Architects celebrate 10 years with new studio
THE Cardiff team of HLM Architects has opened its new design studio to coincide with its 10th anniversary in the region.
HLM opened its Cardiff office in 2007 to deliver a number of key projects including the Cynon Valley Community Hospital and the award-winning Schools Programme with Newport City Council, the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend Borough Council.
The new studio, situated in the Creative Quarter, was formally opened by Robert Firth, president of the Royal Society of Architects in Wales, during an evening of celebrations.
The team now works on a range of projects within the healthcare, defence, commercial and hospitality sectors and is particularly recognised for its work in the educational sector with projects such as the Penarth Learning Community.
Current and recent Welsh and UK projects delivered by the Cardiff team include Guilden Park, a student residential scheme in Guildford; Alfred Sutton Primary School, Ridgeway Primary School and St Michael’s Primary School, all in Reading; Ysgol Penrhos in Llanelli; and the Defence Training College at Worthy Down.
In addition, the HLM Cardiff team is increasingly working on international projects across a range of sectors including healthcare, education and hospitality.
Current projects include working for a major Dubai-based investment and development company in the delivery of their healthcare and education infrastructure programme.
Mr Firth said: “Cardiff is experiencing a cultural renaissance, positioning itself as a vibrant destination with burgeoning city design. It is great to see HLM continue its commitment to the area – the team brings with them a real sense of energy and passion to all their projects, large or small.”
Gareth Woodfin, HLM’s regional lead, said: “Our move to the Creative Quarter marks an exciting new step in the team’s evolution and we are looking forward to building on past successes and developing exciting, innovative new schemes across the city, the wider UK and internationally from the office.”
Richard O’Neil, main board director of HLM, added: “Celebrating a decade in Cardiff is an important milestone for us. We are building an exciting legacy and the team has achieved great things, not only in Wales but across the UK and Internationally.
“We are proud of the many awards we have won but for us, legacy is not about accolades, it’s about how legacy can be woven into people’s lives by creating great buildings and great places for future generations.”