A Manchester-headquartered architect firm is to “establish a presence” in London in response to growing workload in the capital and the south east.
However, Atelier MB stressed its headquarters will “absolutely” remain in Manchester when its purpose-built office in Wood Green, north London, is expected to be fully operational in 2020.
Atelier MB, which also has an office in Hereford, was established in 2013 by chairman Ray Makin and managing director Andrew Burns.
Mr Burns said: “Our workload in the London area is increasing, and we feel it is the right time to establish a base in the capital from which to manage live projects and further expand our operations.
“We have a strong track record of successfully delivering heritage refurbishments and new-build projects, and our clients in the London area like our forward-thinking approach.
“They say we are more in tune and responsive to the needs of the market than other architects in the London area, so we see a real opportunity for expansion.”
Initially, Manchester staff will work out of the new office but, in time, the firm will employ people from the London area, Atelier MB told BusinessLive.
Two members of staff will be in the London office once the firm recruits, the firm added.
Mr Burns said: “Our new office will be in an ideal location, close to current projects and our immediate pipeline of schemes, and we are looking forward to taking our expertise from Manchester to the London market on a permanent basis.”
The firm operates nationwide, with a focusing on new-build and refurbishment projects in the residential, listed buildings, conservation and heritage, commercial and office, retail, leisure, education and healthcare sectors.
Atelier MB currently has a number of London-based projects nearing completion, with a number of others due to begin.
Projects due soon to be completed include the transformation of a grade II-listed former solicitors’ office on Tottenham High Road into apartments and a new block of flats, and the construction of a fourth storey above The London Backpackers Hostel building in Hendon to form purpose-built flats.
