Architectural practice under new ownership following buyout by two staff
Liverpool-based KKA has announced new ownership, as two existing team members step up to take control of the practice.
Architects Kasia Borkowska and Chris Long, who have both been with KKA for more than 10 years, have each acquired 50% of the company’s shareholdings.
KKA, which launched in Liverpool 70 years ago, has a strong track record of delivering distinctive work around the UK, in sectors that include sport, retail, hotels and student accommodation.
The change of ownership is in accordance with the firm’s succession plan, and comes as a result of KKA’s previous directors taking retirement and pursuing other interests.
Amongst KKA’s high profile projects are the Robins High Performance Centre – a state-of-the-art training centre for Bristol City FC that officially opened last week – and a Hilton Garden Inn hotel overlooking the finish line at Silverstone motor racing circuit.
The practice has just been appointed to work on the Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter, a Bristol development valued at more than £100m that is focused around a 4,000 capacity sports and convention centre and a 230-bed hotel.
Some of KKA’s best known work in Liverpool includes the LFC Flagship Megastore at Anfield and the new multi-story car park and energy centre within Paddington Village in the city’s Knowledge Quarter, which is set to complete this summer.
The practice’s substantial interior design business, KKA Interiors (KKAI), recent portfolio work also includes the Silverstone Hotel and LFC store, as well as Downing’s River Street student accommodation development in Manchester and the La Grande Mare Resort in Guernsey.
Kasia and Chris have been closely involved with many of the firm’s major projects and will continue to play hands-on roles as directors.
Kasia has been with KKA for 15 years and joined the firm as an architectural assistant after graduating from university in Poland. She has since worked her way through the ranks to reach the directorship.
Similarly, Chris, who hails from Southport, joined the firm as soon as he finished his studies at Northumbria University and Liverpool John Moores University. He has been with KKA since 2007.
Kasia said: “We are hugely honoured to have taken the opportunity to steer the firm to further success, with an exceptionally talented and creative team behind us. We look forward to further cementing our reputation as a highly collaborative practice that isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo.”
Chris said: “KKA has a proud heritage of exporting Liverpool architectural expertise to the rest of the country, while simultaneously delivering many historic projects across the city. Kasia and I are both very proud to lead the company in the latest stage of its history.
“Just as we gained invaluable experience from our predecessors, we’re committed to nurturing the exceptional talent we have at the practice, ensuring the next chapter for KKA is its most exciting yet.”
KKA is based at the Highpoint building in the centre of Liverpool’s commercial district.
