Cutting Holes in the Roof (On Purpose): Why Daylight from Above Changes Everything – Ep 126 with Richard Williams
This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with Richard Williams, Senior Architect Development Manager at VELUX, for an energizing and deeply thoughtful conversation about daylight, design, and the future of healthy housing. Drawing on more than 30 years with the company, Richard shares how his early hands-on training in building science shaped his passion for craftsmanship, performance, and people-centered architecture.
Together, they explore why the “fifth façade” — the roof — may be the most important surface of all, how natural daylight from above outperforms vertical glazing, and why ventilation is critical to occupant well-being. The conversation also tackles urban density, renovation of aging housing stock, climate resilience, and the urgent need to build homes for purpose — not just profit. This episode is a powerful reminder that great buildings start with one thing: people.
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More About Richard Williams
Richard Williams’ passion for architecture gave him significant insight into the design, specification, and project planning of a wide range of projects throughout the Cotswolds, where he worked within several architectural practices as an Architectural Technician. He joined VELUX Company Ltd more than 30 years ago, and in his current role as Senior Architectural Development Manager, Richard Williams collaborates with colleagues across multiple countries, sharing industry insights and strengthening ongoing relationships within the architectural community.
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