Supporting Wales' sustainable construction revolution
Doug Hughes, Managing Director and Principal Architect at Hughes Architects, has stepped down as Director and Chair of WoodKnowledge Wales after 14 years leading the organisation's mission to champion Welsh timber in construction.
WoodKnowledge Wales has become central to Wales's sustainable construction revolution under Doug's leadership.
The not-for-profit organisation champions the collaborative development of forest-based industries for increased prosperity and wellbeing across Wales, working to best use homegrown timber and sustainably managed forests.
Speaking about his time with the organisation, Doug said: "The last 14 years have flown by and I have enjoyed helping our business evolve into the game changer that it is today.
“My personal highlights were representing WKW in Canada in 2013 and realising, even then, just how far ahead of the game we were. The international perspective reinforced Wales's pioneering position in timber construction practices.”
However, a project closer to home truly captured the essence of WoodKnowledge Wales's mission.
Doug said: "And then the following year when we completed the home grown, home built teaching building at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. This epitomised everything about what we were - what grows on those hills could be used to build a cost effective zero-carbon building. No talking, just doing."
The project at the National Botanic Garden demonstrated how Doug's dual roles as architect and WKW Chair complemented each other. Hughes Architects has consistently integrated Welsh timber into their designs throughout his tenure, from family home extensions to commercial developments and conservation projects across Wales and the borders.
Founded in 2001, Hughes Architects has built a reputation for sustainable design, with Doug being one of only 176 RIBA accredited Conservation Architects in the UK. His expertise in both conservation work and Passivhaus design has enabled the practice to showcase how Welsh timber can enhance both historic buildings and cutting-edge sustainable construction.
The timing of Doug's departure is particularly significant as Wales launches its first Timber Industrial Strategy this week, capitalising on growing global demand for timber which is expected to quadruple by 2050. WoodKnowledge Wales has been instrumental in developing the evidence base for this strategy through projects like the Welsh-government-funded Home Grown Homes initiative, which demonstrates how timber can decarbonise social housing whilst supporting local supply chains.
Gary Newman, WoodKnowledge Wales's Chief Executive, has emphasised that "timber is central to building a low-carbon, circular economy – supporting decarbonisation, rural livelihoods, and sustainable development."
From conservation areas to new builds, Hughes Architects has shown how locally sourced materials can meet contemporary environmental standards whilst celebrating Welsh craftsmanship. The practice's work demonstrates Doug's belief that sustainable buildings should "not just look good and feel great, they actually work as well."
Doug's work extends beyond individual projects. As a Welsh Government Dynamo Role Model for business and private sector advisor to the Economic Advisory Group of the Mid Wales Growth Deal, he has helped shape regional policy around sustainable construction.
His leadership of a local action group creating a vision for the area was recently highlighted by RIBA as best practice for how architects can positively engage with their communities.
WoodKnowledge Wales has grown from strength to strength during Doug's time as Chair, developing from a regional initiative into a nationally significant organisation that influences construction policy across Wales. The organisation now delivers multiple flagship projects, hosts the annual WoodBUILD conference and expo, and maintains a collaborative network spanning forestry, manufacturing, housing, architecture, and engineering sectors.
