Leading Birmingham architectural practice Associated Architects has unveiled a new identity and made five internal appointments as it approaches its 50th anniversary.
The Mailbox-based practice was founded in 1968 by three tutors at the Birmingham School of Architecture and has been recognised with RIBA Awards for its work across the university, education, residential, arts and commercial sectors.
The creative team is now the biggest it has ever been, with a team of 69 people. In 2016/2017 Associated Architects posted record turnovers.
Recent projects include the new University of Birmingham New Library, Birmingham City Council’s Woodcock Street offices and the refurbishment of the modernist Edward Boyle Library at the University of Leeds; shortlisted for a national retrofit award.
Adding to an already strong Higher Education sector, the practice has secured some significant projects in the build-to-rent residential sector, several major commercial office projects and has recently been appointed by Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery to lead the design work for the Council House refurbishment and BMAG redevelopment.
Associated Architects has made five internal appointments to support continuing growth within the practice.
Existing Associates, Steve Townsend and Graham Hall, have been promoted to the position of Associate Director, recognising their contribution in developing new sectors and clients. Steve Townsend has also been central to the practice’s recent rebranding exercise and was the founder of the Birmingham’s Hidden Spaces initiative.
Steve was named a ‘Rising Star’ of property for the Midlands and East Anglia region at the recent NextGen Awards, run by the British Council for Offices.
Jonathan Davey and Tim Cornbill have been promoted to the position of Associate, recognising their contribution in delivering landmark projects such as JLR’s Engine Manufacturing Centre and the University of Birmingham’s New Library respectively. Tim Cornbill was also a double winner in the 2017 Sony World Photography Awards, in the Architecture Open category and the UK National Award.
Karis Cochrane has been promoted to Senior Architect, in recognition of her excellent work on a number of conservation and residential projects, and going forward will lead on several key schemes in the schools and university sectors.
The practice largely recruits from within the region in support of the firm’s policy to foster local talent and support the region’s architecture schools.
Associated Architects commissioned Birmingham-based agency ORB to work on the practice’s proposition and brand values, plus a new logo and visual identity.
John Bright Street-based agency Lightbox produced Associated Architects’ new digital platforms.
ORB’s strategy reinforced Associated Architects’ mission to put people at the heart of everything the practice designs.
Matthew Goer, Director said: “Associated Architects has had a record couple of years securing a number of new clients and a clutch of high profile awards.
“It’s important for us to recognise the work of individuals in achieving this, as well as ensuring that we have the right team in place to guarantee our high level of service to both existing and new clients.
“The five team members we have promoted have proven themselves to be highly effective in their project work and contribute a great deal to the life and culture of the practice.”
Press release issued by Edwin Ellis Creative Media on behalf of Associated Architects.
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