Gareth Puttock is an experienced architect and educator with a specialist focus on sustainable design, building performance, and construction technology. A Certified Passivhaus Designer, his approach to architecture emphasises the integration of environmental responsibility with material logic and clear detailing.

Alongside his academic role, Gareth is the Director of Practice 13, a Sheffield-based studio specialising in historic retrofit and low-carbon construction. His current practice work includes feasibility studies for the adaptive reuse of listed buildings, including a large community centre and a local circus, alongside deep retrofit residential projects.

Prior to joining the Manchester School of Architecture, Gareth served as Programme Lead for the MSc in Sustainable Architecture Studies. In this capacity, he was responsible for curriculum development and delivery.  Alongside this role he was a 3rd Year BA design tutor and lead a number of Environment and Technology Modules.

Gareth’s background in professional practice is extensive. Before establishing his own studio, he worked as an Associate at Evans Vettori Architects and as a Senior Project Architect at Gort Scott and Hudson Architects. His built work has been widely published, contributing to projects that have received multiple RIBA National Awards, Civic Trust Awards, and regional accolades.

Teaching

In addition to overseeing technology curriculum across the school Gareth runs a 3rd Year BA technology module and support MA Adaptive Reuse as a Design Tutor.

Gareth is dedicated to fostering a robust learning environment that prioritises experiential learning, developing initiatives offering students experience of using building materials and regular access to live construction sites to bridge the gap between studio design and technical reality.

His teaching portfolio spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels, covering design studio, environment, and technology modules. He has a particular interest in equipping students with industry-relevant technical skills. His lecture topics and workshops include among others thermal transfer, moisture in buildings, carbon calculation, Passivhaus and retrofit

Press and media appearances and contributions

Key Projects & Awards:

  • Dryden Enterprise Centre, Nottingham: RIBA East Midlands Award (2024).
  • Lyth Building, Southwell: RIBA East Midlands Building of the Year (2022), Civic Trust Award (2023).
  • Square Chapel Arts Centre, Halifax: RIBA Yorkshire Award (2018), RTPI Yorkshire Overall Winner (2018).
  • Hills Road, Cambridge: RIBA National Award (2016), BCO Regional Award Winner (2016).
  • Clifton Pavilion: RIBA National Award (2016), Civic Trust Award (2016).
  • Black Rock Quarry Training Centre: RIBA South West Award (2016).

  • Salvation Army Citadel, Chelmsford: RIBA National Award (2009), RIBA East Building of the Year (2009).

Research

Gareth’s scholarship focuses on the intersection of technical pedagogy and climate literacy. He has developed digital resources tools to support staff and students in addressing the climate crisis through design.

He remains actively engaged with the profession as a CPD Assessor for the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and is a member of the the Architects Climate Action Network (ACAN) and the Association of Environmentally Conscious Builders (AECB)