Manchester-based architects firm Atelier MB plans to establish a presence in London in response to a growing workload in and around the capital.
The purpose-built office in Wood Green, north London, is expected to be fully operational in 2020.
Atelier MB currently has a number of London projects nearing completion and a string of others due to begin.
Those close to completion include the transformation of a grade II listed former solicitors’ office on Tottenham High Road into apartments alongside 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 for rental.
Atelier MB-designed schemes due to begin in the near future include:
- The conversion of a former funeral parlour, also on Tottenham High Road, into three apartments and a ground-floor shop;
- The construction of four town houses at the Hornsey Lane Gardens development in Highgate;
- The refurbishment of a disused care home in Walthamstow into en suite accommodation for adults with learning difficulties for supported living provider Magic Life;
- The demolition of a former Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses site in Bishop’s Stortford, near Stansted Airport, and the construction of three houses.
Andrew Burns, managing director of Atelier MB, 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.
“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.”
