Architectural group has designs on a wider client base

AN architecture practice has been founded in Harrogate to serve commercial and residential clients.

The Box Group will include Work Architects and a new residential practice, Box Haus.

As part of the launch, Work Architects will be renamed Box Architect from today.

The firm, which has six staff, will be headed by former Work Architects’ managing director Graham Place, who has been in the industry for 20 years.

Box Haus has been established to provide design services for residential clients who are looking to improve their homes instead of selling them in a slower property market.

Box Architects will continue to serve the needs of retail, hotel and property management clients that include Sainsbury, Asda, the Co-operative Group, the University of Leeds, VALAD and property agents King Sturge.

Mr Place said: “Like many firms of architects we have seen a rapid change in the market, both in the type of work and in the volume of projects since 2007.

“We have continued to impress clients as Work Architects but we were known for purely commercial client projects, and we need to show we have invested in the skills and talent to service more sectors.

“Box Group is a new brand that gives us a platform for the launch of the residential division and further planned expansion.”

Mr Place added: “We have managed to get through the worst economy for the property sector in living memory, and we have come through it leaner, fitter and better equipped to service a broader client base.”