Short Architecture: A Design Practice for Impact

Short Architecture exists to create buildings that leave a legacy — of beauty, of meaning, and of positive climate impact.

Founded by Fiona Short, an architect and sustainability advisor with deep experience in both design and environmental strategy, Short Architecture was born from the belief that architecture can — and must — be a force for good. After working for a large and well-known architectural firm, Fiona set out on her own to pursue her mission without compromise: to design buildings that reduce carbon emissions and increase quality of life.

The name Short is a personal one — a surname, yes, but also a statement. It reflects a belief that sustainable architecture should be clear, grounded, and straightforward. The slashed zero in our “Short” logo is more than a typographic detail — it signals a bold commitment to zero carbon design, and to making sustainability easier and more accessible for everyone.

At Short Architecture, we believe that the best buildings come from designing for climate, and designing for people. This approach delivers outcomes that not only meet the client’s needs — they exceed them. They’re beautiful, warm, low energy and deeply contextual. Whether it’s a renovation, a new home, or a multi-unit housing project, we help clients create architecture that expresses their values and personality while leaving a lighter footprint on the planet.

We embed sustainability expertise at every stage of the process — from early briefing and site analysis, to construction strategy, material selection, and performance certification. With this integrated model, we provide easy to use sustainability roadmaps, climate-responsive design, and clear guidance for creating long-term, regenerative impact.

Our ideal clients are those who care — about design, about impact, and about doing things the right way. People who want their projects to be a true reflection of who they are, and what they believe. The ones who want their buildings to tell a story — and leave behind a legacy they can be proud of.

Short Architecture is also home to Fast Forward, our sister brand that amplifies our mission through education, digital tools, and consultancy services available globally. While Short Architecture delivers one-to-one architectural services, Fast Forward exists to extend our impact beyond traditional client work — through online courses, guides, sustainability templates, and a library of free advice to help anyone make their project more climate-friendly, no matter where they are in the world.

At the heart of both is Fiona’s deep care for the planet — and for the generations who will inherit what we design today. Sustainability is not an add-on. It is the foundation. Because the decisions we make now shape not just our homes, but our future.