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Ryton-based Gradon Architecture becomes first British architect to launch in Mongolia

Ryton-based architecture firm Gradon Architecture has made history by becoming the first British practice to set up in Mongolia.

Gradon has opened a new design studio in the country’s capital Ulan Bator, taking on three new Mongolian staff as part of the expansion.

The move is the first overseas office for the fast-growing practice, which has increased its international business from zero to 25 per cent of the company’s total turnover in the last two years.

The new venture will be managed by Tanja Smith, who was recently promoted to the role of Technical Director, and has since relocated to the country to oversee the firm’s expansion.

Ms Smith said: “We’re delighted that Gradon has become the first UK architect practice to open for business in Mongolia. This exciting new venture will make us a unique and experienced multi-cultural design team with the ability to share ideas between the UK and Mongolia.

“In many ways the country is as modern as the UK with an enthusiasm for forward thinking and a desire for change. However, as one of the coldest and most polluted places to live on earth, Mongolia and especially its capital Ulan Bator, continues to face significant environmental challenges.

“By being here and bringing UK standards of best practice to the country we hope we can inspire further environmental awareness across the country.”

Gradon first visited Mongolia in January 2011 and since then, with support from the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and the British Embassy in Mongolia, has completed a number of design projects in Mongolia from its North East base, NE40 studios in Ryton, including proposals for a number of energy-efficient homes and commercial projects in Ulan Bator.

The new studio in Ulan Bator was formally opened by the British Ambassador to Mongolia, Chris Stuart, who worked with Gradon to help establish the business in the country.

Ambassador Stuart said: “The arrival of Gradon Architecture is a defining moment in bringing to Mongolia some of the best that the UK has to offer in the world of architecture.

“I am delighted that Gradon as a young, dynamic and innovative award-winning practice is the first British architectural studio to establish a presence here.

“The Embassy team has been privileged to work with Graham and his team and will take great pleasure in seeing the studio go from strength to strength in this growing market.”

Graham McDarby, Design Director at Gradon Architecture, said: “Many people ask us ‘Why Mongolia?’ In short, we want to help. There is a desperate need for environmentally friendly architecture out here and sustainability is at the heart of what we strive to achieve as a practice.

“Designing modern, sustainable homes for the future can truly improve the lives of people in Mongolia. If our proposals can deliver a project that future developments can draw from, we believe thousands of families will benefit from improved living standards.

“Our expansion into Mongolia will also serve to strengthen our business in the UK, adding extra experience, strength and depth to our team. What’s more, the opportunity to share cultural influences and our implementation of BIM (Building Information Modelling) means what we learn in Mongolia can also be used to shape and inform our work in the UK.”

Gradon’s sustainable designs, which exceed British Building Regulation standards, could potentially form a blueprint for the regeneration of the city’s ‘Ger districts’, where thousands of families live in tents without access to electricity or running water.

As well as growing overseas, Gradon has recruited two new staff in the UK, taking its total number to 17. Liam Nelis joins the team from RPP Architects to work on a mixed use commercial, retail and residential project in Derry, Northern Ireland. Meanwhile Scott Savin, an experienced architect who joins from PJC Architects, will be strengthening the Residential sector and Urban Design team.

Registered with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Gradon Architecture delivers high quality architectural design across a range of different sectors. These include commercial, residential, retail, leisure, health, education, private housing, master-planning, interior design and conservation.

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