Summer 2012 has been a busy period for everyone working at the practice.

Since the refurbishment of our offices in the Old Library we have been getting used to the new layout and enjoying the new meeting spaces on the mezzanine. The investment in the workspace was specifically focused on improving the environment, the new opening lights in the original windows made a big difference on the warmer summer days. The next phase of investment will see the focus on upgrading IT equipment and expansion of our BIM programme.

On site we have been working hard to deliver a variety of education projects for the beginning of the new academic year. Refurbishment of the Jaguar, Maurice Foss and Ellen Terry buildings for Coventry University have continued our relationship with their estates team. The opening of the new Midland Studio College, a studio school  in Hinckley has breathed new life into the old technical college building on Spa Lane. Handover of the Sherbourne Residences at the University of Warwick creates an additional 527 rooms for the undergraduate cohort beginning in October. A scheme which also represents our first BREEAM Excellent rated student accommodation project, an important milestone which gives us valuable experience in sustainable design.

Above, elements of the external facades, University of Warwick.

Completed projects have also been handed over at Myton School in Leamington and at Bromsgrove School, where new boarding houses have been added to their campus. The first phase of the practice’s masterplan for Abingdon & Witney College’s Abingdon campus was occupied by the Hair and Beauty Faculty, who now have professional quality salons at the heart of their campus.

Within the practice, Andrea Obremski and Matt Pitts have returned to University to finish their studies having made a massive contribution to the practice over the last 12 months. Joining us is Petra Schwarczova, a placement student from Sheffield Hallam University who we expect to work on a range of projects across the practice during the next year, and become an integral member of our team.

All in all a pretty busy three months, and with plenty of exciting commissions to occupy us during the Autumn and Winter a very exciting time for the practice.