Architecture firm secures trio of contract wins

An award-winning Newcastle-based architecture practice has announced three significant contract wins, building on its recent growth which has seen turnover double in the past year.

Gradon Architecture will deliver technical designs for a 100-bed student accommodation in Durham and a new visitor centre for Forestry England at Hamsterley Forest. It is also collaborating with Middlesbrough Council to create a masterplan for a mixed-use community and residential development.

The contract wins build on the company’s recent international success, including projects in Jordan and Turkmenistan, as well as its ongoing bids for work in Pakistan and Jamaica. Domestically, the firm is progressing industrial and social housing projects in Motherwell and London boroughs, respectively.

Graham McDarby, managing director of Gradon, who established the company 15 years ago with wife Donna, said: “We’re delighted to be working on this new raft of interesting projects. All of the schemes that we work on are unique and different; this is what makes our day jobs so interesting.

“Looking back, Donna and I started this business in a recession following the global financial crisis and since then we’ve negotiated numerous challenges, including Brexit, the Covid pandemic, a global energy crisis and geo-political volatility at home and abroad.

“Despite all of this, our fantastic team has shown resilience and agility and now we’re seeing activity ramp up significantly."

Following the appointment of technical director Graeme Kirkley, the practice continues to expand its portfolio, which spans student housing, commercial and master-planning projects.

Graham added: “Our aim is to grow from within and, with some key strategic hires, see our current crop of exciting young talent develop and take the business further forward.

“Going forward, we’re seeking to work on a diverse range of projects, including strategic master-planning, student accommodation and social housing schemes, as well as our overseas projects which should stand us in good stead.

“Geographically, we’ll continue to work throughout the UK and overseas – wherever our skills and experience is needed and wherever our inquisitive minds take us.”

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