New architecture studio formed as practices join forces
Corstorphine + Wright Architects has announced its merger with Leeds-based Architecture 519 to form a major new studio located in the heart of the city.
The merger will see the creation of a 35-strong architecture studio in Leeds with a portfolio of projects delivered both regionally and nationally. The studio will be led by directors Nick Baker and Andy Brown, formerly of Architecture 519, and current Corstorphine + Wright Leeds director, Paul Thrussell.
Established by Nick Baker and Andy Brown in 2009, Architecture 519 works on projects throughout the UK and is particularly known within the security, defence and nuclear sectors.
The team is currently involved in the redevelopment of the former Royal Arsenal Carriage Factory in Woolwich, south-east London and has recently received planning consent for the development of a new housing scheme in Wood Green.
Closer to home, the studio is responsible for the design and technical delivery of the first large motorway service area in Leeds for client Extra MSA Group, which is nearing completion.
Corstorphine + Wright is a chartered architectural practice with 10 regional studios throughout the UK. With the addition of the A519 business it will employ more than 190 people nationwide, operating across a wide range of sectors including residential, industrial, bluelight, offices, education, retail and leisure.
Baker said: “Having celebrated ten successful years in business with Architecture 519 in 2019, the next stage in our journey is to start a new decade with a larger and stronger team, enabling us to provide an enhanced service to our clients.
“The enlarged Leeds team now includes specialist expertise in the healthcare, education and industrial sectors along with Interior Design support.
“Corstorphine + Wright is ranked in the AJ100 top 50 UK Architecture Practices and shares many of the core values promoted by Architecture 519, making the merger a perfect fit for both businesses.”
Thrussell said: “The joining of Corstorphine + Wright with Architecture 519 will create a significant new architectural presence for the Leeds City Region.
“The Corstorphine + Wright Leeds team has recently secured high-profile projects within the region and we are thrilled to be further growing our presence in the city with the enlarged team.
“The studio in Leeds now features an impressive mix of architects and technologists ensuring we deliver with equal expertise on both the conceptual stages through to the technical design construction of each project.”
This news is the latest in a series of major developments for Corstorphine + Wright, which has seen impressive growth over the last few years.
In September 2019 the practice announced a funding injection from specialist investors, Beechbrook Capital, closing a stand-out year for the studio with the appointments of finance director Ben Round, design director Matt Brook and a merger with Darlington-based studio Niven, delivering greater presence in the North East.
