LDA Design’s head of infrastructure, Alister Kratt, has been appointed to the National Infrastructure Commission’s (NIC) Design Group 

Kratt is masterplanner, a fellow of the Landscape Institute and an experienced advisor on major infrastructure projects. 

He led the UK’s first NSIP DCO and has advised on nuclear projects Sizewell C and Hinkley Point C, Swansea and Cardiff tidal lagoons, Heathrow, major offshore wind farms and solar projects, deep sea container ports including the expansion of Port of Felixstowe and HS2 including Euston station.

A regular speaker on design and design process he was also a Tedx Whitehall speaker on infrastructure legacy at the invitation of the Royal Society. 

He is also a recognised expert witness and advisor to the Design Council and the Design Council for Wales and was lead author of best practice guidance for the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) on integrated design and the process of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Kratt believes major infrastructure projects must work harder to meet wider environmental and societal needs. He believes, for example, that renewable energy projects can not only help to secure the UK’s energy supply but be designed to deliver greater benefits. 

“I’m delighted to join the NIC Design Group and to advocate for design that provides lasting legacy, supporting people, and addressing the climate crisis and nature loss,” he said. 

“I want people to be excited about major new infrastructure projects and the positive changes these can bring.

“For this to happen, we need to design in the round to realise the potential benefits. Social value needs to be embedded into each and every project otherwise we risk short-changing communities and under-performing on investment. This can be achieved through better integrated design processes.” 

The NIC’s Design Group was established in 2019 to inspire, promote and champion design excellence in nationally significant infrastructure projects. 

The group’s Design Principles have been adopted by government for all such major projects to help ensure public infrastructure has social value and responds to the needs of people, places, and the environment.

Sadie Morgan, chair of the NIC’s Design Group, said: “It’s great to welcome Alister to the team as we work to reinforce the value of good design in infrastructure, promote the role of design champions and continue to bust the myth that better design always means higher financial cost. 

“Alister brings a wealth of experience in major projects, and he joins us at an exciting time, as we support the Commission prepare for the next National Infrastructure Assessment due to be published in autumn 2023.”