Wayfinding firm charts new course

A Manchester-based design consultancy is set to enter a new era.

Placemarque, a multi-award-winning wayfinding and graphic design specialist, has undergone a management buyout, with managing director Sophie Campbell and project director Tom Brookson taking the helm. 

Founding director Sue Manley and long-standing director Guy Warren will remain involved as consultants, offering guidance and expertise to the new leadership team.

Established in 2000, Placemarque has built a strong reputation for creating strategies that guide people through both outdoor and indoor spaces. 

Sophie, who joined the company in 2014 and became creative director in 2018, has been shaping the firm’s creative direction alongside Tom since 2017.

She said: “We’re excited about the next stage of Placemarque’s journey and are proud to have been part of its recent history, with 19 years’ collective service under our belts.

“As we begin the next chapter of the company’s story, we’re confident in the capabilities of our brilliant, and growing, team and are pleased to have the skills and knowledge of the founders still on tap.

“Whilst it’s business as usual, we’re looking forward to seeking and seizing forthcoming opportunities that will meet the ever-evolving needs of our clients and their customers, whether that be students, employees or the general public.

“One thing we’re really keen to hone in on is embedding wayfinding earlier on in the placemaking process to better help current and future generations get to where they need to be.”

Operating across the UK and internationally, Placemarque has advised on projects including Factory International, Piccadilly East, Leeds City Centre, University College London and Cambridge City Centre. 

Recent commissions include Central Dock at Liverpool Waters and Sister, Manchester’s new innovation district, reflecting the consultancy’s ongoing influence in shaping urban spaces.

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