BELFAST-based architectural practice Collins Rolston has invested in new staff and a new city centre design studio as it gears up for growth and further expansion.
The firm, formerly located in the Castlereagh Hills, has relocated to a new purpose-designed studio at James Street South in Belfast, with plans afoot to open new presences in Dublin and London.
Managing director Mark Collins confirmed the firm has invested a six-figure sum to purchase its offices and has undertaken an extensive fit-out to bring the new studio up to the standard expected from a tier-one architectural practice.
“We are undergoing significant growth with a range of assignments throughout Northern Ireland, the Republic and Britain and that has driven the need for new staff, including a sustainability champion with significant international experience,” he said.
Mark added that the firm had also launched its own training academy, with three full time architectural students and two work experience students benefitting from hands-on mentoring from the firm’s senior professionals.
The firm’s new offices were designed to create a showpiece environment for clients and staff alike.
Inspired by a 60s retro theme, the bold concept was given a contemporary twist to create a space that reflected the team’s creative vision and make a lasting impression on visitors.
The centrepiece of the design is the executive office, designed to convey an aura of luxury and refinement with a concealed drinks’ cabinet providing a great talking point for visitors.
“The crowning jewel for me is our branded sign, ingeniously inset within laminate slats, that injects a powerful visual element consistent with the client’s premium brand identity,” Mark said.
Among the other notable design talking points are a feature Persian rug which is more than 60 years old and was sourced from Iraq. This has been used to juxtapose old vs new and inject a sense of personality to the internal environment.
In addition, a feature Bungee cord wall creates physical separation between reception and the open plan office, yet allows a visual connection between the two.
The practice has consciously diversified its commercial project portfolio to now incorporate health, education, retail, office, heritage, and social regeneration schemes, with a strong focus on sustainability.
In healthcare alone the firm currently has 44 live projects ranging from refurbs to hospital wards, MRI units, X Ray facilities and a host of other schemes including extensions at Bessbrook Surgery, Warrenpoint Health Centre, Shantallow Health Centre, Belfast City Hospital’s imaging department, and the Daisy Hill Hospital’s doctors’ hostel.
Collins Rolston delivered more than 85 commercial projects between January 2021 and August this year.
These include a fast-track extension to Altnagelvin Hospital’s A&E department; a new headquarters for Springfield Charitable Association where smart design played a role in driving down levels of vandalism; a new £7m office innovation hub in Glengormley; and a £50m public realm project at Corporation Street in Belfast.
The firm also has 14 live retail projects for Henderson Group, ranging from extensions, interior alterations and site works.
