The West Midlands branch of RIBA and MADE have relocated offices to 321 Bradford Street in Digbeth and together will launch a hub for the built environment.
The two organisations are stalwarts of Birmingham’s architecture and design scene and their move to Bradford Street will kick-start a joint events and training programme. The first events for 2015 include the MADE20 exhibition of the top 20 developments in the region over the past five years and an exhibition from the Landscape Institute.
Matt Dobson, regional director of RIBA West Midlands, said: “There is a dynamic co-working community at 321 Bradford Street, which offers much more than just a space for a desk. Our intention is to capitalise on this and establish city hub, a centre for excellence, for professionals in the built environment.
“Both MADE and RIBA are committed to improving the built environment and though we will continue to act as two separate entities and pursue our own agendas, bringing our physical offices together will enable us to more easily pursue exciting joint ventures and make a bigger difference to our city and our members.”
321 Bradford Street comprises high quality office accommodation alongside Nest – a ground floor exhibition space which has previously displayed work by photographer Nick Gaunt and artist-curator Trevor Pitt. There is also an on-site café, break out rooms and meeting spaces.
David Tittle, director of MADE, added: “We have been working in Birmingham for over 10 years now providing expert design review and training for clients across the Midlands and our expert panel, made up of professionals from across the built environment spectrum, has a reputation for providing impartial advice and guidance. 321 Bradford Street is an embodiment of that sense of collaboration. It will be a great environment for learning and sharing best practice, and we’re excited to launch our 2015 programme of exhibitions and training here.”
The two new tenants join existing occupiers Glenn Howells Architects; project managers and cost consultants DBK; and luxury interior architects and designers Wilkinson Beven. A community of freelancers also occupies space in the building.