Matrix Partnership was commissioned by CABE (the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) to help develop and deliver a pilot training programme entitled ‘Delivering Successful Places’.

The practice took lead responsibility, working closely with the CABE enabling and skills teams, to develop and deliver a programme of workshops, initially tested in one housing market renewal pathfinder area and one housing growth area.

In each location this comprised two linked one-day workshops tailored to the needs of its particular audience drawn from the management teams of housing market renewal and housing growth area bodies such as the pathfinders, local authorities in HMR/HGA areas and relevant local delivery vehicles.

Four key themes were developed in the workshops:

- Design quality: what does design quality mean, why does it add value, how can it be secured?

- Design policy: preparing design policy, identifying its place within the planning system and using it to secure appropriate outcomes

- Effective processes for delivering good design: from preparing and writing briefs to managing the procurement process

- Negotiation and influence: skills needed to negotiate with applicants to achieve design quality

Workshops wove together on-site walkabouts, presentations and hands-on simulation project exercises. This proved an exciting and stimulating assignment and feedback received was extremely positive.