Member Article

‘Outstanding’ architect joins JDP’s expansion drive

A leading Bridgnorth-based architect has secured a notable recruitment coup after appointing one of the sector’s brightest young talents.

Johnson Design, which is currently working on £1.8m of live contracts, has beaten off competition from larger rival practices to secure the services of Munir Shaikh.

The former University of Wolverhampton student joins the firm as Architectural Technician and will be responsible for detailed drawings and supporting other members of the JDP team on community, education and healthcare projects.

The appointment comes just a few weeks after Munir graduated with first class honours and the ‘Outstanding Student’ award from the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

Matt Spinks, Director at Johnson Design, explained: “We have enjoyed a fantastic eighteen months and our pipeline of work is growing by the day…we needed some new blood and wanted to recruit someone with fresh ideas and a passion to learn.

“Munir fits this bill perfectly. He impressed us during the interview with his knowledge and desire to work on a varied client base that would throw up different challenges.”

He continued: “To get a 1st in his Degree is no small feat and the fact he has been recognised by a major industrial body is great to have on his CV. He also combined study with working for a local architect practice in Wolverhampton…applying his learning on live projects.”

Founded in 2003, Johnson Design has grown into one of the West Midlands most innovative architects, boasting involvement in a number of Grand Design projects, major healthcare contracts and, increasingly, helping to create new facilities for community groups across Shropshire.

The practice’s ability to combine stunning designs with the latest environmental best practice has led to a number of new ‘wins’ that will see the business smash £400,000 turnover for the first time.

“I’m really excited to be joining such a vibrant firm that believes in freedom of ideas and doing things differently,” added Munir, who moved to the UK in 2009.

“JDP is a lot smaller than most of its rivals, but this means I will be able to get involved in pretty much every aspect of the business. I’ll also be able to learn directly from the Directors, who have a wealth of experience and knowledge.”

He concluded: “There’s a number of new projects just about to start and I’m going to be heavily involved in making sure they are on time, on budget and ‘wow’ the client in terms of design and functionality.”

Johnson Design Partnership, which is ISO9000:2000 and ISO14001 accredited, offers a complete project management service from feasibility work and planning to detail design, monitoring and contract administration.

As part of its expansion, JDP has invested significantly into the development of its new website (www.johnsonltd.co.uk) to incorporate an interactive gallery and full usability on most smart phones and tablet devices.

It has also appointed Kim Chesters as the new Practice Manager, responsible for the smooth day-to-day operation of the business and its enhanced profile on social media.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Russ Cockburn .