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North East architecture firm expands to Northern Ireland

Gradon Architecture has ventured into Northern Ireland, a move which is the second overseas opening of for the company this year.

The Ryton-based firm has launched a new design studio in Derry, taking on two new staff to head up Northern Ireland operations as part of the expansion.

The expansion into Derry follows on from the firm opening a studio in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, earlier in the year, becoming the first British architect to set up a base in the country.

Architect Sean Furey, 47, and architectural technician Liam Nelis, 35, both Derry locals, will be working with Gradon Architecture founder, Graham McDarby, to make the move into Northern Ireland.

Sean and Liam, who have a total of 35 years’ experience in the trade between them, will front the business in Derrry, backed by the wider team in the UK and Mongolia.

Graham McDarby, Design Director, Gradon Architecture, said: “It is fantastic to be in the position to expand Gradon Architecture into Northern Ireland. I’ve been a regular visitor to Derry since studying with Sean at university; it is a wonderful city, with many similarities to the North East of England. With Liam and Sean at the helm, I’m confident our new venture will be a huge success.

“This exciting expansion adds another layer to Gradon’s unique positioning and experienced multi-cultural design team, bringing us the ability to share ideas and work collaboratively between the UK, Mongolia and Northern Ireland.

“In Northern Ireland we’ll be working with private and public sector clients on a range of industrial and commercial projects as well as social housing. We also take on bespoke private residential projects. Our aim is to see Gradon deliver excellent architecture both in Derry and across Ireland.”

The Northern Ireland venture is already off to a flying start, with Gradon Architecture designing the RoCo hair and beauty salon on the prominent Derry waterfront after fire destroyed the salon’s original premises and the business was forced to relocate. With the salon owners passionate about upcycling, Liam and Sean worked to create a unique, eye-catching environment using predominantly recycled and sustainable materials.

Liam said: “Sean and I have long dreamed of opening a practice in Derry. It’s a city on the up and we’re really excited to have the opportunity to be part of the Gradon Architecture team and to head up the expansion into Northern Ireland. What’s even better is that we have been able to hit the ground running.

“Gradon is committed to developing sustainable architecture, so the RoCo salon was a fantastic project to start off with. We have created a unique environment using upcycled and sustainable materials that is not only great to look at but also tailored to the needs of the business, its staff and customers.”

Gradon is currently working on a variety of projects across the North of England and overseas, including the Percy Hedley Foundation’s new residential campus for disabled children in Killingworth as well as Gateshead Council’s £8m, low carbon energy centre.

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