Neil Billett
BSc(Hons) MSc ACIBSE MASHRAE

Born in 1967, Neil joined Buro Happold on graduation from Bath University in 1989. He was made a Principal in 2000 in recognition of his work in raising the profile and developing the building services discipline in our London office. Neil's empathy with architects and understanding of how buildings perform is fundamental to his success in generating workable yet innovative environmental design solutions.

Neil's approach is a holistic one. He views buildings as complex dynamic organisms that need to breathe, preferably through the use of natural ventilation techniques. These techniques include co-ordinating the external structure with the lifeblood distribution systems of air and water, the functional mechanics that sustain it. This approach, combined with an instinctive understanding for the aesthetic values demanded by leading architects, has contributed to the establishment of successful working relationships with a number of creative design practices. Neil's thorough approach means a client can be assured that each project from inception to completion, design to handover is part of a developmental process. He believes a project should be delivered through a sustained effort at every stage,  value is to be added to the project.

Neil has a long-term interest is lighting and in 1995 embarked on an MSc course in Architecture, Light and Lighting Design, gaining a distinction in 1997. This skill has been used to notable effect on a number of projects including the Natural History Museum, The Lowry and the award-winning Basildon Bell Tower. Neil involves himself extensively in competitions, where his imaginative engineering ideas can be given free rein, often aiming to find an unconventional solution to building challenges. His specialist skills in building physics and environmental analysis have been utilised on a wide range of building types.