Architects team up under the HTC banner

Under the name of HTC Architects, the firm will operate from its newly refurbished city centre offices at York Place Studios in Leeds. Partners and staff now total 18.

In a statement, the firm said the new combined practice will now be equipped to take on larger and more complex projects and offer a wider range of services. “We are anticipating our combined project turnover will increase substantially over the next two years from £25m to £55m,” it said.

The two practices have worked together on a number of projects, sharing resources and facilities. Recently completed projects include a new swimming pool for Accrington Academy and a headquarters and production facility for KT Hydraulics in Elland, while work is under way on a headquarters office building for MDL Measurement Devices in York.

HTC Architects is also behind a £30m shopping centre development in Keighley, which includes an eight-screen cinema and is due to begin shortly. It is also involved in the development of a retail development at Monks Cross, York.

One of the principles, Peter Humphreys, said: “This is a joining of two successful practices which will bring a new, broader skill set and a more diverse expertise to the workforce and will also increase our client base. The merger will ensure continuity for clients and create a platform from which to move forward, looking ahead to future growth.”