Last month, Audley English MBE, FRSA, AA Dipl, RIBA, and founder of Buildeco Offsite Architecture, visited the Hub to share with the Geovation team a precious emblem of his long service to architecture and sustainability.

Awarded an MBE in King Charles’ New Year Honours 2024, Audley reflects on his experience of the day and the people who were vital in shaping his journey.

My MBE investiture at Windsor Castle

It was a surreal yet memorable day for me and my children. Having them all accompany me to the investiture was a pleasure.

The Princess Royal enters the Investiture accompanied by two King’s Gurkha Orderly Officers and a detachment of The King’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard. The proceedings commence after The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra, which provides the music during the Investiture, plays the National Anthem.

It was intriguing to engage with others in attendance, receiving awards, and listening to their journeys, experiences, and contributions within their respective fields.

I proudly refer to ourselves as the “STEM Family,” each of us educated at universities and qualified in a different STEM subject. This uncommon distinction often sparks interesting conversations among us.

Believe in yourself and never give up

On a personal level, I’m not afraid to stand my ground and express my opinion, especially considering that the construction sector requires radical change to address NetZero, a shift that is slowly taking place.

I’m honoured to have received this MBE for services to architecture and sustainability from The Princess Royal, and I will continue to influence change wherever possible.

I dedicate this MBE to my late mother, a first-generation Windrush migrant who aspired to provide her children with a better life. She instilled in us the mantra “Believe in yourself and never give up.”

Long service to architecture and sustainability

Audley joined the Geovation Accelerator Programme ten years ago and has since pioneered sustainable change in the construction sector, winning numerous awards and establishing innovative housing schemes.

Learn more about Audley’s British Homes Awards profile, and read Architects Patty Hopkins and Audley English recognised in New Year Honours in Architect’s Journal for more about recognising his contributions.