Mal joins top Borodesigners

Sep 8 2009 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

THE architectural and cultural design practice responsible for Middlesbrough’s new Boho One development has expanded its team.

Mal Lorimer has joined North-east-based xsite as an architect.

The 29-year-old is originally from Manchester, and studied architecture at Sheffield. He has been working back in Manchester for the last three years since qualifying, working on a range of projects including residential, healthcare and urban design.

Mal is very interested in the use of public space both inside and outside buildings, and also collaboration between disciplines towards shared goals.

He said: “I really wanted to join xsite because of the vibrancy of the workplace, the sharing of ideas, and the structure of the team.

“One of the key things at xsite is the way in which they recognise and use people’s strengths and skills towards very positive outcomes.”

He is working on the next phase of the Boho Zone in Middlesbrough and a youth theatre project in Stanley, Co Durham.

Tim Bailey, partner at xsite, which has offices in Middlesbrough and Newcastle, said, “Mal brings new influences and experience to the practice and complements the team we are building here. He has already had good input to projects we are working on currently and we are delighted to have him join us.

“We have a lot of work coming in and Mal’s appointment will allow us continue to spend time on creativity and produce quality work for our clients.”

Middlesbrough’s £10m Boho One is a key part of a 25-year vision to form a world-class digital cluster on Teesside.

One of the first three buildings that will form the core of the Boho Zone, Boho One signals a new phase in the region’s development as it squares up to the creative quarters of New York and London.