AI and VR for sustainable construction are at the heart of our latest innovation…and therefore we’re delighted to share that Connor Ferris Architects has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Excellence in Sustainability – Product category at the 2025 London Construction Awards (LCA)!
This recognition highlights our commitment to innovation in sustainable construction—and, more specifically, the groundbreaking work led by our PhD researcher, Gabriela Matei.
🧠 About the Innovation: AI + VR for Sustainable Construction
Our entry centres around a powerful new tool that combines Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) to transform how sustainability is approached at the early design stages. Developed as part of Gabriela’s PhD research, the simulation empowers architects, clients, and contractors to visualise the real-time impact of different design decisions on a project’s carbon footprint, cost, and timeline.
Built using AnyLogic and Unreal Engine, this tool is more than a technical showcase—it’s a decision-support and educational platform, especially tailored to the needs of SMEs in SouthEast England who often face barriers to adopting sustainable practices.
🛠️ Key Features of the Simulation:
- AI-powered analytics for smarter material selection, energy strategy planning, and waste reduction
- Immersive VR walkthroughs that demonstrate the lifecycle impacts of decisions to clients and stakeholders
- Policy adaptation layers to simulate future changes in regulations and their effect on project outcomes
What Our PhD Researcher Says:
“This is a practical innovation that helps smaller firms keep up with sustainability standards. It makes complex environmental data understandable and actionable.”
– Gabriela Matei, PhD Researcher
🏗️ Why This Matters
The UK construction sector faces a huge challenge in aligning with Net Zero 2050 goals. While larger firms are investing heavily in green tech, many SMEs remain under-equipped, not due to lack of will, but due to a lack of accessible tools. Our simulation bridges that gap—bringing high-impact sustainability analysis into the hands of everyday architects and builders.
By embedding these capabilities into live project workflows and policymaking discussions, we hope to contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable, and data-driven future for our built environment.
🎉 Thank You to the London Construction Awards
Being named a finalist in a category filled with pioneering products from companies across the UK is a real honour. We’re proud to be recognised alongside such forward-thinking organisations and grateful for the platform the London Construction Awards and London Build Expo provide.
🔗 View the full list of finalists here
Stay tuned for updates and results from the awards night—and if you’re an SME interested in being part of Gabriela’s research and try the sustainability simulation, we’d love to hear from you!
Connor Ferris Architects
Innovating. Visualising. Building Better.
