Our retrofit design services provide specialist technical solutions for energy efficiency and retrofit improvement programmes in social housing. We work with councils, housing associations, and landlords to deliver interventions that are PAS 2035-compliant, safe, and optimised for performance, while supporting grant-funded programmes such as the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), Off-Gas Retrofit Programme (ORP), Energy Company Obligation (ECO), and other energy improvement initiatives.
A skilled retrofit designer ensures that every intervention is technically robust, tailored to the property, and delivers measurable energy and carbon savings.
What Is a Retrofit Designer?
A Retrofit Designer is a qualified professional responsible for creating the technical design and specifications for retrofit interventions. They take stock of building construction, energy performance, and occupant needs to develop evidence-based solutions that improve energy efficiency, EPC/SAP ratings, and overall building performance.
The retrofit designer is essential for planning, coordinating, and validating retrofit works, ensuring all measures are safe, effective, and fully compliant with PAS 2035 and funding programme requirements.
Why a Retrofit Designer Is Needed
Retrofit projects can be complex, particularly for non-traditional, PRC, or hard-to-treat properties. Without expert design:
- Retrofit measures may fail to deliver intended energy savings
- Work may be non-compliant with PAS 2035 or grant conditions
- Poor design can introduce defects, condensation, or structural issues
- Investment decisions may be misaligned with long-term asset management goals
A retrofit designer ensures interventions are tailored, technically sound, and optimised for both short- and long-term performance.
What a Retrofit Designer Does
Our retrofit designers provide comprehensive support across all stages of a retrofit programme:
Assessment and Analysis
- Review of EPC/SAP data, stock condition, and retrofit assessments
- Identification of risks and constraints in non-traditional or hard-to-treat homes
Design Development
- Creation of bespoke designs for insulation, heating, ventilation, and renewable technologies
- Detailed technical specifications, drawings, and installation guidance
Compliance Assurance
- Ensures all designs meet PAS 2035 standards, building regulations, and funding programme requirements (SHDF, ORP, ECO)
Coordination and Technical Support
- Provides guidance to contractors, consultants, and asset managers to ensure retrofit measures are installed correctly
- Monitors technical delivery to achieve intended energy, carbon, and EPC/SAP improvements
Supporting Retrofit Programmes
Our retrofit design services support:
- SHDF, ORP, and ECO grant-funded energy improvement programmes
- PAS 2035-compliant retrofit delivery
- EPC/SAP improvement strategies
- Decarbonisation and net zero objectives
- Options appraisals and investment planning for retrofit interventions
With expert design, landlords can optimise energy savings, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure retrofit works are safe, compliant, and cost-effective.
Why Choose MDA for Retrofit Design
MDA has extensive experience delivering retrofit design services for social housing, including non-traditional, PRC, and hard-to-treat properties. Our designers combine technical expertise, housing knowledge, and grant programme experience, ensuring designs are:
- Technically robust – validated against PAS 2035 and building standards
- Compliant – meeting SHDF, ORP, ECO, and funding programme requirements
- Cost-effective and practical – tailored to your housing stock and tenant needs
- Evidence-based – supporting audit-ready reporting, funding, and governance
With MDA, landlords gain a trusted partner to design retrofit interventions that are safe, effective, and deliver measurable energy, carbon, and financial benefits.
Deliverables
Clients receive:
- Bespoke retrofit design packages, including technical drawings and specifications
- Compliance documentation for PAS 2035 and funding programme requirements
- Clear guidance for installation and quality assurance
- Reports suitable for boards, funders, regulators, and asset managers
All deliverables are written in plain English, making technical retrofit information actionable and easy to implement.
Summary
MDA’s Retrofit Design services provide the technical expertise needed to deliver safe, effective, and compliant retrofit energy improvements. By combining in-depth knowledge of non-traditional housing, PAS 2035 standards, and funding programme requirements, MDA helps social landlords optimise energy savings, reduce carbon emissions, and achieve long-term sustainability for their housing stock.