Landsec has launched a new architects panel across its retail and hospitality portfolio. The framework aims to unlock new and diverse talent by making it easier for emerging architecture and design firms to secure contracts across Landsec’s portfolio of prime retail destinations.
Landsec embarked on a six month process to remove some of the barriers to entry usually faced by emerging talent, such as complicated procurement processes and bidding structures. The process involved four short stages, which rationalised the initial list down to 16 practices which were appointed to the final framework.
Under the new framework, Landsec has identified a pool of SME businesses which will be invited to pitch for future projects across Landsec’s UK wide retail portfolio, which includes Bluewater, St David’s Cardiff and Trinity Leeds. Shortlisted firms will be able to apply for various up and coming design projects through a new streamlined process which has been designed to make procurement more accessible to a diverse pool of growing businesses.
The 16 strong panel includes a variety of businesses, from architects to design specialists, in order to bring different perspectives and fresh ideas into the industry.
Richard Carr, design director at Landsec said: “As the retail landscape evolves, we need to adapt our approach to designing spaces to ensure that destinations remain relevant and well loved by the people who use them. To do this, we need a platform which brings new talent and more diverse skillsets to the forefront of our designs.
“We want to work with people who challenge us to approach situations differently and who can create something new because we think it will lead to better, more impactful places in the long term. By reflecting on how we can make our own processes simpler, we hope we’ve created a framework which makes exciting, larger scale projects accessible to a wider range of businesses”.
Thomas Bryans, director at IF_DO, one of the shortlisted firms, said: “The procurement process for this framework managed that very rare thing: to be smooth, straightforward, and enjoyable. It set a tone that makes us excited about the prospect of working with Landsec, and we are very pleased to have been selected.
“IF_DO was established with a belief that architecture has the power to improve lives and make communities happier and stronger, and in Landsec we have found a partner that shares our values. We are looking forward to working together to deliver socially and environmentally sustainable projects that help create better places for all.”
The full list of shortlisted firms are:
Hayatsu Architects
Common Ground Workshop
Spheron Architects
IF_DO
Studio Gil Ltd
Architecture Doing Place LLP
bureau de change
Mcmullan Studio
Ab Rogers Design
Jestico + Whiles
Turner Works
Wren Architecture & Design
Brinkworth
studio DUNCALF
Holmes Wood
Brady Williams London
