What we do

We work with architects, planners, designers, developers and clients, offering them guidance on projects that will shape lives. Parks and open spaces are as important to us as bricks and mortar.

We give clients hands-on advice on ways to get better value through better design, keeping them up to date and encouraging them to take the best approach from the start. Our design review service shows clients what mistakes to avoid and what opportunities to seize.

CABE works on behalf of the public. We work to inspire people to demand more from buildings and spaces. They, after all, are the people left behind after the planners and architects have moved on.

We encourage policymakers to create places that are safe, beautiful and efficient to run. Our work includes:

• advising clients, contractors, architects and planners
• helping public agencies with good design
• supporting public agencies in boosting their in-house design expertise
• promoting better education, skills and careers for the built environment
• conducting research and running campaigns on architecture, design and public spaces.

What we don't do

As a public agency, we are impartial - and our resources are limited. This restricts the nature and scope of our work. The things that we don't do include:

• we do not recommend an architect or any other kind of contractor
• we do not offer advice to individuals on their own project, unless it is of public significance
• we do not work outside England
• we do not make statutorily binding decisions (although we are a statutory body).

Our structure and our funding

CABE is led by 16 commissioners and is chaired by Sir John Sorrell.

Our full-time executive team is led by Richard Simmons, our chief executive, and oversees all parts of the organisation:

• design review
• design and planning advice
• education and external affairs
• public space
• resources.

We support a network of regional representatives, offering expertise to professionals across England.

CABE is a statutory body, sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport but also funded by Communities and Local Government. We were established in 1999.