Our Partnership with Studio G
Working Together: Gusto Construction & Studio G
Good design and practical construction don't always go together in this industry. When Gusto Construction started looking for more sustainable ways to build over 25 years ago, finding architects who shared our mindset was a challenge. So, we decided to set up our own practice, Studio G.
To mark over two decades of working side-by-side, we sat down for a quick Q&A with our Founder, Steff Wright, to discuss how the partnership started, how sharing knowledge under one roof works, and where we're heading next.
How did the partnership between Gusto Construction and Studio G first start?
Back in the late 1990s, we were pushing the boundaries of sustainable development. We wanted to build homes that were more energy efficient, better to live in and better for the environment. However, at this time we found that very few architects had the experience of the technologies and approaches we wanted to use.
Rather than waiting for the industry to catch up, we decided to bring design expertise into the business. So, what started as an in-house architecture function became what Studio G is today!
The real benefit of this was that we could retain knowledge. Every innovation, every lesson learnt and every improvement made stayed within the Gusto Group businesses rather than disappearing at the end of a project.
Over the last 25 years, we have built a culture where design and construction continuously work together and learn from each other.
What was the very first project the companies worked on together, and what do you remember about it?
In the early days, both businesses worked together on small local projects around Lincoln and surrounding areas, but the real turning point for us was Millennium Green in Collingham. Whilst we worked alongside external architects, we were already heavily involved in developing the technical solutions and sustainable thinking behind the homes.
Once we established our own architectural capability, we began delivering projects such as The Beaufields and other developments in Lincoln. They weren't huge projects, but they allowed us to test new ideas and refine the way design and construction could work together.
As Studio G grew, we also began working for external clients, which broadened our expertise. The team have delivered schools, retirement living schemes and commercial projects, all of which brought valuable experience back into the Group.
Studio G developed expertise in designing extra care and retirement facilities, which later enabled Gusto Construction to successfully deliver a 36-apartment retirement scheme in Lincoln, called Home Grange.
That's one of the real advantages of the relationship. Knowledge gained in one sector often creates opportunities in another!
Can you tell us about a standout project both businesses collaborated on?
Woodlands Edge, without a doubt.
It wasn’t just a housing development; it was an experiment in how communities could be designed differently. We challenged conventional thinking around energy efficiency, landscape design, biodiversity, community spaces and resident wellbeing. We created a place where people could genuinely connect with nature and with each other.
And that’s exactly what we created, and I know that firsthand because I still live there today! It's special to live within the community you've created and experience for yourself what's working and where improvements can be made.
Woodlands Edge taught us a huge amount and continues to influence the developments we’re building today.
What makes our partnership with Studio G so special?
Normally a client will appoint an architect, the architect will appoint the consultants, a contractor is brought in later down the line and then subcontractors will deliver individual elements. Then once the project finishes, the team disperses and the knowledge often disappears with it.
Our partnership means the setup here is completely different.
From the beginning, clients can access design expertise, construction expertise, commercial understanding and development experience under one roof. That doesn't mean clients have to use both businesses together. Studio G operates independently and works with many organisations that have no connection to Gusto Construction.
However, when clients do choose to access both businesses, they gain the benefit of integrated thinking from day one. Design decisions can be informed by buildability, cost, sustainability and long-term performance at the earliest stage.
That creates better outcomes and removes many of the surprises that traditionally emerge later in a project.
How does sharing an office at Gusto House benefit the teams in the way they talk and collaborate?
It helps conversations to happen naturally. Questions get answered quickly, ideas are shared easily and problems are solved faster. There’s no need to wait for formal meetings or answers in lengthy email chains. Our teams can simply walk into the next office and discuss details together.
That doesn't mean everyone works on top of each other. Both businesses have their own identity and focus. But when collaboration is needed, it's immediate. That speed of communication creates enormous value.
Both businesses share a passion for building for the planet and for the future. How does this partnership help us push the boundaries on sustainability?
In most developments, there is very little connection between the people who design buildings and the people who eventually live in them. But that’s not the case here.
We build communities where our colleagues live. Our offices are based within our developments. We maintain long-term relationships with customers and residents. That means we receive continuous feedback about what works and what doesn't.
How comfortable are the homes during a heatwave? How effective is the ventilation system? Do residents use community spaces in the way we expected? What maintenance issues arise over time?
That information flows directly back into Studio G and Gusto Construction, and every project becomes an opportunity to learn and improve. I believe that's one of the reasons we've been able to remain at the forefront of sustainable development for over two decades.
How do you think this partnership will grow and evolve as Gusto Group transitions to being Employee-Owned?
I think the partnership will become even stronger.
The move to employee ownership changes the way people think about success. Instead of individual businesses focusing solely on their own performance, everyone benefits from the success of the wider group. That creates greater collaboration, greater knowledge sharing and greater alignment around our purpose.
Studio G, Gusto Construction and the wider Gusto Group all have a shared ambition which is to create places that improve people's lives while helping build a more sustainable future.
As employee ownership develops, I expect the connection between the businesses to become even deeper and more effective. The best ideas will travel faster. Innovation will accelerate. And ultimately our clients and communities will benefit.
Looking Ahead
Having design and construction teams working side-by-side means we learn from every build and keep that knowledge in-house. As Gusto Group transitions to an employee-owned model, that collaboration will only get stronger.
Whether you're looking for a joined-up design-and-build service or working with Studio G or Gusto Construction individually, we'd love to chat about your next project.
