Architects draw up plans for '˜exciting' alliance

Three architectural practices, including Scots firm Keppie Design, have unveiled plans to form an alliance aimed at winning 'significant' new business.

Keppie director Martin English said the creation of 431 Architecture would open up new avenues of work. Picture: Contributed

Keppie director Martin English said the tie-up with Stride Treglown and Todd Architects to create 431 Architecture will open up a new range of business opportunities for the firm, which once counted Charles Rennie Mackintosh as a principal.

He added: “The alliance will give clients, consultants and contractors a new and exciting option to consider when looking at UK-wide projects or frameworks – particularly in the healthcare and education sectors where each of the three practices has a fantastic track record.”

431 Architecture will have 18 studios and a team of more than 500 staff across the UK and Ireland. The tie-up is not a merger, as each practice will continue to operate independently, but will combine forces when the need arises, for example on large scale UK-wide projects.

Stride Treglown chairman David Hunter said: “Each of us has a strong and established reputation in our own right, but our approach and values are very similar, so together this alliance has the potential to become a really significant presence in UK architecture.”

Paul Crowe, director at Todd Architects, added: “The potential for 431 Architecture is to build on the collective expertise and knowledge of our respective practices.”