Member Article

North East Architect Celebrates 45 Years in Practice

A North East Chartered Architect is celebrating 45 years in the profession, and with no plans for retirement, has just joined a new practice.

Malcolm Cundick, 71, qualified as an Architect in 1970, and has joined Darlington-based ADG Architects as an Associate, having closed his practice Alpha Plus : Architects.

As Inspecting Architect for many churches in the Durham and York Diocese and the Darlington Methodist District, Mr Cundick now specialises in ecclesiastical buildings, and has undertaken numerous Church and associated community facility projects.

He is the last practising former Partner of Hugh Wilson and Lewis Womersley Chartered Architects, a national practice, which was responsible for designing a number of UK new towns, including, Skelmersdale and Cumbernauld, as well as landmark buildings in Manchester, such as city’s Arndale Shopping Centre and new campus for the University of Manchester.

After studying for a Diploma in Architecture at Oxford School of Architecture, and starting work at the Skelmersdale Development Corporation, Mr Cundick worked for Hugh Wilson and Lewis Womersley Chartered Architects in their Manchester and Middlesbrough offices for 23 years, becoming a partner in 1986.

Since 1995, in his own practice, Mr Cundick has focused on ecclesiastical buildings, undertaking numerous Church and associated community facility projects, including new build, Listed Buildings and others in Conservation areas, extensions to existing premises, remodelling and refurbishments with the creation of new facilities, and changes of use. He has also worked extensively on unique special care and nursing home premises and housing association developments.

Mr Cundick’s move to ADG Architects was prompted by a desire to continuing working in an office with fellow professionals. He says: “I have known ADG Architects Partners John Bell and Paul Kelly for a number of years and worked collaboratively them since 2011, so it was an easy step to join their firm.

“Fortunately I have enjoyed a strong professional reputation and never had to chase work. I enjoy what I do and after 45 years’ practice and seven years’ training to achieve Chartered Architect status, I do not want to give up yet, and have no plans to retire.”

In his time in as an Architect the main changes Mr Cundick has noticed are the increasing use of technology and the impact of regulation. He says: “Technology has really improved the working life of the Architect. Drawings can be completed, amended and shared much more quickly, and presentations are much easier to put together and communicate. However, regulations and legislation around construction and health and safety have become much more demanding, taking up much more time.”

Mr Cundick is now based at ADG Architects’ Darlington office and can be contacted on tel. 01325 464 111 or email Malcolm.Cundick@adgarchitects.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jonathan Reay .