Associated Architects

Associated Architects was formed in 1968 and aims to create architecture of the highest quality which embodies a deep sense of responsibility towards our clients, their buildings’ users and the environment. Based in Birmingham, we have designed buildings in the UK and elsewhere, for clients across the private and public sectors. These include schools, universities, offices, housing and urban regeneration schemes. Underpinning the continuing success of the practice is our ongoing commitment to the delivery of a highly professional service, and sustainability in the widest sense. Our aim is to be imaginative and pragmatic, and our broad experience of building has equipped our creative team with the skills, knowledge and ambition to manage the most complex of schemes. The structure of our practice gives equal weight to design and delivery and we have experience across the range of procurement methods. The work of Associated Architects has always been shaped by an analytical approach to the requirements of the client’s brief. We believe that only by the careful interrogation of a building’s site, context and the needs of its users can we produce buildings that are meaningful, inspiring and practical. We enjoy working creatively with existing buildings as much as undertaking new-build projects. The number of awards received by the practice recognises the consistently high quality of our design, whatever the budget. What our buildings do have in common is an approach, rather than a stylistic signature. We love architecture and continue to grow as a practice, in every sense. Our team is key to this success and we invest in mentoring and developing their talents and motivation through their contribution to the design process, as well as providing the resources and technology to support them. This led us to a vacant space within The Mailbox – a building we knew very well, with good links to public transport and facilities for our cyclists. During The Mailbox project, we had undertaken studies that explored how the existing shell could be converted to office accommodation – work that convinced the BBC to move to The Mailbox. The main space has been retained largely as found, celebrating the structure and volume of the original shell. A highly resolved block containing meeting rooms was inserted into the volume separated from the main studio space by a wall of recycled timber. Sustainability was a key consideration throughout. 1 Severn Street Place won a BCO award in 2010 and has been the subject of Post Occupancy Evaluation.