December 2019

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Atelier MB is expanding into the care home sector for adults with physical and learning disabilities with a series of design projects in the Midlands and London.

We have been commissioned by Trusted Hands Care Group for schemes in Solihull and Stoke.

Trusted Hands is a fast-growing operator of specialist care homes for adults with learning disabilities in the West Midlands and Staffordshire. It has its offices in Wolverhampton.

Our team has designed schemes to convert a bungalow on Cobden Street, Stoke, into a care home for six residents and to expand the number of bedrooms at Kenwood Care Home in the city centre. 

Kenwood Care Home, which opened last year, currently has six bedrooms.

In addition, we have designed a scheme to convert a former bed and breakfast in Marston Green, Solihull, into a care home for six residents.

We have also drawn up plans for improvements and a new lift at Mereside Care Home in Olton, Solihull, which has 15 en-suite bedrooms.

Meanwhile, our practice has secured a project in the capital for care homes operator Magic Life, which caters for vulnerable adults with mental health issues, learning disabilities and autism.

The scheme involves the conversion and reconfiguration of two adjacent care homes for the elderly in Woodford Green into en-suite accommodation for 12 adults with special needs.

Andrew Burns, managing director of Atelier MB, said: “While we have in the past designed projects for a number of care homes for the elderly, we are excited to open up this new market for the practice. 

“We have to remember that these are people’s homes after all, and so we are using our extensive knowledge of refurbishment and domestic work to design schemes with optimum efficiency which provide a non-institutional, domestic feel and the maximum design creativity to breathe new life into the properties to the benefit of all residents and staff.”

Trusted Hands director Ben Zion Pereplotchik said: “We are pleased to be working with Atelier MB on our latest projects. 

“The team takes a thorough and efficient approach to ensure they understand our needs, and those of our service users, by designing properties which provide them with the maximum levels of care, comfort, security and support in friendly and homely surroundings.”

November 2019

Atelier MB has provided heritage advice on plans for a major £9m refurbishment of iconic entertainment venue Printworks Manchester.

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The plans mark the first major investment in the landmark leisure destination since it launched 20 years ago.The proposed works include enhancement of the external façade to complement the existing period architecture, as well as new digital signage and improved gateway entrances. There will also be an internal transformation, with new technology, lighting and interaction to cater for a growing round-the-clock customer base.

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The refurbishment is due to begin in spring 2020, and is being planned to ensure minimum disruption so that Printworks can remain open and trading throughout.

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Printworks, which was acquired by DTZ in 2017, attracted more than eight million visitors last year and has seen an influx of family and activity-led attractions, including Treetop Adventure Golf and Escape Reality.

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Atelier Heritage studied surrounding buildings, some of which are listed, as well as the Printworks itself, to advise on heritage aspects of the planned works to de-clutter and reinstate the façade.

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We also negotiated with Manchester city council and drafted proposals to improve vistas of Printworks from nearby landmarks Victoria Station, Exchange Square and Manchester Cathedral, and to upgrade two entrances to the complex.

Andrew Burns, managing director of Atelier MB, said: “We are delighted to have been asked to advise the design team on the façade works. 

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“Piecemeal development of this prominent building over the years has led to a gradual loss of the essence of the façade.

“Applying a heritage methodology, we helped to inform this sympathetic and robust refurbishment scheme with the aim of de-cluttering the façade while paying respect to surrounding listed buildings such as the Cathedral and the Corn Exchange and maintaining the character of this important landmark, which has become such a successful and popular leisure destination in the heart of Manchester.”

October 2019

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The Atelier MB-designed £1m refurbishment of a former cotton mill in Manchester has been completed, creating a total of 8,800 sq ft of modern office space.

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The ground floor of Chatham Mill, a grade II listed building constructed in 1820, was overhauled in two phases. 

WilsonCooke, a brand, digital and marketing agency, took 5,000 sq ft following the first phase last year.

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Now the second phase, which involved redesigning and repurposing two adjacent buildings that formed an extension to the original mill, has been completed, creating 3,800 sq ft of office space.

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One of the buildings was used as a warehouse and as a badminton court, and the floor markings have been retained along with original features of the mill.

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Atelier MB and our heritage consultancy arm Atelier Heritage undertook the entire project on behalf of property development and investment company Span Group.

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Our MD Andrew Burns, who worked with colleague Zlatina Spasova on the design, said: “The two buildings were in a poor state of repair before the latest stage of works commenced. 

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“The second phase was designed in line with the philosophy adopted for phase one, with minimal intervention and a commitment to expose original floors and services, including the remains of belt drive machinery in the ceiling of the badminton court.

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“The project was designed to enable the people now based there to truly appreciate this historic building in its raw form. 

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“It is now a modern, stimulating workspace which is full of character and an ideal base for exciting creative and digital businesses while still reflecting Manchester’s industrial past.”

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The letting agent is Edwards & Co. Short Construction was the main contractor and Marketaylor was the mechanical and electrical services consultant. 

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Chatham Mill is on Chester Street, near the University of Manchester and the city centre.

July 2019

We are delighted to announce plans to establish a presence in London in response to a growing workload in and around the capital.

Our purpose-built office in Wood Green, north London, is expected to be fully operational in 2020.

The firm currently has a number of London projects nearing completion and a string of others due to begin.

Those close to completion include the transformation of a grade II listed former solicitors’ office on Tottenham High Road into apartments alongside a new block of flats, and the construction of a fourth storey above The London Backpackers Hostel building in Hendon to form purpose-built flats for rental.

Atelier MB-designed schemes due to begin in the near future include: 

• The conversion of a former funeral parlour, also on Tottenham High Road, into three apartments and a ground-floor shop;

• The construction of four town houses at the Hornsey Lane Gardens development in Highgate;

• The refurbishment of a disused care home in Walthamstow into en suite accommodation for adults with learning difficulties for supported living provider Magic Life;

• The demolition of a former Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses site in Bishop’s Stortford, near Stansted Airport, and the construction of three houses.

Andrew Burns, managing director of Atelier MB, said: “Our workload in the London area is increasing, and we feel it is the right time to establish a base in the capital from which to manage live projects and further expand our operations.

“We have a strong track record of successfully delivering heritage refurbishments and new-build projects, and our clients in the London area like our forward-thinking approach. 

“They say we are more in tune and responsive to the needs of the market than other architects in the London area, so we see a real opportunity for expansion.

“Our new office will be in an ideal location, close to current projects and our immediate pipeline of schemes, and we are looking forward to taking our expertise from Manchester to the London market on a permanent basis.”

June 2019

The refurbishment of a listed eight-storey building in Manchester’s Northern Quarter has won a top award.

Designed by Atelier MB and SpaceInvader Design, the £8m scheme at 35 Dale Street was named best refurbishment/regeneration outside central London at the Office Agents Society Development Awards. 

It was shortlisted alongside projects in Birmingham, Woking and Hammersmith for the accolade. The awards ceremony, recognising excellence in office development and transactions across the UK, was held at the Tower of London.

Atelier MB designed the refurbishment for client Helical, which owns 35 Dale Street, a grade II listed building constructed in 1903 for the cotton trade.

The building was overhauled inside and out to create 54,000 sq ft of modern office space over six floors.

In their summary the judges said they were impressed by the utilisation of space throughout the building.

They added: “This cotton factory has been expertly transformed to provide a contemporary workplace whilst both retaining and highlighting the existing features.”

Andrew Burns, managing director of Atelier MB, said: “It was a delightful project to work on. The building has been transformed into fully-let office space of high quality which is full of character and respects its history.

“The design reveals the raw industrial beauty of the building for the first time in many years. 

“Extensive communication with the city council and conservation officer ensured a smooth delivery and an outcome that was welcomed by all stakeholders.

“We’re thrilled that the project has been recognised with this prestigious industry award.”

Savills was the project manager for the scheme and joint letting agent with Lambert Smith Hampton. ADT Workplace was the contractor, SpaceInvader Design the interior designer and Marketaylor the M&E consultant. The managing agent is Ashdown Phillips & Partners.

Last month, the 35 Dale Street project was highly commended at the British Council for Offices’ northern awards. The scheme was a finalist in the refurbished/recycled workplace category, which recognised buildings where significant works have been carried out to adapt them to modern use.

May 2019

It was great to see our name in lights at a regional awards ceremony – for the second week running.

Our design for a heritage refurbishment project at 35 Dale Street in Manchester was highly commended at the British Council for Offices’ northern awards.

The scheme was a finalist in the refurbished/recycled workplace category, which recognised buildings where significant works have been carried out to adapt them to modern use.

The awards ceremony took place at The Principal Manchester and was hosted by comedian and magician Mandy Muden.

This year’s awards received a record number of submissions so we were thrilled to be a finalist and to receive the commendation, even though we were pipped to the trophy.

Our success came a week after Manchester’s Sunlight House won the Commercial Refurbishment of the Year honour at Insider’s North West Property Awards. 

Atelier MB’s team designed the new look for the landmark city centre building, which has grade II listed status.

35 Dale Street was constructed in 1903 and is also a grade II listed building. 

Helical, which bought it in 2015, undertook a full refurbishment designed by Atelier MB. Savills was the project manager, ADT Workplace the contractor, Marketaylor the M&E consultant and SpaceInvader Design was the interior designer.

Andrew Burns, managing director of Atelier MB, said: “For the second week in a row, a heritage refurbishment project designed by our team has gained recognition at a regional awards ceremony, demonstrating the quality of our work as we continue to punch above our weight in the north west market and beyond.

“35 Dale Street was a delightful project to work on. The building was in need of a revamp and has been transformed into fully-let office space of high quality which is full of character and respects its history.”

May 2019

We’re beaming after our design for a heritage refurbishment scheme helped Manchester’s Sunlight House to scoop a regional accolade.

The project won the Commercial Refurbishment of the Year category at Insider’s North West Property Awards 2019.

Sunlight House was one of five projects shortlisted for the prize. The judges praised it as an ‘intelligent conversion’ with a classic and respectful new look and feel that’s uncompromising on quality.

The awards ceremony was held at Manchester Central and was compered by TV presenter Vernon Kay.

Our team designed the new look for Sunlight House, a grade II listed building in the city centre, following extensive research. Our deep insight meant we could design a project in a meaningful historic context for the iconic 1930s landmark, which was in need of a fresh look and facilities.

We designed a large new double-height entrance and reception area and renovations to the ground and upper floors.

Ardmac was the contractor, Savills the project manager and Space Invader the interior designer.

Atelier MB associate architect Heloise Wood said: “It’s been a pleasure and a privilege helping to restore this significant listed building which is so important to Manchester.”

Sunlight House is one of two projects in Manchester designed by Atelier MB to be nominated for awards this month. 

Next up is the British Council Offices’ northern region awards, where the transformation of 35 Dale Street is a finalist in the refurbished/recycled workplace category. 

The ceremony takes place at The Principal Manchester on Thursday, May 23, so fingers crossed!

May 2019

We are thrilled that heritage refurbishment projects designed by Atelier MB are in the running for two regional awards.

The revamp of grade II listed Sunlight House has been shortlisted for Insider’s North West Property Awards. The ceremony will be held at Manchester Central on Thursday, May 16, and Sunlight House is one of five finalists in the refurbishment project of the year category.

A week later, the British Council for Offices’ northern region awards ceremony will take place at The Principal Manchester and the transformation of 35 Dale Street is a finalist in the refurbished/recycled workplace category.

The category recognises buildings where significant works have been carried out to adapt them to modern office use.

Atelier MB managing director Andrew Burns said: “We are tremendously excited that these projects are finalists in two prestigious regional awards, reflecting our expertise in the inventive refurbishment and repurposing of existing buildings and important heritage assets.” 

Our extensive research gave us a deep insight into the history of Sunlight House, an iconic 1930s building in Manchester city centre. This enabled our team to design the works in a meaningful historic context.

There was a need to refresh the tired look and facilities to attract new tenants, and to ensure the building remained a viable commercial site.

The works involved designing a large new double-height entrance and reception area. The decorative, cast-iron façade was renovated and restoration work was carried out to the central stained glass dome and roof.

Upper floors were also renovated, with former cellular offices combined to create two large, bright and characterful suites with reinstated roof lights.

Savills was the project manager, Ardmac the contractor and Space Invader the interior designer.

35 Dale Street, which was built in 1903 as the head office and warehouse for expanding textile company Richard Howarth & Co, is a grade II listed building in the heart of the Northern Quarter which provides more than 50,000 sq ft of office space over six floors.

Helical, which bought the building in March 2015, undertook a full refurbishment designed by Atelier MB.

Savills was the project manager, ADT Workplace the contractor, Marketaylor the M&E consultant and Space Invader was the interior designer.

Our design involved a new, enlarged reception area, exposing and restoring original features of the building including wall tiling, brickwork, panelling and balustrades, creating new open plan offices along with a café, bar and gym.

Andrew said: “The building was previously tired and uninspiring, but careful planning and an impressive project team has delivered exceptional and characterful office space of high quality in stunning fashion, which also respects the historic fabric of 35 Dale Street and reveals its raw industrial beauty.”

The building was fully let before completion.

The category winner in the BCO regional awards will go forward to the national competition.

April 2019

Our chairman Ray Makin has been in the media spotlight over his suggestions for a rethink about the future of Notre-Dame following the recent devastating blaze.

Ray said that plans to reconstruct the landmark as it was should be ditched in favour of giving it a modern new look, or even by building a smaller church inside the ruins to create a new tourist attraction.

His thinking outside the box led him to be quoted in The Times (which counted him among Britain’s leading architects) and the Metro in the UK, and further afield his thoughts were picked up by publications in countries including France, the US, South Africa and Albania!

Reaction has also come from fellow professionals and experts via the letters page of The Times.

Ray, who also posted his thoughts on LinkedIn, said: “The French prime minister has promised to rebuild Notre-Dame, just as it was, super-fast.

“Now, I'm fond of this building, and we have friends who live nearby who are very sad, but I think there is a strong layer of optimism here and a great deal of speaking before thinking. 

“In my experience, the processes of loss-adjusters, health and safety, forensic analysis and trying to work out how to make the site clean and secure will absorb the first two years at least, then there will be the sourcing of the correct timbers, stone and other materials. 

“It’s time to look at other options and think differently.

“If people really need a cathedral this big, then serious consideration should be given to either restoring it with a glass roof which would flood the cathedral with natural light, or alternatively building a smaller church inside the ruins and turning the site into a tourist attraction with galleries and other features accessible to view close-up.

“Indeed it has become more of a tourist attraction than a place of worship – Notre-Dame isn’t owned by the church – and people are happy to visit the ruins of Stonehenge, Karnak, the Pyramids and so on.

“Why not accept that this is just another step in the history of Notre-Dame, that big cathedrals are rarely major places of worship any more, and make this a bold statement as to the true place of the building in the future of Paris.

“Let’s not spend all this time and money only to end up where we started.”

March 2019

The second phase of a £1m refurbishment designed by Atelier MB has begun at a former cotton mill in Manchester.

The scheme at Grade II listed Chatham Mill on Chester Street will create a further 3,800sq ft of modern office space on the ground floor.

Working on behalf of owner Span Group, Atelier MB also designed the first phase, covering 5,000 sq ft, which was completed in December. 

WilsonCooke, a brand, digital and marketing agency, took the space for its new studio, advised by Savills.

Andrew Burns, managing director of Atelier MB, said the second phase, involving the refurbishment of two adjacent buildings, would provide office accommodation for up to 40 people. 

The first phase involved stripping out partitions and paring back other later aspects of the building fabric to expose original cast-iron columns and beams and original finishes to the walls, timber floors and ceilings.

Other interior works included the installation of new heating, lighting, electricity, a shower room and toilets, and glazed partitions to form an attractive corridor leading to the new office space.

The loading bay was converted into a new, double-height entrance with disabled access. 

Andrew said: “The entire project is designed to enable the new occupiers to really appreciate the building in its raw form, drawing on the energy and aesthetics of the historic mill, with a new entrance that gives a great sense of arrival at stimulating workspaces which are full of character.

“The second phase is a similar undertaking to the first, involving the refurbishment of the two buildings to the same standard and retaining original features.

“Once finished, the new offices will appeal to up-and-coming businesses in Manchester’s burgeoning creative, digital and media sector seeking to establish a base in a superb location.”

The project is due to be completed later this year. The letting agent is Edwards & Co.

Chatham Mill, was built in 1820 and the ground floor was previously used as a warehouse by an importer of fancy goods. The building is near the city centre and the University of Manchester.

March 2019

A prominent north Manchester synagogue has unveiled a new look following a major refurbishment and extension designed by Atelier MB.

Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi of the UK and Commonwealth, officially rededicated the refurbished Stenecourt Synagogue or the Manchester Great New and Central Synagogue, based in Broughton Park in Salford at a special ceremony.

The scheme involved stripping out the synagogue’s interior and installing new pews, stained glass windows, Holy Ark, lighting, heating and ventilation, and creating a new entrance made of Jerusalem stone and a new small function hall. Some existing stained glass windows were relocated.

Managing director Andrew Burns led the project for Atelier MB, supported by main contractor MPS Construction, based in Stockport, and stained glass windows artist Chava Erlanger, of Manchester.

Stenecourt, or the Manchester Great and New Synagogue, is based in Broughton Park in the heart of a vibrant and growing Jewish community.

It was originally based in the historic Great Synagogue in Cheetham Hill and is one of the oldest serving congregations in Britain.

Andrew said: “The synagogue was last refurbished in the 1980s and had become dated, was uncomfortable and poorly ventilated. The lighting and acoustics were equally substandard and the space was uninspiring and unloved.

“The modernised synagogue is designed to be inspirational and reflective, contemporary in style and appealing to younger clientele. 

“The seating and pews are comfortable and resilient to wear and tear, there is a new, tall and slender Holy Ark, which forms a central feature, new glass balustrades, the lighting and acoustics have been upgraded and the old suspended ceiling has been removed to raise the height of the synagogue and expose the trussed structure.

“In addition, a bespoke, energy-efficient and sophisticated air conditioning and air handling system means the new spaces are heated, cooled and ventilated in accordance with modern requirements.

“There is a new hall and outdoor area for play and for events, and on a practical level all of the new areas are fully accessible to disabled men and women.

“With Manchester being home to one of the fastest-growing Jewish communities in Europe, Stenecourt has been redesigned to reflect its strong identity and relevance in the 21stcentury.”

Nigel Gilmore, former vice-president of Stenecourt, who led the development project for the synagogue, said: “Following internal consultation, themembers of Stenecourt Synagogue, which has been located at the Singleton Road site for over 65 years and is at the heart of the Broughton Park Jewish community, came to understand that the premises and main sanctuary of the campus were not fit for purpose for a similar period into the future. 

“Following a project undertaken, monies were realised from derelict land of little value owned by the synagogue, which gave both the necessary funds for the redevelopment and created a balance for the future needs of the membership.

“Stenecourt Synagogue now has a dynamic campus, which includes an additional new multi-functional room capable of seating 120 people for events, as well as a bright, modern, comfortable sanctuary fit for the religious needs of the community for many years to come.”

November 2018

A derelict historic building will be revitalised with a £700,000 investment to enable three brothers to grow their businesses under plans drawn up by architects Atelier MB and interior designers Sheila Bird Group.

The two-storey former assembly rooms on Lower Bridgeman Street, Bolton, has been empty for a year and has now been acquired by the Pope family.

Adam, Dominic and Nick Pope currently run their businesses from Bayley House in Bolton but need more space to meet their expansion goals.

They currently employ 25 staff across their companies – Get Claims Advice, Polar Energy and MacFarlaine and Brooks IFA – and are aiming to double the size of the combined workforce.

Plans have been submitted to Bolton Council for interior and exterior alterations and for listed building consent. 

The 10,000 sq ft, grade II listed building was constructed between 1845 and 1847 as a public baths and assembly rooms. The former baths is now a veterinary practice under separate ownership.

The assembly rooms were used for civic functions and parties until the 1980s, when they were converted into offices and many of the original features destroyed. The building is currently known as the Bolton Business Centre.

Manchester-based Atelier MB, which specialises in projects for historic buildings, has submitted refurbishment plans that include a new mezzanine floor and a small glazed rooftop extension.

Ray Makin, chairman of Atelier MB, said: “The former assembly rooms are in a state of disrepair, and we are delighted to be working with Sheila Bird Group to revive this landmark by creating high-quality contemporary office space in an area of the town centre which Bolton Council is seeking to redevelop.

“The shoddy, previous alterations will be removed and as much of the splendour of the space as possible will be exposed to reflect its historic importance and character in a dynamic business setting which will create much-needed job opportunities in the area.

“Listed buildings are best preserved by putting them to good use.”

The plans will go before councillors later this month. If approved, the scheme is scheduled for completion in mid-2019.

Atul Bansal and Chris Naughton, of Manchester-based Sheila Bird Group, are the interior designers and the project manager is Andrew Flanagan of CBRE.

Atul said: “This exciting scheme will bring out the striking qualities of the building while reflecting its heritage.

“Having been asked by the Pope family to help them with their new base, we have assembled a great team to deliver this project.”

Adam Pope said: “The growth of our businesses is restricted in Bayley House and we have bought the former assembly rooms which, once transformed, will provide the perfect base from which to pursue our expansion plans and create further employment.”

October 2018

Atelier MB chairman Ray Makin will this weekend be showcasing the firm’s expertise in undertaking projects that breathe new life or add value to listed buildings when he attends an exhibition in Edinburgh.

The inaugural Scottish Listed Property Show takes place on Saturday, October 27 at The Assembly Rooms on George Street.

It is being organised by the Listed Property Owners’ Club.

Scotland is home to 47,000 listed building owners and the show will bring together suppliers and experts under one roof.

Ray will be available at stand A16 during the show, which runs from 9am to 5pm.

Ray and the Atelier MB team have decades of combined experience in the field. Ray himself is a former chairman of the Manchester’s Conservation Areas and Historic Buildings Panel, an advisory body to Manchester City Council’s planning department.

Ray said: “We are extremely excited to be exhibiting at the Scottish Listed Property Show, which will bring together leading suppliers of products and services for listed buildings.

“Our team has an extensive track record of successfully completing architectural projects on listed buildings, with a particular focus on adding economic and cultural value to sites which will then be brought back into regular use.

“Scotland is home to a large number of listed buildings and we look forward to meeting new contacts at the show to discuss their requirements.”

For further information, contact Ray via ray@ateliermb.co.uk or visit www.ateliermb.co.uk.

September 2018

There were more ups than downs for Atelier MB architect Zlatina Spasova as she completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in just over 10 hours.

Zlatina beat her target of raising £1,000 for the LandAid charity and ended her trek with a flourish, running the last mile to the finishing line.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge involves reaching the summits of Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent and Whernside – a 24.5mile (40km) endurance test.

Zlatina took part with other members of Built Environment Networking, a group for people working in the property and construction sector.

She completed the challenge in 10hrs 5mins – clocking up nearly 58,000 steps – and raised £1,052.

The group as a whole raised just over £10,400 for LandAid, which helps to combat homelessness among young people.

Zlatina said: “It was literally an amazing day of ups and downs. I met some great people, and that helped a lot. 

“Despite the tiredness, pain and bad weather, the knowledge that I would be helping someone in need kept me going. 

“Hopefully the money we’ve collected will make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable young people.”

She added: “I’m extremely grateful to everyone who sponsored me and am happy that I took part in the event.

“I would urge everyone to go out of their comfort zone from time to time for the benefit of others.”

September 2018

Atelier MB architect Zlatina Spasova will undertake the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge later this month to raise money for the LandAid charity which helps to combat homelessness among young people.

Keen hiker Zlatina, 28, aims to raise at least £1,000 by climbing to the summits of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent in the Yorkshire Dales on Thursday, September 20.

The 24.5-mile trek is being organised by Built Environment Networking, a group for people working in the property and construction sector.

LandAid raises money from the property industry to support projects that provide safe, suitable and affordable accommodation for young people facing homelessness. 

Zlatina said: “I am keen to help homeless people and, by supporting LandAid, everyone who donates will make a real difference.

“Providing young people facing homelessness with accommodation means they have less to worry about and can concentrate on thinking about their futures.”

She added: “I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. 

“As well as raising money for an excellent and worthy cause, it will be a great opportunity to network and bond with fellow members of the group.”

You can support Zlatina by donating via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/zlatinaspasova

April 2018

Architects Atelier MB have now opened a new base in Herefordshire to work on a number of prestigious projects in the area.  This new base extends our coverage to cover Bristol and South Wales. Architect, Paul Lodge, formerly with Jamieson Associates, has undertaken various projects in the area, including projects such as Sophie House for Martha Trust, developments for Brockhampton Court and new headquarters for S&A Group UK Ltd.  Paul has been recruited to establish the presence of Antelier MB in Hereford as well as taking a role on projects elsewhere in the country.  This includes both new and heritage projects with the support of Atelier’s chairman, Ray Makin, who is an accredited conservation architect, and Heloise Wood, a conservation registrant.

Managing Director, Andrew Burns, said that this move was a logical step, as an increasing amount of Atelier’s work is in London and in the West Midlands. This gives a greater opportunity to provide the level of service expected from our many national and regional clients.

Paul will be based inHereford but hewill alsospend time in the Manchester office, working on the wide range of work our busy practice enjoys.  Ray or Andrewwill also be working in Hereford on a regular basis. For further information contact AndrewBurns on 0161 236 0051or via andy@ateliermb.co.uk

June 2017

Atelier Heritage consultant Laura Jessup has completed her Post Graduate Certificate in conservation from Henley Business School.

Laura has been studying since September to gain her qualification in Conservation of the Historic Environment. The course combines independent study with teaching from outstanding experts in conservation and includes units on heritage law and economics and the history of buildings.

The award will supplement Laura’s existing Masters qualification in History and Theory of Architecture and her BA Hons degree in History of Art and Design.

“This course has been a very intensive learning experience. I’m now keen to use my new specialised knowledge to help Atelier Heritage clients with their projects,” said Laura, who completed the course in May and looks forward to receiving her award formally later this year.

Atelier Heritage offers significance assessments, historic research, heritage statements and options appraisals for listed buildings and those in conservation areas. Recent projects include heritage advice at Boodles, King Street for Eva Jiricna Architects; heritage assessments and statements for Atelier MB’s refurbishment of the Grade II listed Dale House and Chatham Mill; and historic research for Manchester developers Capital and Centric.

May 2015

Atelier MB Urban Architects are pleased to announce the return of Heloise Wood to their team after a 1 2 month maternity break. Heloise has worked with Ray Makin and Andrew Burns for 1 0 years and in that time has developed her architectural skills especially from a Conservation and Contemporary Design lead angle.

In recognition of her valuable input she has now become an Associate Architect in the Practice, and will take on a greater role in management and client liaison roles. With Heloise back on board, the team and the company grows from strength to strength. 

January 2015

The Manchester-based urban architect has hired Laura Jessup as heritage consultant as part of the launch of a heritage division.

Jessup specialises in research, significance assessments and heritage statements for historic buildings.

She previously advised Atelier MB on a freelance basis, prior to which she worked as a project officer at Heritage Works Buildings Preservation Trust, and in the development team of Urban Splash.

Previous projects include options appraisal reports for Ancoats Dispensary and Winstanley Hall and several grant-funded research studies.

Atelier Heritage is advising Salford City Council on the grade 2-listed Collier Street Baths and is working on a number of research reports and heritage statements for schemes in Manchester and Liverpool.

Ray Makin, chairman of Atelier MB said: "We are excited to have Laura on the team and to be developing a new side of the business. We love to design new buildings, but with over half our workload on listed buildings or those in conservation areas, it makes sense for us to have a heritage specialist in-house. Atelier Heritage can now offer that service to other architects, planners and professionals when they need some expertise and advice for dealing with historic buildings."

Download Atelier Heritage Brochure..

June 2014

The screens are finally down, the debris is cleared away, the smell of fresh coffee fills the air and the new entrance to Churchgate & Lee House is open after a major refurbishment.

March 2014

Atelier MB are pleased to announce that they have been nominated for 2 separate awards for a Private House in Bolton. The converted, and extended, former Grade 2 listed farm- house has been nominated for both the RICS North West awards and the North West Construction awards.

December 2018

A listed Georgian property is being transformed into apartments alongside a new-build block of flats within viewing distance of the new Tottenham Hotspur FC stadium.

Atelier MB’s managing director Andrew Burns is the appointed architect for the project on Tottenham High Road and he is being supported by architectural technologist Keith Myhill.

Two apartments are being created in the grade II listed, three-storey Georgian building which was previously a solicitors’ office. In the grounds, a new block comprising eight flats is being built.

Tottenham High Road is the focus of a major regeneration initiative and the new stadium is about 500m from the site.

Paul Simon Homes, a north London property developer founded by Paul Tyne and Simon Oliver, is behind the apartments scheme, which is scheduled for completion during the first half of 2019.

Andrew reckons that, for now, the score line is Atelier MB 1 Tottenham Hotspur 0 – because the apartments look set to be completed before the stadium.

“You can see the stadium from the top floor of the three-storey building and we are keen to get our project finished before theirs. At the moment it looks a safe bet,” he said.

Andrew said that interesting and historical Georgian and Victorian features of the existing building would be retained. 

The new block will be sympathetic to its surroundings with a vernacular brick and stone façade in keeping with that on the street.

“This is an exciting project which combines our experience in the successful conversion of listed buildings with our knowledge of the new-build residential market,” said Andrew.

“It’s a really good blend of the old and the new, with a contemporary design that draws its inspiration from the existing property and the surrounding area.”