Austin-Smith:Lord to redevelop former British Home Stores in Swansea
The former British Home Stores building on Swansea’s Oxford St has been a key part of Swansea city centre for the last 60 years.
Austin-Smith:Lord, working with Coreus, Jubb, and SDS, are delighted to be part of the ambitious and forward-looking plans to redevelop the building into a community hub for Swansea Council, offering a new vision of how council services can be provided in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
The project seeks to be an exemplar of sustainable, high street regeneration, increasing footfall and activity, whilst creatively re-using the existing fabric, that could be replicated in other city centres across the country.
Peter John Lord, AA Dipl (Hons), RIBA, PPSIAD, FBIM was only 17 when he won a Leverhulme Scholarship to study at the AA, the youngest ever recipient of the award. PJL as he was known in his beloved architectural practice graduated to join Mike and Inette Austin-Smith at JM Austin-Smith and Partner. In 1963 Geoffrey Salmon and Peter became partners and the practice was renamed Austin-Smith/Salmon/Lord; then Austin-Smith:Lord, when in 1969 Geoffrey formed his own practice. Peter became Senior Partner in 1981 when Mike and Inette retired. He stepped down on his own retirement in 1995.
Peter and the Austin-Smiths were intuitively aware of the importance of branding in marketing the business and so the punctuation marks, the hyphen and colon became fundamental to the corporate identity of the firm. They were omitted from correspondence on fear of death; and “Austin effing Smith Lord” became a derogatory hook for envious competitors!
In line with the early holistic approach of the partners, the environment was all important in the setting of architecture, and design of the interior and fittings was key to its success. So the firm adopted the strap line “planners architects designers”. Peter took on the mantle of design lead, becoming president of SIAD (the Society of Industrial Artists and Designers, now CSD the Chartered Society of Designers) and General Secretary of ICSID (International Council of the Societies of Industrial Design, now known as WDO, the World Design Organisation); whilst Mike Austin-Smith, was RIBA Life Vice President for International Affairs.
Peter Lord
He was a restless creative, a polymath designer to whom graphics, interiors and product design all contributed to the integrity of architecture. His approach was robust, pragmatic and intelligent; the most effective solution of the client’s need was crucial in the creative process. He would direct his juniors to focus expenditure on the parts people touched. One could omit the plaster, but the switches and door furniture should be of the highest quality; an approach which has become ingrained in the DNA of the Practice. This generated an architecture of integrity, clarity and sustainability and in the early days endeared the firm to clients such as IBM, Thomson Mclintock (now KPMG) and Heffers Bookshops amongst others.
His approach to design was innovative in delivery, informed by the clients’ business needs. In the early years he was responsible for some of the first supermarkets, GEM Stores and a brutalist complex of apartments in Camden for Abbey Road Co-op. For Heffers bookshop in Cambridge, he opened up the sales floors into a basement area, vastly extending the prime retail space in a rich mix of in-situ concrete and hardwood. Such was the strength of the Practice’s connection with clients that Peter also got to build a family home for the Heffers.
PJL was a big man with a reputation as a demanding leader, who could ‘throw the toys around’ if things weren’t going well, but he was also a very proper gentleman, and totally supportive of his partners, regardless of their opinions of him.
To Peter, the firm was all-important, its output the result of collective talent and endeavour, so it is difficult to single out later projects for which he might claim credit, yet his influence was all pervasive. He was the owner and proudest promoter of the firm’s collective achievements in town planning and highway design, as well as the wide range of architectural, landscape and interior design commissions; a truly multi disciplinary design practice.
His eye for photography was equally keen, creating images to a professional standard, whilst his love of drawing and graphics even resulted in quirky hand-crafted Christmas cards, invariably the first to arrive, marking the start of the season.
He had a love for hockey, a game he played until work became all consuming. He later found time for fly fishing, bird watching, driving fast cars and collecting modern art, clocks and barometers, and all sorts of found objects.
Peter married Shirley in 1956 and devoted his life to her and to their daughter Kathryn, who both succeed him. The funeral was at Cromer Crematorium, near his ultimate home in Cley next the Sea, from which he was able to immaculately assemble his personal archive and to wonder at the wetland birds on the Norfolk marshes.
Peter John Lord, Born 1 September 1929; died at home, Cley next the Sea, 6 May 2021.
Obituary written by Alistair Sunderland, former Partner at Austin-Smith:Lord
Austin-Smith:Lord To Transform Grade II Listed Convent Into 5* Hotel
Austin-Smith:Lord are delighted to announce our appointment to provide architecture, conservation, landscape and interior design services on the Grade II listed Woodchester Convent in Gloucestershire.
The historic Cotswold stone convent was founded in 1860 when a group of 16 nuns settled in an old farmhouse on the Woodchester Estate of William Leigh. The nuns were attracted by the Catholic community that Leigh aimed to create and followed the construction of a Dominican priory nearby. Between 1861 and 1869 architect Charles Hansom, who had already drawn up plans for the Priory and Mansion with Benjamin Bucknall, constructed the convent building, with a chapel, and an orphanage, retaining the original house at its core.
At its peak, the convent housed 30 nuns and provided a work-room and equipment for women of the neighbour to undertake contract work for a local clothing factory. By the time of its 150th anniversary in 2011, the convent was occupied by only five remaining sisters who struggled to maintain the extensive site. Since then, the future of the aging buildings has been uncertain, with water ingress, dry rot and structural failure setting in.
Austin-Smith:Lord’s multi-disciplinary design will transform the stunning complex into a unique 5* star hotel with bedrooms, bar, lounge and library, while the chapel will be conserved to create a beautiful events venue.
On the site of the orphanage, which was demolished in 1970, a contemporary new wellness centre will provide a restorative haven drawing inspiration from the shapes, forms and materials palette of the heritage buildings.
The 25 acres of grounds, set within the beautiful Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, will host small guest cottages influenced by the local vernacular, and an elegant new orangery function room enjoying unrivalled views across the Nailsworth Valley.
Design work is underway on this exciting commission. Each of our in-house disciplines will bring their expertise to the project, drawing on our experience of conceiving innovative adaptive re-use of historic buildings in historic landscapes. The hotel design will conserve and celebrate the historic fabric and the patina that has accumulated over the convent’s life. The new buildings will apply the highest quality contemporary design to the historic and natural setting. Once completed it will be one of most iconic and unique resorts in the Cotswolds.
Planning Permission Granted for Adamsdown Supported Living
Planning permission has been granted for a new Supported Living Centre in Adamsdown, Cardiff. The new building, named Pearl House, will be located on the former Citadel site and a smaller structure comprising two self-contained step-up flats has been proposed on Pearl Place as part of the scheme.
The project, designed by Austin-Smith:Lord for Cardiff Council Housing Development, will provide new homes for young people between the ages of 16 and 21. The key objective is that through a combination of high quality housing, and dedicated round the clock support, residents will progress to live independent lives in permanent accommodation.
The design of the scheme adopted from the outset a very simple palette that convey a sense of familiarity and home comfort; traditional materials such as brick on the exterior, timber and warm colour interior finishes.
A double height communal lounge, in the main building, will open directly into a shared garden with southern aspect. Together both spaces will offer variety of areas for social interaction and quiet activities.
The design promotes the sense of openness and social inclusion. The main building stair core will be lit by large openings offering views out as well as in. This visual relationship with the street will be further animated by convivially coloured staircase and the residents moving through the space.
Design team members include QuadConsult Ltd, Wardell Armstrong LLP, and LRM Planning.
Austin-Smith:Lord Announce New Chief Operating Officer
We are delighted to announce Richard Cronin as our new Chief Operating Officer.
Richard joined Austin-Smith:Lord 25 years ago, and is currently sector lead for Transport and Industry/Infrastructure.
“I am delighted to accept the offer from the Board to fulfil the role of Chief Operating Officer for Austin-Smith:Lord. I joined the practice in 1996 straight from University and have stayed, as I love the ethos and spirit created by our founders Mike Austin and Annette Smith in 1949 and developed by a strong and diverse line of Partners since. We have recently taken the business from a Partnership into a Limited Company structure as a vehicle to secure our nearly 75 year legacy and I look forward to working with Graham Ross in his new role as Chief Executive to deliver our vision which sets the practice on the right course for the next 75 years.
The last 12 months have been a real test for the industry, but we are a business made from our staff and they have found the resilience to carry on delivering excellent design work in challenging times. Encouraged and enthused, therefore, I am really looking forward to working with them all to grow and adapt to a worldwide ‘new normal’; one that we have a crucial role and responsibility in shaping.” Richard Cronin, Chief Operating Officer
18th March: Have Your Say At (Y)our Townhead Proposals Workshops
Austin-Smith:Lord is currently leading a consultant team, appointed by Glasgow City Council, to prepare an Action Plan and Framework for the regeneration of Townhead.
Townhead, alongside Cowcaddens, the Learning Quarter and the Merchant City, is the focus of the current phase of (Y)our City Centre District Regeneration Frameworks, and now is the time to have your say.
Work to Date has included talking to the community and stakeholders and finding out what you think the priorities and opportunities are. From over 5,000 comments we have pulled together emerging priority projects listed below. You can check out what’s been said so far and contribute your thoughts online at https://yourcitycentre2020.commonplace.is/ and http://www.yourplacemap.org/.
How To Get Involved
Sign-up for the event on the 18 March, pick the bits that interest you most and work with the project team to develop proposals and ‘co-design’ ideas. All events are free to attend and will be held on Zoom. Session information and signup in links below;
Please feel free to share these events within your network to ensure we have as many attendees as possible. For further information on the Townhead Proposals Workshops and the other North East Districts please go to the City Centre Strategy website – https://www.glasgowcitycentrestrategy.com/city-centre-workshops
Austin-Smith:Lord’s Emily Harper Earns WELL AP Credential
We are delighted to announce that Emily Harper of Austin-Smith:Lord has earned the WELL Accredited Professional (WELL APTM) credential through the International WELL Building InstituteTM (IWBITM), placing her amongst a group of leading professionals who are dedicated to supporting human health and well-being in the built environment.
The WELL AP credential is the leading credential signifying advanced knowledge of health and well-being in the built environment and specialisation in the WELL Building StandardTM (WELL).
WELL APs have successfully passed the WELL AP exam, an assessment based on the expertise of leading practitioners in the field of design, health and wellness in the built environment. Developed using GBCI’s rigorous test development best practices, the WELL AP exam is designed to test a candidate’s knowledge and proficiency in building wellness and the principles, practices and applications of the WELL Building Standard.
Emily Harper
“I look forward to collaborating with colleagues to make the happiness, health and wellbeing of people a priority in our projects and contributing to a holistic sustainability approach” (Emily Harper, Architect, Austin-Smith:Lord).
The WELL Building Standard is the first building standard to focus exclusively on the health and wellness of the people in buildings. WELL is an evidence and performance-based system for measuring, certifying and monitoring features that impact human health and well-being in the built environment, through air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind and community.
The WELL Building Standard and more information on the WELL AP is available at www.wellcertified.com.
Austin-Smith:Lord appointed to trio of residential frameworks
Austin-Smith:Lord has recently been awarded a place on three residential frameworks to provide architecture services:
South East Consortium Framework. Set up in 2005, SEC was originally established to support the housing sector but now runs frameworks that can be used by any public sector organisation
Abri (formerly Radian) Framework. Abri was formed in October 2020 when Housing Association Radian Group was joined by the Yarlington Housing Group
Accent (East Region) Framework. This framework has been set up as part of Accent’s strategic objective to develop more than 2000 new homes over the next 4 years.
“We are delighted to have secured a place on these frameworks to provide architectural services. We are in a very exciting phase as we rethink the design of the home in the context of sustainability, flexible working arrangements and health and wellbeing. We look forward to building a great relationship and supporting these affordable homes providers to develop much needed homes and thriving communities” (Tope Balogun, Director).
Austin-Smith:Lord Achieves Investors in People Silver Accreditation
Austin-Smith:Lord has achieved Investors in People Silver Accreditation.
For 30 years Investors in People has been recognised internationally as a leading people management accreditation. Achieving this award is a fantastic milestone, demonstrating our commitment to developing our people, improving our ways of working and service excellence.
Commenting on the award, Graham Ross, Chief Executive, said, “Our talented team are Austin-Smith:Lord’s greatest asset. It is vital that we invest in our staff development so we can continue to attract and retain a highly skilled and motivated team.
“We are delighted to have secured Investors in People reaccreditation. It is testament to the immense teamwork across the Practice that we have been able to sustain and improve our ways of working. I’m especially proud that we’ve been able to achieve this level of accreditation despite a national lockdown and whilst working from home. That demonstrates our collective resilience.
“We are grateful for the advice and insights Investors in People have provided throughout the assessment process. We will be embedding this best practice guidance to ensure we adapt to new ways of working and continue to promote a supportive Studio culture that enables us to be at our best, so we can do our best.”
Bonnie Clarke, Interim Chief Executive of Remarkable, who undertook the Investors in People assessment and accreditation, said, “This is a fantastic achievement for Austin-Smith:Lord; congratulations! Investors in People recognises organisations who are truly committed to their people, continuous improvement and customer service. We have supported Austin-Smith:Lord since 2017 and we’re delighted to see their ongoing dedication recognised with this Silver award. Many congratulations!”
Rob Firman announced as Austin-Smith:Lord’s new Sector Lead for Arts, Culture and Heritage
We are pleased to announce Rob Firman as our new Sector Lead for Arts, Culture and Heritage.
Rob joined Austin-Smith:Lord in 2008 and was promoted to director in 2009. With more than 30 years’ experience in Arts, Culture and Heritage projects, and having worked both domestically and internationally, Rob reinforces the practice’s position as a market leader in this field.
Rob is highly skilled in the design and delivery of large scale, high profile projects and to this end his experience is as varied as it is striking. Rob believes passionately that buildings serving the arts should engage directly with the local community and, as such, economic development and regeneration have been paramount in all of his work.
“It’s a great honour for me to take over the Sector Lead role for Arts, Culture & Heritage within Austin-Smith: Lord. We are delivering some amazing projects across the UK in this sector, with Shakespeare North in the North-West, and the new Collections and Research Centre for the V&A in East London now on site, and the design work for the restoration of the Grade I listed Old College, Aberystwyth and Grade A listed National Records Office in Edinburgh ongoing.
“I’m relishing the challenge of leading our team, to continue expanding our portfolio of wonderful projects such as these and to building upon the legacy of innovative and creative Architecture inherent in all of our work in Arts, Culture & Heritage projects”. Rob Firman, Sector Lead for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Austin-Smith:Lord
At its peak, the convent housed 30 nuns and provided a work-room and equipment for women of the neighbour to undertake contract work for a local clothing factory. By the time of its 150th anniversary in 2011, the convent was occupied by only five remaining sisters who struggled to maintain the extensive site. Since then, the future of the aging buildings has been uncertain, with water ingress, dry rot and structural failure setting in.
The design of the scheme adopted from the outset a very simple palette that convey a sense of familiarity and home comfort; traditional materials such as brick on the exterior, timber and warm colour interior finishes.
Please feel free to share these events within your network to ensure we have as many attendees as possible. For further information on the Townhead Pr
