Member Article

North East practice recruits architectural technology specialist

A North East architecture practice with a global reach is investing in new, innovative ways of working with the recruitment of a specialist in the latest building design technology.

Craig Dickinson, 28, from Newcastle, who has ten years of architectural experience under his belt, is the latest recruit to join Gateshead-based Gradon Architecture’s fast growing team.

Craig, who studied at Northumbria University, joins the team as an Architectural Technologist specialising in BIM, a technology that is increasingly vital for the construction industry.

BIM, or Building Information Modelling, enhances the ways in which the construction industry can collaborate, keeping costs down and making it easier for multiple partners to share information on any one project. This ensures accuracy and consistency is maintained throughout the project and helps to improve quality standards across the board.

Craig, who has worked on a number of high profile projects throughout his career, said: “BIM is transforming the way in which the wider construction industry collaborates and there is increasing demand for architect practices to offer the service. I’ve worked with the technology for around seven years, since it first emerged in architecture, and it’s great to now be able to bring my specialism to Gradon Architecture.

“For me, the enjoyment of architecture comes from seeing a satisfied client with a new building that fully meets their needs. As a growing medium sized and ambitious practice, Gradon offers the opportunity to be involved in a project from start to finish and see projects through from inception through design to end product – it’s a really rewarding prospect.”

Based at NE40 Studios in Ryton, Gradon Architecture has a track record for nurturing local architectural talent while at the same time expanding to offer a global service. Over the last year, the practice has created tailor-made apprenticeships for local students and welcomed graduates from both Newcastle and Northumbria Universities to the team.

Graham McDarby, Design Director, Gradon Architecture, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Craig to our team. His talent, experience and specialist BIM knowledge is sure to prove invaluable to the business going forward and he has already made his mark on a number of projects.

“Craig joins the team at a time when we’re making great strides both at home and overseas. BIM is the future of design technology and having Craig on board will help us to continue to deliver the highest quality standards for all of our clients.”

Gradon Architecture’s investment in local recruits follows the opening of a studio in Mongolia in January, followed by another in Derry, Northern Ireland, in June. Staff from across the three locations work together, operating around the clock as one, global team.

The team is currently working on a variety of exciting projects across the North of England and overseas, including the Percy Hedley Foundation’s new residential campus for disabled children in Killingworth, a £4million affordable housing project at Newcastle Great Park, and a multi-million dollar retail and residential development in Ulan Bator, Mongolia’s capital.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gradon Architecture .