Optimistic outlook for growing architectural firm
Architectural practice, The Harris Partnership, is marking 40 years in business with nationally significant projects and further plans for growth.
The business, which is headquartered in Wakefield and has offices in Knaresborough, Manchester, central London, Milton Keynes and Reading, has confirmed plans for a new office in Scotland as it looks to capitalise on client wins north of the border.
Employing over 170 people and with annual turnover of over £12m, the company has grown significantly since its establishment in 1984 as Wakefield-based architectural practice John M Harris Design Partnership.
It has evolved into a multi-disciplinary practice including master planning, interior design, 3D visualisation, graphic design, drone photography, project management, landscape architecture, ecology and arboriculture services led by a team of experts across a network of offices.
The business now manages the largest portfolio of Aldi projects in the North and South East of England and also works with major clients including British Land, Harworth Group, Associated British Ports, Scarborough Group, Land Securities, Premcor Estates and Patrizia Real Estate Development.
Recent projects delivered by include Stockport Interchange, A new Premier Inn on Layerthorpe Road in York and The Treadmills in Northallerton, North Yorkshire.
James Richmond, joint managing group director, said: “From our very beginnings, The Harris Partnership has made a positive contribution to the built environment through innovative design solutions that meet the needs of clients, delivering impactful regeneration projects that have wide ranging economic, employment and environmental benefits.
“Our people are our DNA, with a fifth of our current employees having been with the business for more than 20 years. This long service is a testament to the positive culture we have built and the focus we put on supporting learning and development and career progression.”
Chairman Paul Mitchell, who joined the business in 1992, said: “We are proud of our track record of demonstrating fresh approaches to design challenges, from regenerating heritage assets to increasing biodiversity within town centres.
“Like most long-established businesses, we have overcome challenges which in recent years have included the financial crash and Covid-19 pandemic.
“Throughout these, we have remained steadfast in our approach to delivering quality projects, developing long-term and close working relationships with client partners, and supporting our people.”
Richmond added: “Looking to the future and following continued success, we are planning for further growth including an office in Scotland and additional recruitment to our talented teams across our office network.
“We are involved in many exciting projects, including the transformation of the former Gascoigne Wood colliery, an extension of Haribo’s main production facility in Castleford and a new 49,000 sq ft film studio in Berkshire.”
