SCRACE ARCHITECTS

Adding a fourth dimension to our clients dreams

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People Shape Spaces

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Friday 17 July 2026 was never intended to be just a big launch event.  It was a demonstration of what can happen when people from different backgrounds come together with a shared belief that creativity can strengthen communities and shape better places.  Throughout the day, Salisbury Guildhall became a space for conversation, challenge, collaboration and action. Artists, architects, businesses, educators, community leaders, young people and local organisations got ready to launch around one simple idea – People Shape Spaces.. 

 From IGNITE to See Space Differently

The launch of See Space Differently CIC last week was more than the start of a new organisation. It marked the beginning of a new chapter, a change, a spark of belief that transformation was possible, that art and architecture and shared conversations could make a difference, the seeds of a creative and professional placemaking agency committed to helping individuals, communities, businesses and public organisations unlock the potential of the places they care about.

See Space Differently is developing a new model for place-making, where engagement leads to delivery and action.  Your support will allow us to test, evidence and share this approach so that more places can unlock their potential.  If you believe in what we’re building, please consider supporting our latest Crowdfunder.  Each contribution makes a difference and draws us closer to igniting in change.

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Five years ago, IGNITE began with a simple question.  What happens when you remove barriers between professions and bring people together with curiosity.  The answer surprised us.  Ideas became collaborations.  Conversations became friendships.  Projects emerged.  Most importantly, people discovered that they had something in common and something valuable to contribute.  Over time, one thing became clear.

Communities don’t lack creativity.

They lack opportunities to connect, collaborate and make a difference.

Last Friday offered that pause, that space. Throughout the afternoon, the Guildhall became a showcase of ideas in action.  The Shape & Shift workshop introduced everyone to our working and by asking attendess to take part the message was that everyone has a role in shaping the future of their community.  A clear transition for me to we. 

If you joined us on Friday, we’d love to hear your reflections.  Make a note on socials #SeeSpaceDifferently and share your thoughts.

  • What inspired you?
  • Which conversations stayed with you?
  • Where do you see opportunities to make a difference?

Rachel Anderson MBE challenged the audience to think differently about leadership, courage and inclusion, reminding us that going against the grain is sometimes necessary.

Victoria Charlton explored creativity as a practical tool for transformation, demonstrating how imagination can help solve real challenges facing communities and organisations.

Jamie Lingham (@CaddieJay) brought a different energy through spoken word, using performance to inspire reflection, emotion and connection.

Members of the IGNITE community shared stories of businesses launched, partnerships formed and confidence gained through five years of creative collaboration.

 

Reflecting on the changing role of architecture, Tim Scrace of Scrace Architects spoke about how our relationship with place has fundamentally evolved.  Flexible working, independent businesses and the growing creative economy have changed how we use our towns. Yet many of our buildings and public spaces have not adapted to support these new ways of living and working.  See Space Differently is here to challenge the norm and help.

Bringing Life to the Public Realm

As the afternoon turned into evening, Skateboarders and BMX riders transformed  the Market Square into a place of creativity, movement and shared experience. For a few hours, the square became more than somewhere to pass through.  It became somewhere people wanted to belong.

People stopped.  Families gathered.  Couples dwelt.  Conversations continued.

A Big Thank You

Events like this are only possible because people choose to invest their time, talent and belief.  Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, spoke, performed, partnered and supported the launch.  Special thanks to Rachel Anderson MBE, Victoria Charlton, Jamie Lingham (CaddieJay), Millie Woodrow, Lewis Plummer, Wade Digital, Brinqq, Victoria Carling, Tasmin Pinder, Jamie Pullen, Salisbury Guildhall, Salisbury City Council, SGS Heating & Electrical Ltd, Level Up, Smash Creative and Scrace Architects for helping make the day such a success.  We are also grateful to @Salisbury_Portraits for beautifully capturing some great photos.

The challenge is no longer simply to design better places. 

It is to create places where people can thrive. 

In every town across every town there are talented people working in isolation, young people searching for creative pathways, organisations looking for fresh ideas and empty spaces waiting to be reimagined.  Towns such as Folkestone, Bristol, Frome and Margate have demonstrated that creativity is not an optional extra. When supported by the right partnerships, spaces and leadership, it becomes a powerful driver of regeneration, economic growth and civic pride.  When we create the right conditions, creativity becomes a catalyst for regeneration and enterprise

See Space Differently was created to provide the platform for these opportunities together.  Our work focuses on three connected areas.

  • Creative Consultancy helps councils, organisations, businesses and communities turn ideas into meaningful projects that create lasting social, cultural and economic value.
  • The Knowledge Bank shares practical experience through podcasts, workshops and conversations, making creative thinking accessible to everyone.
  • The Creative Network connects artists, designers, entrepreneurs, educators and community leaders, creating collaborations that strengthen both people and place.

What Happens Next?

The launch was the first step in our birth.  See Space Differently now moves from vision to delivery.  Our focus now is on establishing the creative base at 65 New Street, expanding the Knowledge Bank through podcasts and events, growing the Creative Network and delivering creative placemaking projects that help communities, organisations and businesses shape better places together.

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From Vision to Action > Scrace Architects 2025–2026

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As we step into 2026, we reflect on a busy year of progress, collaboration, and creative growth.  Whilst 2025 was a year that reaffirmed our belief in the power of design to positively shape how people experience their environments, this is the year we put our beliefs into action.

Our approach combines originality with clear, deliverable outcomes. Using drawing, painting, modelling, and creative thinking, we explore each site’s potential.  As both architects, artists and creative consultants, we develop designs that aim to tell a story, respond sensitively to their context, and offer moments of delight. Every project becomes a unique narrative shaped by place, people, and purpose.

2025 saw a range of projects reflecting this ethos. Our work in the commercial market has strengthened through partnerships with Wilton Village, Sandles Farm, the City Hall and Cherry Tree Nursery.  Each requiring both an imaginative and sensitive approach that respected character and context.

Beyond commissions, our creative workshops and public initiatives grew. The IGNITE CRAFT, COLLABORATE, CREATE series provided opportunities for knowledge sharing, and at Venturefest South 2025 we showcased our mobile prototype designed to unlock creativity, leading to the establishment of our CIC sister, See Space Differently, which we have created to empower communities to be more creative and engage with spaces through art and architecture.

The development of the practice has been supported by the growth of our team.  Mark, Joe, and Suzy have joined to support the evolving studio, Louis continues to lead on visualisation. Alongside our graduates and specialists in branding, marketing, quantity surveying and project management, the expanded team brings fresh energy and design expertise, enabling us to deliver projects of scale from concept to completion.

Looking ahead to 2026, we remain focused on challenging industry norms, sharing knowledge, and promoting sustainable, thoughtful environments. We look forward to deepening collaborations, exploring new opportunities, and creating designs and artwork that are both imaginative yet grounded in reality.

We look forward to sharing more ideas and seeing space differently with you in 2026.

For any project, large or small, a conversation is the best place to start. Contact us at info@scracearchitects.co.uk or 01722 658048 or explore our work and philosophy on instagram and on the website.

Black Box of Creativity

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Scrace Architects, led by artist and architect Tim Scrace, are trialling their latest interactive innovation, the See Space Differently POD at Venturefest South 2025 on Wednesday 12 November at The Utilita Bowl, Southampton. Venturefest South celebrates innovation, creativity, and collaboration across the region — values that sit at the heart of Scrace Architects’ work.

Over the past five years, Scrace Architects has worked at the intersection of art, architecture, and community, creating spaces that inspire, educate, and foster sustainable living. Alongside Tim’s artistic practice, the studio helps clients and communities to see space differently, exploring how creativity can shape a more connected and imaginative world.

Building on this ethos, and following the success of their IGNITE events, the team of Scrace Architects, along with other collaborators, have formed See Space Differently CIC, which brings together creative businesses and practitioners to empower individuals and communities to transform their surroundings through art, architecture, and design.

At its inception is the See Space Differently POD — a prototype version of the idea. This mobile ‘’black box of creativity’’ captures ideas, prototypes solutions, and turns community input into action, inviting everyone to explore the art of the possible. The simple question it aims to inspire is:

“What could the POD be?”

During Venturefest, the team will road-test engagement and gather insights from conversations with the creative community and collaborators across disciplines. The POD itself will remain closed until 2026, when findings from this exploration will help shape its next evolution.

“See Space Differently is about unlocking creativity in everyone,” says founder Tim Scrace. “The POD is a symbol of possibility — a way to spark dialogue, prototype ideas, and test how creative collaboration can lead to real change.”

Looking ahead, See Space Differently CIC will launch a programme of creative consultancy projects, events, and a new podcast in 2026 — continuing to explore how creativity can drive positive social and environmental outcomes.

Sign up and get ready for the launch of this creative movement, visit timscrace.com/subscribe.

IGNITE + CREATE: Action Inspired

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Last Friday, IGNITE + CREATE sparked a wave of creative action and opportunity. Marking the finale of the IGNITE Craft–Collaborate–Create series, IGNITE + CREATE brought 50 change-makers in a room charged with inspiration and possibility.  A diverse mix of enterprising and emerging voices ignited action in different ways, each bringing fresh and energised perspectives to the stage…

Kat Jones opened with a powerful poem that set the tone for reflection and imagination. Sarah Gregson from Wiltshire Creative shared plans to engage with the creative community in a revitalised agenda for the arts centre, while Megu Ueda introduced bold ideas for murals and graffiti as canvases for community storytelling. Adding to this creative energy, “The Killer Kerb” also found a place.

With inspiration set, the conversation moved toward action. Ali Penfold challenged participants to push past procrastination and turn ideas into reality, while Lewis Plummer of Mostly Harmless demonstrated how taking a simple risk can open new pathways to growth. James Babb shared his ambitions for Level Up Salisbury CIC and plans for an exciting new indoor skatepark. Referencing the football field Rich Lloyd of Blueflame Digital showed us how often the best opportunities can be found in the open space where no one else seems to be. Thanos Zeppos from Brinqq offered three hacks to action, rounding off by encouraging us to “commit out loud.”

Prompted by these wise words, Jamie Lingham aka @caddiejay lifted the room with his thoughtful poetry and the CMB group blew the lid off in a celebration of street rap. The buzz from this finale carried into #fridaydrinks, where more ideas and collaborations took root and are certain to grow.

Wrapping things up, Tim Scrace called for momentum to continue, emphasising how Craft–Collaborate–Create was intended to kickstart a collective movement:  “By taking risks, sharing and then acting, it’s clear that we can work together to make something truly transformative.”

Looking ahead, Scrace Architects and the IGNITE collective are building a Community Interest Company, See Space Differently, a platform designed to continue IGNITE’s spirit. Its purpose is to empower people to take ownership of their spaces and their environments through art, architecture and community.

SUBSCRIBE HERE

Join the growing community, connect with fellow change-makers, and help us SEE SPACE DIFFERENTLY.

 

Thanks to RIBA South West, The University of Winchester, and Scrace Architects Ltd, for their support of this event which created a platform for dialogue, experimentation, and ambition.

University of WinchesterScrace Architects Tel: 01722 658048

 

IGNITE + DISRUPT

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Before we move on to our upcoming Ignite (IGNITE IN NATURE), we wanted to update you and round up on our IGNITE DISRUPT event back in December.  A variety of exciting and engaging speakers prepared poems, workshops and presentations in response to the theme of disruption, of challenging the norm, and together we enjoyed a stimulating afternoon of conversations followed by drinks and more animated discussions about how to change the world.  Make sure not to miss the next one!  Below are a few extracts and key moments from the session…

The Line Up

The Art of Disruption – David Christie – The Vanner Gallery

David beamed in by video link to talk about his successful ventures in disrupting established traditions of engaging with art, making contemporary art and gallery experience of art more accessible.

Putting dance back in the Colosseum – Victoria Charlton

Victoria quoted Oscar Wilde from his 1891 essay, “The Soul of Man Under Socialism.”

“Disobedience, in the eyes of anyone who has read history, is man’s original virtue, it is through disobedience that progress has been made, through disobedience and through rebellion.”

Victoria had many vibrant stories to share about breaking past obstacles in both Russian and American bureaucratic systems. For example, she brought 162 dancers from Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet company to the football World Cup in Rome and tackled local bureaucracy to have them perform at the Coloseum.

How to spot a Disruptor – Lewis Plummer – Mostly Harmless Agency

Lewis captured our interest by opening his talk with the statement:

“I’ve built an entire career around disrupting. It’s also the reason I’m un-employable”.

Millie Woodrow – poet

Millie word associated to consider the word ‘rupture’:

“rupture and the idea of tearing a gap in the world as you see it and having to face that rupture.”

Disrupting Education – Chris McShane – Learning 3D – If you want to get there, don’t start here.

Chris opened with a story of his early experience of being disruptive in school and how this was handled by the teachers at the time. “Excuse me Sir. The Virgin Mary – how did they know she was a virgin?” The teacher priest’s furiously negative response, ended his relationship with the Catholic Church and started his ambition to disrupt the limitations of traditional education systems. He illustrated with a workshop, how he has been working to prove an alternative education model.

The Architecture of Disruption – Tim Scrace – Space to create

Tim looked back to a pivotal week when, putting all other priorities aside, he booked a studio purely to paint for a week. From that time on, he has literally ‘painted to see space differently’ – not only painting to produce a picture but to change his thinking.

Jamie Lingham AKA @caddiejay – Poet

Jamie asserted that “Being disruptive is influencing people’s decisions”.  He read us a poem about his influence on his young nephew which included this vivid phrase at the start:

“A phonecall won’t resonate through the concrete helmet that surrounds my mind.”

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Join us at the next Ignite for more creative networking, workshops and inspiration.

 

A Straight Line

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SUMMER EXHIBITION

The Vanner Gallery, High Street, Salisbury is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm.

Tim is set to reveal his latest artwork The Impudence of a Straight Line. The work will go on show at The Vanner Gallery in Salisbury, as part of their Summer Invitation Exhibition, which opens this Friday, 18th August. His emotive artwork, a fusion of acrylic, gesso, poetry, projection on reclaimed plywood, is inspired by a deep rooted desire to draw attention environmental issues and to encourage consideration and action.

The Impudence of a Straight Line speaks in hushed tones and subtle brushwork, coaxing viewers into taking a moment to contemplate nature and in pausing the complexities of our day-to-day world. Through delicate yet deliberate strokes, the painting depicts the beauty of a stretch of the River Avon and contrasts them with a straight line and projection struck across the canvas.  Flower pressing a memory with his daughter and preserving it through his own poetry, Scrace ponders the loss of the natural environment, and the resulting legacy for future generations.

“This piece captures a moment earlier this year when I sat with my feet in a river. As I sat, I reflected on how poorly we treat our world and environment. I wondered if it was okay to put my feet in potentially dirty waters. Were they safe? Could my daughter do the same? If not, why not?  Why should she lose out on this timeless rite of passage? What kind of world are we leaving for our kids?”

Layers of paint, poetry and projection encourage interaction through shared experience, provoke introspection, and invites dialogue.  The straight line, realised in the forming of the river bank, represents mankind’s ongoing desire to make a mark and stamp control on the world.  Tim notes, “The Impudence of a Straight Line” is a retrospective on our impact on the river and our environment. Of our society on nature. We insist that everything needs to be straight. I want people to ask, does it need to be?”

Tim Scrace’s diverse background in art, architecture, and community engagement puts him in a good place to challenge boundaries and to talk about the environment. His ethos of “seeing space differently” forms the cornerstone of his practice and is carried across discipline. His adeptness at engaging participation is showcased in his earlier work, “This Too Will Pass,” where interactivity spurred conversations and resonated with a wide audience.  To see more of his work visit his website here… www.timscrace.com

Tim believes in creating art that raises awareness and acts as a catalyst for change. Forming part of his “Greenwash” series this artwork showcases an evolving environmentally conscious perspective, adding another dimension to a growing body of insightful works. Scrace is currently investigating chalk stream pollution and exploring concerns related to privilege.

The Impudence of a Straight Line

Tim Scrace at The Vanner Gallery’s Summer Invitation Exhibition

The Summer Invitation Exhibition opens at The Vanner Gallery runs until Saturday 16 September. It will feature the work of nineteen invited artists, and include paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, and photography.  Find out more about the exhibition here… www.vannergallery.com

 

The Power of Dominoes

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Recognising #Fridaysforfuture and a need to acknowledge climate change and the world around us the practice and friendly collaborators took some time out recently to see what might be required to accomplish more meaningful change.  Fresh from the IGNITE Climate & Cocktails event my head is still spinning with realistic optimism.  Here are some ideas to get us started:

One Domino …

First up we heard from Martha (11) who, inspired by Greta, in turn encouraged Elon Musk to “concentrate on sorting out our planet before starting on another??” Be sure to listen out for Martha’s contribution in an upcoming Architecture Made Simple episode.  Sophia then spoke about small changes we can all make in our homes and in our lifestyles which together contribute to bigger actual shifts.

Two Dominoes …

One of the key benefits of the IGNITE workshops is that we take the time stand back strategically from the business of our day-to-day lives and refocus.  Eva offered us the opportunity to join her and other stakeholders to join the Eco Hub, which serves to …

In this instance our presentations were interspersed with related activities and kinetic games. Rich Lloyd observed the potential we have as an individual’s (dominoes) to effect change. The group creation of a marble run (our own Rube Goldberg machine) encouraged us to recognise that, as a collective, all heading generally in the right direction, we might all eventually reach a connected and purposeful destination.

Three Dominoes …

Activities and discussions helped support the belief that in each of us making a positive change (no matter how seemingly futile) might lead to a positive outcome. Indeed, the biggest lesson of the day was in identifying the potential of geometric growth. The theory and assertion that in each of domino there is the potential to knock over a bigger domino, offered the hope that our little voice might someday become more powerful.

In connecting people and ideas we have the power to realise the unrealistic.  If we, as individuals, are being asked to change our lives dramatically, the least, we can expect is that larger companies, who often pretend to make good on their legacy, are held accountable for their actions as well as their inaction.

Time for a New Game

Whilst there is a clear positive impact from an individual response to meet our own net zero and balance our carbon footprint, Tim observed that it should not rest on us alone.   It is in the commercial power of companies where significant mitigation lies.  Rather than the individual we should be focusing our attention on the bigger players.  In reality, with just 90 companies responsible for 66% of historic carbon emissions (Heede 2016), we should be targeting their responsibility and wealth as a means of combatting the damage they have caused.

Playing Big

The question now is how to get to the policy and decision makers at the top to effect a change in ethos.  Perhaps the answers lie in dominoes?  Let us start by approaching and educating the closest domino to you on the effect they are having.  In time we will reach the shareholders and investors who can then lobby these companies to balance things up and encourage them as bigger dominoes to make the right choices.

Asked to add some positivity to proceedings Armin Ganguly assumed a realistic perspective. The question as to how to save the planet is not a fair assessment of the things “we should focus on has to save half the planet’’.  There is still time, we should see what we can do! As the great man says, #alwayslookup!

If you know someone who has power and influence then they are your next step to make that change.  Begin with the closest and biggest domino you can find.  Knock them over with the facts and offer them ideas about how they can help us all save what is left!

Make sure you don’t miss the next IGNITE event scheduled for Friday 16th September.

Furloughed Space

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Over the course of this past year, many people have had to get used to the idea of redundancy.  That is a job, idea, business or even a way of life that no longer exists.  Redundancy is tough and often leads you to question the reasons behind it as well as your own ability.

Strangely our experience of furlough and this pandemic are not so different to being made redundant. Having suffered redundancy* first-hand, I recognise that it can leave you feeling emotionally bereft and without purpose. The support schemes, set up to reassure, now disguise what we all know is going on behind the scenes.  The reality is that we are all on edge, stuck in limbo, anticipating the inevitable but afraid of making the jump.

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