GLASGOW architecture practice Threesixty Architecture has recruited former Keppie Design managing director Martin English as a board director to lead the creation of a new Perth studio.
The expansion into Perth marks a significant six figure investment for Threesixty, whose managing director Alan Anthony called the capture of Mr English a “real asset” for the firm.
Mr English served as managing director at Keppie – a Glasgow-based practice originally formed in 1854 which once counted Charles Rennie Mackintosh as a partner – from 2008 until March this year, when he completed his second four year spell at the helm.
Threesixty will also recruit four new designers ahead of the Perth studio’s opening next month, a move that Mr Anthony described as “the missing link” between its Glasgow and Inverness offices.
“Martin bring a wealth of experience and is a great guy to have on the team to assist our growth,” said Mr Anthony.
“He has an exceptional level of experience as a senior leader in the industry for a long time, but in addition, he understands the local market and shares our approach to high quality design and first class client care.”
The opening of the Perth studio brings the headcount to 44 at the business, which expects to double turnover this year to £2.5 million from existing studios in Glasgow and Inverness.
“Geographically, it enables us to be in another Scottish city, where we can contribute to local and national projects,” said Mr Anthony, who added that the enlarged company would continue to benefit from its collaborative approach to design.
“It’s rewarding to see our projects benefit from the talent of our multi-cultural team who share our work ethics around collaborative working,” he said. “We perform best as one team enjoying each other’s input and allowing us to deliver the best results for our clients.”
He added that the company may benefit from scale as a result of opening a third office, but he was determined to ensure all employees in all offices enjoy the feeling of a bigger team working together towards a shared vision.
Mr English takes the number of board members to six, along with Rory Kellett, Stefano Faiella, Gillian Allan and Kieron Goodman.
Mr Anthony said there was no good reason for not expanding in the current economic climate as its contracts were spread across a number of markets. “We work across different sectors and in a downturn activity doesn’t stop, it just changes,” he said. “We are moving forward with confidence thanks to the loyalty of our clients, from which we have a strong history of repeat work.”
Threesixty was created eight years ago by Mr Anthony, a former director of Reid Architecture, which merged with 3D Architects to become a top ten UK practice. The company has recently been growing its presence in Scotland, notably being appointed as lead designer of the 750,000sq ft multi-use Blackdog Masterplan in Aberdeenshire.
Mr English's appointment follows that of senior architect Anthony Fusi who was recruited to Threesixty after running Keppie Design’s Manchester studio.
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