North East architecture firm has designs on expanding across UK

Jun 30 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal

A NORTH East architecture firm is looking for regeneration sites across the UK to set up new offices as part of its five-year expansion plan.

In addition to its Newcastle headquarters, _space architecture has a Yorkshire and Humberside centre which opened in Leeds last year, and it is scouting for further venues as part of its ambitions to achieve national coverage by 2012.

It is now exploring a number of brownfield sites near Salford as it tries to establish a branch in the North West. The business is also looking to set up shop in sustainable locations in the Midlands and South East.

Chief executive Rob Charlton said: “Our social responsibility is central to our business ethos, and we want our success to enable sustainable communities wherever we operate. To achieve this we employ local talent and invest both financially and with our time around us.

“We are very excited about our UK growth, and are looking for interesting buildings to develop as our offices. Hopefully we can work with local suppliers and employ local people in every city or town we open in, to ensure our footprint is as ethical as possible.”

The practice, which employs 150 people and aims to boost turnover to £12m in the next five years, is working on several building schools for the future projects and healthcare schemes.

Previously known as Waring & Netts, _space was rebranded earlier this year as part of its drive to expand nationally. It also launched the _space foundation this year to work with local initiatives, particularly those supporting disadvantaged young people.

The foundation’s community projects receive 5% of the company’s profits and man-hours.

The business has also extended its ethos of thinking differently to its own offices, which offer creative areas, staff art galleries, organic cafes and lunch break pilates classes for workers.