Spotlight on…

Dr Louise King, Research Associate, University of Bath

What’s your current role at your institution?
I’m working as a Research Associate at the University of Bath on the Transforming Homes project. My work focuses on Work Package 6: learning from and with professionals and stakeholders about the processes of developing, implementing, and accelerating housing transformation. This involves close collaboration with all other work packages, particularly the demonstrator projects and resident engagement.

Which past experiences have helped you the most in your current role?
I have an interdisciplinary background in sustainable built environments, which has been crucial in this role, as the project spans multiple disciplines. My previous work has explored the importance of social science in shaping complex climate change policy. For example, my research into climate-induced overheating in homes highlighted how behavioural and societal change shape domestic cooling pathways, and the need for people-centric policy approaches.

My experience working with design professionals and stakeholders is also particularly relevant. I have conducted research into how energy is perceived by design professionals, a key issue in advancing more effective building design for decarbonisation. Additionally, I have worked with the Local Government Association and the Planning Advisory Service on brownfield land development for housing and green infrastructure. These experiences have helped me develop a nuanced approach to Transforming Homes, recognising the importance, and often the tension, between national governance and local context.

What excites you about the research in the Transforming Homes project?
This is a hugely exciting project to be involved in, and one that is certain to deliver real-world impacts. Our demonstrator projects allow us to understand the implications of our work for residents and communities in great detail. We can focus on both the opportunities and challenges of accelerating the housing transformation needed to decarbonise UK homes while improving the quality of life for the people living in them.

How is your expertise contributing to the Transforming Homes project?
I bring 15 years of experience working in sustainable built environments, with a deep understanding of diverse stakeholder and design perspectives. I also have extensive experience in qualitative research, including conducting and analysing interviews, deliberative workshops, visual research, and ethnographic studies, which directly informs the design of my work in Transforming Homes. Beyond technical skills, I bring a genuine enthusiasm to this project. I can see the difference we can make in people’s lives—creating homes that are warmer, more comfortable, more efficient, and healthier.