A LEADING architects’ practice has strengthened its team further as it tackles some of the region’s most dynamic projects.
Mark Morley has joined Niven Architects, a Darlington-based family firm that is helping shape the region at a time of massive change.
He follows the appointment of senior consultant Peter Hodges who joined as a director as the practice enjoys burgeoning success with some of the region’s biggest projects.
A senior architect with some of the North-East’s premier schemes under his belt, Mark will help the senior management team oversee a varied portfolio of significant projects including, in Darlington, an in-patient unit at the town’s St Teresa’s Hospice, a major cinema and restaurant development next to the Town Hall and a much-needed housing scheme on the edge of town, as well as projects in Newcastle and Durham.
Niven Architects is renowned for being at the cutting edge of design. It recently won a number of UK and international design awards, with a key focus on BIM (Building Information Management) and sustainability.
Director Simon Crowe said: “Mark’s key, strategic appointment is the first of a number of design roles that we hope to make. We have developed a business plan aligned with current and prospective workload that will see the practice grow in stature and turnover during the next three years.
“Mark’s role is fundamentally important to the growth plan as he brings with him a wealth of experience in design and project delivery alongside a very strong and respected relationship with key clients.”
Mark said: “It’s an exciting time for the practice with Niven currently involved in a number of really interesting projects. The practice is at the cutting edge of the newest advancements in our industry with great emphasis on BIM technologies and it has recently completed a two-year Knowledge Transfer Programme with Teesside University.
“I’m particularly looking forward to becoming involved in Niven Architect’s new company, BIM Strategies Ltd, which provides services to consultants, clients and the manufacturing supply chain.”
Born in Hartlepool, Mark still lives in the town with his partner Lisa and children Imogen and Jack. He was previously an architectural technician before becoming a Chartered Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2002.
Throughout his career, Mark has worked at a senior level within a number of prominent practices in the north and also as a principal officer within local authorities.
He has built up a wealth of experience over his 28 years in the construction industry successfully delivering multi-million pound projects in the education sector (HE, FE, SEN and schools), pharmaceutical and specialist research, Home Office compliant laboratories, industrial developments, housing and extra care, in addition to the heritage and listed building sector and large-scale master-planning.
Simon added: “We are thrilled to welcome Mark to the team. His vast experience of large-scale and technologically advanced projects fits in perfectly with the direction Niven Architects is taking.”
