South West

摘要

Christopher Mackenzie: There is great diversity in the large South West region, from cosmopolitan cities to rural counties. As elsewhere, there is economic diversity too. Contrary to some metropolitan preconceptions, the region's practices are not all limited in their outlook and experience to the 'local'. While most are small, there are some large and well-known names and myriad smaller design-led practices together with several highly specialised firms. But the further you travel from London, the thinner the money is spread, and the harder you have to work to achieve quality in architecture. Brunei's Great Western line is about to be electrified, so improved communications (to the capital) are welcome to businesses here.