Over the last 8 years, AWW has proudly supported Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) as a trusted architectural partner, working together under the SBS Framework to deliver a forward thinking capital works programme across the Trust’s estate.

Our role has been to provide architectural services across a range of healthcare settings from dementia inpatient units and rehabilitation centres to acute mental health wards - each with its own unique challenges.

Alongside SPFT, we’ve been tackling one key question: how can we help make the estate work harder, smarter and more compassionately for the people it serves?

Operational and Clinical Efficiency

SPFT’s long term estate strategy focuses on identifying efficiencies across their built assets whether through unlocking surplus for disposal, improving lifecycle value, or finding revenue opportunities. Our input has been to align architectural design with these objectives, ensuring every square metre of space is not only compliant and robust, but contributes meaningfully to the clinical model.

“In every project we deliver, we are working with the Trust not just to refurbish or extend, but to reimagine how space can actively support care,” says Ewa Bubnicka-Gyde, Associate Director at AWW. “This means looking at, as well as the healing nature of aesthetics, the functionality, durability and safety especially in mental health settings where these requirements are so critical."

Mental Healthcare: Where Design Directly Impacts Care

Designing for mental healthcare requires an understanding of how our environment shapes behaviour, healing and safety. At AWW, we prioritise creating spaces that are robust, comfortable, and uplifting - places that promote wellbeing for patients and provide confidence for staff. Architecturally, this influence is often expressed through carefully considered, seemingly simple interventions. Internal fittings, furniture, and finishes are selected not only for function or aesthetics, but for an enhanced level of safety and durability, incorporating features such as reduced-ligature design and non-combustible materials.

We collaborate closely with the Trust’s clinical specialists to design environments that meet the needs of neurodiverse patients, including those with dementia or autism. The aim is always to create spaces that support healing and dignity, while consciously moving away from the appearance of institution wherever possible.

Through our work on multiple projects such as the delivery of a new Extra Care Area at Langley Green Hospital in Crawley, the redevelopment of Salvington Lodge (Dementia Ward) or Brunswick Ward (Mill View Hospital – Acute Mental Health) we’ve developed a deep understanding of the Trust’s clinical needs. Working closely with their clinical specialists we deliver solutions which are calming, robust and safe to enable early intervention, reducing the likelihood of behavioural crises.

AWW was also involved in community wellbeing projects, supporting day patients with eating disorders by providing an Education Space at Aldrington Centre. Our work on Shephard House went on to help patients with mental health challenges to return to independent living. And our recent involvement in the Staying Well Plus facility represents a significant opportunity supporting SPFT to enhance mental health crisis support services.

One Framework, many relationships

The value of the SPFT framework lies not just in the projects it produces, but in the relationships it fosters. Our ability to deliver consistently comes from an embedded understanding of the Trust’s estate and its teams. That continuity enables us to hit the ground running with every new commission - something we’re especially proud of.

“AWW’s design teams always bring a solutions led mindset,” Ewa reflects. “We don’t just respond to a brief we ask the questions that improve it. Working in live environments, especially within existing mental health facilities, demands that level of agility and respect.”

Setting a Standard Across the Estate

Each site is reviewed individually, but within a shared specification framework allowing the Trust to act decisively, phase works strategically, and reduce future costs through standardisation.

As we build up a library of typical details and conditions, we are also building a toolkit for faster, more efficient delivery across SPFT’s estate. It’s this combination of clinical insight and technical rigour that defines our partnership.

“We are proud of the progress we’ve made together and even prouder of the tangible impact this work has on patients, staff and the wider community."

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