Global architecture practice BDP is about to open its first office in Wales, to help build on its success with recent projects including the Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran and Canolfan S4C Yr Egin in Carmarthen, which recently won the RICS award for best commercial building in Wales.
The new office, which launches on 1 July 2019, is located in Cardiff’s bustling creative quarter above Morgan Arcade, and follows BDP’s announcement last year of its commitment to invest in a long-term future in South Wales.
[aoa id=”1″]Alongside University of Wales Trinity St David’s new building for S4C, and the Grange University Hospital, BDP have recently completed the state-of-the-art Monmouth Comprehensive School and are currently working on projects with Cardiff University, Transport for Wales and HMRC. [/aoa]
The new office will be led by architect, associate Nick Durham who said:
“We are very excited to be opening our first office in Cardiff, building on our existing project work in South Wales and helping us to move closer to our clients and collaborators. It’s hugely rewarding to be involved in projects that shape local communities, and we look forward to combining our international expertise with local knowledge and experience.
“While preparing for our move we have discovered a few interesting facts about the history of BDP in Wales, as our founder Sir George Grenfell Baines won the very first National Eisteddfod Gold Medal for Architecture in 1960 for his work on the HJ Heinz offices adjacent to Western avenue. Unfortunately, the building has since been demolished but hopefully we can continue GG’s vision for supporting creative collaboration to help deliver innovative, user inspired designs.”
Alongside Nick, the team based in the new Cardiff studio includes Rob Stevens, an architect with over 10 years’ experience and like Nick, an alumnus of the Welsh School of Architecture. Nick and Rob will work closely with sector leads across the Bristol and London studios, who will regularly spend time in the Cardiff office, offering a breadth of expertise across many sectors including healthcare, education, transport, mixed-use and urbanism.
Nick Fairham, Principal of BDP’s Bristol and Cardiff studios added:
“BDP has enjoyed a history of award-winning projects in Wales; Newport City Campus, Cardiff Library and Cardiff and Vale College to name a few. Our move to Cardiff shows our commitment to the clients which have supported these great projects and the communities they serve. We firmly believe in the focus on sustainability, wellbeing and community shown in Wales and are looking forward to helping design places for future generations”
