Kevin McCloud on how British home design has changed since Grand Designs began

Kevin McCloud has presented Grand Designs since it first aired in 1999, following people through the highs and lows of building their own homes. As a new series begins, he tells Dezeen what has shifted in British architecture over those 27 years, and his verdict is cheerful: after the earnest early 2000s, he says, everybody has got "a bit more relaxed".

The detail he keeps returning to is the arch, which he finds intriguing to see back because it soars yet also grounds a room. He likes the way new houses weave sustainability, history and even archaeology together, and he notes a sharper focus on carbon, with projects planting trees and managing land to offset what building costs. On complaints that this year's brick-heavy Stirling Prize shortlist looks samey, he takes the long view: give it ten years and people will think it's cool.

He also senses a wider, more democratic fight to save buildings of any period, citing Shropshire's 1960s modernist Shirehall, now up for sale. And on housing policy he wants one word added: quality, meaning space, storage and a link to the outdoors.

A thoughtful read for anyone who has watched the show, or wondered where home design is heading.

Our summary of a story from Dezeen, published 8 October 2026. Read the original

Photos: Dezeen · See all 2