Architecture, sports and leisure specialist, LK2 Group has bolstered its team with the appointment of an impressive senior architect and two new apprentices.
Maria Karolides – who has worked in the education sector since 2001 – has taken up the role of senior architect at the firm, where she will be leading the way on a number of high-profile schemes nationally from conversions to mixed-use projects blending together sport and education.
Alongside Maria, LK2 has continued its commitment to supporting young people locally through the appointment of two apprentices. Charlie Cairns and Zack Barnes will be supporting LK2’s wider team across both its architecture and sport and leisure consultancy projects.
Maria said: “Joining LK2 is an exciting next step for me, it works on large national projects which I’m looking forward to getting involved in and supporting with my own insight. In my new role I will be involved with LK2’s internal office design review process, helping to ensure quality architecture from the office as a whole.
“I was attracted to the business after hearing positive things about the working environment, opportunities for development and also the types of work LK2 delivers. As soon as I walked in the door, I completely understood the business and really enjoyed the large nature of the practice but its retention of a friendly, family-like atmosphere.
“For over 11 years I have worked in Lincoln on a wide variety of briefs including a number of award winning projects for the University of Lincoln as well as specialist facilities for Lincolnshire County Council, meaning I am proud to be working for a practice based here that offers the exciting opportunities nationally.”
Throughout Maria’s career, she has worked to deliver numerous buildings for the University of Lincoln, SEN facilities and primary school facilities. Notably she was led on award-winning schemes such as: Lincoln University’s GCW Library, The Engine Shed and Lincoln Performing Arts Centre.
Dale Lui, CEO of the LK2 Group said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Maria, Charlie and Zack to the team at LK2. Maria is a highly experienced architect and brings with her a lot of knowledge and experience from working on award-winning projects.
“Maria is a specialist when it comes to building for education and is the only architect in Lincolnshire to be accepted to be included on the RIBA Client Adviser register, and was selected by the Royal Institute of British Architects for her all-round procurement expertise, design experience, business knowledge and track-record of delivering results in construction projects. We’re certain Maria will help us continue to shape our offering, through her fresh insight and passion.
“Similarly, we are delighted to have Charlie and Zack join the team as apprentices, helping us to develop our next generation of talent. We’re incredibly proud that apprentices are an integral part of day-to-day life here at LK2, with 15% of our workforce now being recruited as workplace apprentices.”
