AHMM, Allies and Morrison and FCB Studios among 30 heavyweights appointed to £24m housing association framework

Housing association Sovereign Network Group (SNG) has appointed some big names to its new £24m architects framework, including Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, Allies and Morrison and Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.

The 30 selected practices will design affordable housing schemes for the 86,000-home landlord over a four-year period starting this month. These will be delivered in SNG’s areas of operation in London, the South West, South East and East of England.

The framework is structured across two lots. Lot one focuses on masterplanning, while lot two is housing-centred.

SNG reportedly received 45 tender responses and selected practices in part for their “in-depth understanding of the Homes and Places Standard”. This refers to an assessment tool developed by the landlord to “inform qualitative and performance outcomes for homes and places, balancing policy and regulatory requirements while reflecting customer priorities and investment decisions”. SNG said it is exploring opportunities to shared the standard with housing associations, planners, developers, consultants and local authorities.

The landlord added that the assessment process also looked at how practices “balance cost and viability with quality and long-term value” against the challenges currently facing the social housing sector.

Antje Saunders, SNG’s design director, said: “We’re delighted to announce the appointment of our first-ever architects framework. It will strengthen our partnerships with industry specialists and help raise the quality of the homes and places we deliver.

“Through this framework, we’re setting a clear ambition not only for the homes we build, but for the communities we help shape. By bringing together organisations that share our commitment to great design, sustainability and customer-led outcomes, we can create places where people and communities can thrive for generations to come.”

The following practices will be formally appointed after a contract is agreed.