrace deep retrofitting and complete their university project to Passivhaus standards.
HC: Looking to the future, what legacy do you hope to leave through your work at RISE Design Studio and your contributions to sustainable architecture and urban regeneration?
SR: Looking to the future, I hope my legacy will be defined by the sustainable, impactful spaces we’ve created at RISE. I want to leave behind a body of work that not only addresses the environmental challenges we face today but also serves as a blueprint for how we can create buildings that are both beautiful and responsible. My work in urban regeneration and retrofitting is particularly important to me because it demonstrates how we can adapt our existing built environment to meet modern standards without losing its historical or cultural significance. Ultimately, I want my work to inspire others to think more critically about how we design and build, ensuring that architecture plays a positive role in shaping our future.
Ultimately, I want my work to inspire others to see sustainability not as a constraint but as a creative opportunity—one that can transform both buildings and communities for generations to come.
