ARCHITECTS ROCKET WITH NEW JOB

(left to right) Space Group associate director Nigel Pilkington with new architects Liam Croft, Lee Cocksedge and Neil Bulmer.

YORKSHIRE architectural practice Space Group has added to its expanding team with the appointment of three new architects that collectively bring more than 40 years’ expertise to the firm.

The national company, which launched its Leeds base in July 2007, has swelled staff numbers to 18 by taking on three more talented architects as it continues to grow its reputation for delivering high-end sustainable building design and communities.

Space Group’s new appointments are architectural technologist Lee Cocksedge, senior architect Neil Bulmer and graduate architect Liam Croft.

Mr Cocksedge, 33, from Saltaire Village, near Shipley in West Yorkshire, brings with him 12 years’ experience in the architecture and construction industry.

He joins Space Group from a Skipton-based contractor, and has previously worked on a broad spectrum of projects including the development of several Sainsbury’s stores throughout the UK.

His new role will see him at the heart of a range of building designs including Selby Community project – a mixed office and hospital development. He will be responsible for producing the construction technological information, including the details of the design specification and is set to use the new innovative architecture design technology Revit, which brings designs to life in 3D.

Mr Cocksedge said: “I am really enjoying my new job and working on such a broad variety of projects. I was instantly attracted to the company’s visionary approach of creating inspiring space for work, play, heath, education and retail buildings. It is great to start a new role and be part of a fresh and dynamic team of like-minded professionals.”

Mr Croft, 22, from Great Ouseburn in York has recently graduated from Liverpool University were he gained a 2:1 in architecture. He has joined Space Group as a part 1 graduate architect where he will assist with the developments of the Leeds Teaching Hospital project. He said: “When I graduated I knew I wanted to work for a creative practice that could offer me a range of projects to get my teeth into. I was first attracted to Space’s highly regarded reputation in education design and build and I hope to work more on the educational projects in the future.”

Mr Bulmer, from Baildon, West Yorkshire, is the most recent senior appointment and joins as a senior architect, bringing with him over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry.

Mr Bulmer has previously worked across the county on the conversion of listed buildings into new workplace and office developments, including the nationally renowned Dean Clough building in Halifax, which is a celebrated model of regeneration.

He will now lead the Selby Community Project - a joint development between Yorkshire PCT and Selby District Council, which will see a new cottage hospital with adjoining civic centre offices.

Associate director Nigel Pilkington said: “We have recruited three new Space people to help us with a recent increase in demand. It’s positive to see that despite the downturn we are still growing and taking on more work, which reinforces our geographic expansion plans in the North West, the Scottish borders and further afield.

“The breadth of our new team’s individual skills and collective experience across a range of sectors fits perfectly with our own business values and I am delighted to welcome everyone on board.”