GLASGOW-headquartered architecture firm Holmes Miller has announced it has recorded 100% growth in turnover in the south east of England over the past year following its decision to shift its main studio in the region from central London to St Albans.
Recent business wins have included designing the new £30 million City Learning Quarter for City of Wolverhampton College, the decarbonisation and refit contract at Watford Town Hall, and several new schools for local authorities.
Callum Houston, MD at Holmes Miller, said, “Despite concerns about the wider economic landscape – particularly public spending – continued investment into community, leisure and education facilities across the area offers some definite optimism for the year ahead. Architects and other construction sector professionals will play a vital role when it comes to meeting long-term societal goals, particularly around retrofitting and decarbonising our existing public buildings in our pursuit of becoming a net zero society.”
The company – which also has an office in Guangzhou in China – has grown its headcount within the region by 200% since moving to St Albans last summer summer, including appointing Mariyam Afnida as new technical lead.
Mark Ellson, director and head of the new St Albans studio, added, “Creating a solid new base in St Albans has delivered very positive results. The dynamic with many clients has changed because we understand their local needs better, we can share a greater knowledge of the region, and better understand the impact of projects such as those being provided for the community. Our clients are finding that invaluable, including some of the leading councils in neighbouring areas.”
