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How do you design buildings where safety, sustainability, and education all come together?

In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans talks with Kevin Higgs, Development Director at Happy Days Nurseries, about creating early-years environments that prioritise safety, learning, and sustainability.

After a career in property and retail development—including nearly a decade at Tesco—Kevin joined Happy Days Nurseries to help shape spaces that support both children’s growth and environmental responsibility. From designing safe, nurturing spaces to embedding sustainability in every project, Kevin shares what it takes to build for purpose rather than profit.

Key Highlights
• From Retail to Early Years – Why Kevin left corporate development to work in education, and how purpose reshaped his career.
• Safety & Responsibility – How safeguarding and building compliance underpin every decision when designing nurseries for young children.
• Designing for Education, Not Efficiency – Balancing open, flexible learning spaces with the technical challenges of heating, cooling, and sustainability.
• Human-Centred Design – Why architects and contractors must see buildings through a child’s eyes—every corner, height, and transition matters.
• Sustainability in Practice – From “last-person-out” switches to all-electric systems and BMS controls, how small details make a big difference.
• Building Relationships – What makes great partnerships between clients, developers, and contractors—and why shared values matter as much as capability.
• Purpose & Impact – How Happy Days uses its buildings and curriculum to teach sustainability, connect generations, and shape lifelong habits.

This episode is essential for architects, developers, sustainability professionals, and anyone designing for people, not just profit. Kevin’s insights reveal how thoughtful property decisions can create healthier, safer, and more sustainable communities.

If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip

Find us on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/
Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/

Links:
Kevin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-higgs-30119590/
Happy Days Nurseries LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/happy-days-nurseries-south-west-ltd/posts/?feedView=all
Happy Days Nurseries Website: https://happydaysnurseries.com/

#Sustainability #ConstructionPodcast #ThriveInConstruction #EarlyYearsEducation #HappyDaysNurseries #BuildingDesign #NetZero #HealthyBuildings #PropertyDevelopment #BuiltEnvironment #SafetyFirst

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