FORCE Awards – the practice saw success in a number of categories at the Coventry and Warwickshire FORCE Awards ceremony.

Both City College Coventry and North Leamington School competed in the landmark, sustainability and design sections of the annual event, hosted in the practice’s recently completed ACT UK building for Coventry University. In the end it was North Leamington School that triumphed with it’s groundbreaking environmentally friendly, campus design approach.

The practice has been selected to join two important public sector consultant frameworks. In partnership with Arup we have been appointed to Warwickshire Police’s framework, which has already yielded two significant projects.

Independently we have also been selected to join Milton Keynes Council’s framework to deliver a range of education projects. Both have been procured by OJEU notice which has led to the practice needing to successfully compete against a large of number of other bidders.

Despite the current economic climate the practice continue to have their designs realised both for public and private sector clients. A varied range of schemes, from student accommodation, offices, care homes and leisure projects will all be completed the next twelve months.

Projects currently on site, clockwise from top left, Building A4 : Diglis Water, ACT UK : Coventry, Desford Hall : Leicestershire, Sports Centre : BCU City North Campus, Care Homes at 40 Kenilworth Road : Leamington Spa, and Student Accommodation : Warwickshire College.

In partnership with Kier Moss we won an LABC Built in Quality Award for City College Coventry Phase 2 completed in December 2008.

The scheme was amongst only four education projects to be given the award, which is bestowed on buildings that exhibit “excellence and quality workmanship by construction professionals“.

Read our Case Study for the City College Project>>

The practice has now gained ISO 14001 accreditation for it’s environmental management systems.

“It is critical to our customers and staff that we operate in a sustainable manner as well as promote it in our designs – it is what the marketplace expects” – Nick James, Senior Partner

Not to be outdone by similar events at the Belfry and St.Andrews the staff at Robothams visited Warwick’s premier crazy golf course for a competitive tournament in June.

The course is of international standard and it certainly challenged the experienced and novice players amongst us. A team led by Chris Ballantine triumphed and after the recriminations everyone adjourned to the New Bowling Green pub for beer and sandwiches.

We have always valued our staff as our strongest asset, however we have now been recognised as an ‘Investor In People’ having worked toward it over 2007.

By focusing on the quality of our staff appraisals, our training and the way we manage our teams we believe we have created a more coherent approach to HR issues.

Our commitment to the environment and learning led to an internal competition to design the Bat Box of the future, for construction on our North Leamington School scheme.

In parallel with a project being run for the pupils at the school, our team put their thinking hats on and came up with a range of innovative proposals.

Avon House, Ryon Hill Park

This 50,000 sqft office development has been taking dramatic shape, with the recent completion of the steel frame. The offices enjoy stunning views across the River Avon and surrounding countryside. Practice Associate, David Sercombe, has been working closely with contractors Ashford’s to continue developing the internal fit-out to the highest specification. The project is due for completion in May ‘08.

Art & Music Building, Kings High School for Girls

Robothams have been liaising closely with Warwick Town Planners and the Warwick Society to create a sensitive design within the conversation area. The scheme is currently awaiting planning permission and follows the successful completion of the Sixth Form Centre last year.

Student Residences, Warwickshire College

This dynamic contemporary 100 unit student residences in Leamington Spa will help to expand the college current facilities. The practice has also been appointed to refurbish the existing student residences at Pershore College.

Commitment to Staff Training & Support

Robothams continue to sponsor those that are in full and part time education. Our ‘Year Out’ student, Justin Metcalfe, has returned to University to complete Part 2, Ravi Sambhi has started her part time degree course in Architectural Design & Technology, Spenser Taffs has started his part time HNC in Construction, Sam Karr continues his BTEC for his National Certificate in Construction and Sian Morris has started a NVQ in Business Administration. We are also delighted that Anna Dilks was successful in passing Part 3. All our students receive the benefit of an Employment Mentor who oversees their professional development and progress within the practice.

Staff enjoyed a trip to Stratford to visit Needham & James House.

The project, designed for developer client Stockdale, provided 30,000 sqft of office accomodation for Needham & James and Knight Frank Agents & Surveyors. The building was procured through a £4million Design & Build contract and was completed on time and on budget.