My name is Rob Annable and I'm an architect based in the West Midlands, UK. I live with my family in a self-build labour of love called home4self – a slightly idiosyncratic experiment in architecture, construction and materials that won a few awards and informed my ongoing commitment to low energy housing design and construction innovation.
In my spare time I like to rock climb, buy books and find new opportunities for creative projects to supplement my love of architecture.
Highlights
- Director of Axis Design Architects Ltd; delivering award-winning community architecture, housing, and sustainability consultancy with 25+ years of experience
- Recently shortlisted for two prestigious RIBA awards recognising excellence in community-centred design
- Visiting tutor at BCU since 2013; contributing to architectural education across multiple courses
Recent Awards & Recognition
RIBA MacEwen Award 2025 - Shortlisted
Birmingham Settlement Nature and Wellbeing Centre
Shortlisted for this prestigious award recognising architecture for the common good. The project transforms a dormant playing field into a safe and sociable hub for wellbeing and outdoor activities in a densely populated inner-city area adjacent to Edgbaston Reservoir. Phase 1 includes the distinctive 'Red Shed' community café, designed using low-carbon natural materials including clay block masonry and timber frame construction.
RIBA West Midlands Awards 2024 - Shortlisted
Ecohub - Witton Lodge Community Association
Recognition for the transformation of a derelict park keeper's cottage in Witton Lakes Park into a multi-functional eco-friendly community facility. Following a period of funder, client and community consultation, the project delivered a large hall, meeting rooms and community café, alongside the Community Orchard and areas for local wildlife.
Experience
Architectural Practice
Director of Axis Design Architects Ltd
1998 to present
Leading a sector-focused practice specialising in community-centred projects with housing and sustainability expertise. Delivering innovative, award-winning architecture across the West Midlands with a commitment to low energy design and community engagement.
Community & Cultural Buildings
- Birmingham Settlement Nature and Wellbeing Centre - RIBA MacEwen Award shortlisted community hub featuring innovative low-carbon construction and distinctive architectural identity
- Witton Lakes Ecohub - RIBA West Midlands Award shortlisted transformation of heritage cottage into multi-functional community facility with integrated landscape and biodiversity enhancements
- Community centre buildings utilising innovative construction methods and low carbon performance on challenging sites
- Extensive consultation and masterplanning exercises across the West Midlands
Housing & Residential
- Design and delivery of affordable housing for Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust
- Project architect for the highly regarded Brandwood End housing development in Birmingham
- Designing innovative eco-friendly housing schemes in Stourbridge
- Award-winning energy efficient whole house refurbishment projects in Newcastle-Under-Lyme
- Custom Build site layout architect for Stoke on Trent City Council
- Award-winning self-build project using Passivhaus construction methods
Strategic Consultancy
- Advising Birmingham City Council on future housing specification and 'Route to Zero' goals for renewable energy and improved construction
- Sustainability consultancy across multiple sectors
- R&D into digital tools, materials innovation, and energy efficient construction detailing
Further Design Competition Success
- RIBA Rethink: 2025 competition - Street Support Hub - Shortlisted
- RIBA Sterling OSB Zero competition - Retreat - Shortlisted/Commended
Research & Development
- Ongoing investigation into new methods of working and communication using digital tools
- Materials and detailing innovation in energy efficient construction
- Collaboration with external disciplines in the humanities resulting in publication for national design competitions
- Early adopter and advocate for BIM technology, presenting findings at conferences and contributing to industry publications
Academic Experience
Visiting Tutor - Birmingham School of Architecture and Design
2013 to present
Contributing to architectural education across undergraduate and postgraduate levels with particular expertise in housing design, sustainability, and urban infrastructure.
Current Roles
- BA Architecture - L6 design tutor (2020-present): Final year undergraduate studio leadership, focusing on urban infrastructure and community dependencies
- Design for Future Living - L4/5/6 design tutor (2021-2024): Lead tutor for specialist housing-focused course across all year groups
Previous Experience
- MArch L7 & L8 design tutor (2013-2018): Graduate studio collaboration exploring ethics, social practices, and future dwelling
- BA Architecture L4 part-time cohort (2018-2020): Studio leadership for working professionals
Research / Teaching / Practice Interests
housing futures and policy, energy infrastructures and community resilience, Passivhaus construction methodology, low carbon materials, structuralism and team x, digital tools and prefabrication, multidisciplinary collaboration…
Qualifications
Personal Development / Applied Research Activities
- Speaker at construction conferences including Ecobuild and Sustainability Now
- BIM advocate and early adopter, presenting findings at conferences and online publications
- Contributor to 'BIM and the Small Practice' published by the NBS
- Member of team funded by Technology Strategy Board examining digital tools in the construction
- Construction awards recipient for build quality in completed projects
- RIBA podcast guest
- Published articles in BD magazine, covering both technical and opinion pieces
- Member of enthusiast group researching interplanetary habitat design
- Guest critic on review panels at BCU and UCL