Friends who revel in their work see business boom

Feb 11 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal

A FIRM of architects set up less than a year ago is already looking to move to bigger premises and recruit staff as it builds a bulging order book.

Blake Hopkinson Architecture LLP, of North Tyneside, was formed by friends Darren Blake and James Hopkinson last April.

The pair previously worked for leading North East architecture and design firms.

Darren, a chartered architect who was previously a partner at the ID Partnership, and James, who was the senior interior designer at Ryder HKD, worked together on the design team responsible for the Sage Group head office at Newcastle Great Park.

Darren said: “We’d both worked at ID Partnership together for about 10 years and we really enjoyed it.

“This is an opportunity to get enjoyment back into our work. It’s been a breath of fresh air.” James, who was also responsible for designing the interior of the Th_nk offices in the centre of Newcastle, said: “This idea was born out of a shared desire to produce quality in design and to reignite the success we shared in our previous working relationship. We’ve both spent a number of years in the industry in this region and have had the privilege of working on some of the most high-profile and talked about projects in the North East.”

In the 10 months since the business has been established, it has built up an impressive order book which includes residential and commercial clients.

Blake Hopkinson designs the full range of buildings, from one-off, single houses to masterplanning estates.

The team is working on a mixed use scheme in Chester-le-Street, which is made up of shops and apartments. It is also helping to raise funds and working in a voluntary capacity to help establish a Catholic Church youth centre in the Walker area of Newcastle.

Darren said: “This is a really exciting time for us. We have made a really strong start and we are really looking forward to making an impact in the North East in the months to come.”

The firm, based on the Fish Quay at North Shields, has taken on three staff since opening for business and will shortly be looking for an additional architect because of the volume of work it is handling.

The fast rate of growth also means the partners are considering a move to larger premises in the near future.

For more about Blake Hopkinson visit the firm’s website at www.blakehopkinsonarchitecture.com