_space grow with new recruits

Architectural design and technology business _space group has strengthened its team with the arrival of five new recruits to its Newcastle-headquartered offices.

David Wise has joined the _space architecture arm of the business as a senior architect while Andrew Smart has been appointed as content curator for _space’s building information modelling (BIM) content host, bimstore.co.uk.

David, who qualified as an architect almost five years ago, has specialised in social housing, older persons’ housing and supported housing for a number of regional providers. He said: “It has been a busy and enjoyable first couple of months. Since joining, I have been acting as lead architect for the delivery of one of the first in the programme of North Tyneside Quality Homes for Older People developments.

“The opportunity to join the team at _space and to be involved in the delivery of a large number of local older persons’ housing schemes was an exciting prospect. I was particularly impressed with the innovative group structure which has positioned the company at the forefront of the construction industry, with a national reputation in BIM development and implementation.”

Edinburgh Napier Timber Engineering graduate Andrew makes 3D Revit models of manufacturers’ products to be downloaded for free from the bimstore website in his new role.

Andrew said: “I liaise with the marketing and technical staff at each manufacturer that we create content for so that the 3D model meets their expectations, and contains all the correct and relevant information.”

Three recent graduates have also been appointed by _space group after completing a free 12-week intensive BIM course launched by purpose-built training suite CAMPUS – a first of its kind partnership between _space group’s BIM.Technologies and Northern Construction Training.

21-year-old Sophie McLean and 22-year-old Hollie Welch have both taken up Part One architectural assistant roles and 20-year-old Jason Nattrass has taken up a technician role, all within _space architecture.

Sophie said: “My experience at CAMPUS gave me an invaluable insight into working in practice so I feel I’ve been able to fit into the _space team easily. I believe participating in the course was a great way to bridge the gap between university and the professional industry. I have really enjoyed my first few weeks and am looking forward to what the rest of the year brings.”

_space group chief executive Rob Charlton concluded: “Each of the recent appointments has already made a big impression in their individual areas and we’re now poised for a successful 2014 with a team brimming with a range of talent.

“David and Andrew bring with them a wealth of experience which will contribute significantly to the business as it moves forward. The CAMPUS recruits are incredibly enthusiastic and also technically-skilled, and I’m extremely pleased we were able to offer positions to not just one, but three of them.”