Irene Scudu

Architect and sustainability professional with extensive experience across low-energy design, building performance, and sustainability assessment frameworks.

Certified Passivhaus

Designer with a strong track record in delivering low-energy design across residential, education, and commercial sectors.

Experience spans technical delivery, performance modelling, sustainability frameworks, and project support across design and construction stages, including energy analysis, certification processes, and development of technical guidance and tools.

Background includes sustainability consultancy, building performance assessment, and framework development within leading organisations in the built environment sector.

Senior Passivhaus Designer at Henriksen Studio (2025-09 – Present)

• Supporting Passivhaus design and construction compliance of large-scale Passivhaus student accommodation schemes
• Using PHPP energy modelling to inform design and construction decisions
• Providing technical input on energy efficiency, airtightness, and thermal performance, influencing design development, detailing, and quality assurance
• Contributing to client engagement and business development activities

Senior Passivhaus Consultant at Max Fordham LLP (2021-12 – 2024-07)

• Led delivery of large and mid-scale Passivhaus projects across high-rise social housing, residential, student accommodation and education sector
• Supported design and construction teams to interpret Passivhaus requirements, set performance targets and ensured they were achieved on site
• Provided technical input through energy modelling, thermal analysis, design reviews, and reporting to support decision-making
• Monitored project progress against targets and contributed to certification
• Managed budgets and resources, supervised junior staff, and supported business development and client presentations

Architect and Certified Passivhaus Designer at Eco Design Consultants (2020-03 – 2021-11)

• Delivered retrofit and new-build low-energy projects, including EnerPHit and Passivhaus
• Undertook energy modelling (PHPP) to support design decisions and compliance
• Provided input on sustainable design strategies, including materials and embodied carbon
• Coordinated with contractors, consultants, and local authorities to support delivery

Senior Consultant - BREEAM at WSP UK (2019-11 – 2020-03)

• Supported BREEAM assessment projects, including assessments, reporting, and client coordination

BREEAM Technical Consultant (Technical consultant to Senior Technical Consultant) at Building Research Establishment (BRE) (2014-08 – 2019-09)

• Contributed to development and maintenance of BREEAM schemes, tools, and technical guidance
• Supported delivery and improvement of sustainability assessment frameworks used across the built environment sector
• Developed and maintained Excel-based and digital tools for assessors and clients
• Worked with internal and external stakeholders to improve consistency and usability of assessment systems
• Awarded BRE Staff Award (2015) for development of BREEAM tools

Project assistant at Energy Saving Trust England - EU and International Team (2014-01 – 2014-07)

• Supported EU energy policy projects through research and data analysis
• Managed website content and supported project communications

Freelance Architectural Assistant at Freelance Architectural Assistant (2007-01 – 2013-12)

• Supported architectural practices across concept design, technical design, planning applications, and building survey

M.Sc. in Sustainable Architecture – University of Bologna – School of Engineering and Architecture (2008 – 2009)

M.Arch. in Architecture and Construction engineering – Politecnico di Milano – School of Architecture (2005 – 2007)

B.Sc. in Architecture – Politecnico di Milano – School of Architecture (1998 – 2004)