Desert Island Designs | Peter Clegg

‘9 buildings that shaped my life…’

If you were cast away alone on a desert island, which nine buildings or places would you take with you?

We ask architect, academic and environmental pioneer Peter Clegg OBE to look back on nine buildings that have impacted his life & work. As the founding partner of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Peter has spent over four decades championing low-energy design & socially responsible architecture leading projects ranging from innovative housing & educational buildings to headquarters for major environmental organisations.

Such is Peter’s contribution to society, that in 2025 he was appointed an OBE for services to architecture

Join us for an evening in conversation with Peter, as we hear more about his life, his practice & the designs he has treasured along the way.

The evening is chaired by Peter’s friend and collaborator Piers Taylor.

About The Evening

Much like music, art or books; designs shape & influence our lives. From the places we played freely as kids, to structures of solace, or the first building that took our breath away.

Desert Island Designs is the second of our series of Annual Xmas lectures, where significant architects reflect on their life through design. We welcome audiences to join us at The Architect afterwards for festive drinks & to say farewell to 2025.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER

Peter Clegg

Peter is an award-winning architect and Professor of Architecture at the University of Bath. As co-founder of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, he has been a leading voice in sustainable, low-energy design for over four decades. His work spans major cultural and educational projects — including the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the Leventis Gallery — and reflects a consistent commitment to environmental responsibility and social purpose.

Peter’s practice is grounded in collaboration, research and experimentation, shaping buildings that prioritise community and long-term ecological impact. Alongside practice, he has played a significant role in architectural education, mentoring future designers, serving on design review panels and chairing major architectural awards.

He also leads work in international development through the Feilden Foundation, supporting sustainable school design in East Africa. In recognition of his contribution to architecture, Clegg is a Royal Designer for Industry and was awarded an OBE in 2025.

Piers Taylor – Chair

Architect, broadcaster and academic, Piers Taylor is the founder of Invisible Studio and co-presenter of the BBC’s The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes. His work challenges conventional ideas of professionalism, favouring radical reuse, local materials, and hands-on collaboration. He teaches worldwide and is widely recognised as one of Britain’s most influential voices in contemporary architecture. Piers Taylor is currently Professor of Knowledge Exchange at UWE, having formerly taught at the Architectural Association & the University for Cambridge.

Our talks are open to the public and professionals alike.
The event takes place at Arnolfini, Bristol, BS1 4QA