The BDA were joined were joined by over 50 Brick Enthusiasts for a Great evening in the Northwest at Manchester Brick Specialists.
The Line up
Speaker 1:Andy Carroll Director at Chapman Taylor LLP
Since joining Chapman Taylor in 2002, Andy has led the design and delivery of major projects across a range of sectors including mixed-use, office, residential, hospitality, retail and leisure.
Andy has helped to grow the Manchester studio to over 65 employees, delivering architectural and interior design services at all design stages. In his role as a member of the UK Board, he oversees our design delivery services and workplace sector and contributes to defining and implementing our core values across the UK.
Andy led the Kampus, Manchester project from the redesign of RIBA Stage 3, through to completion.
Presenting: KAMPUS
KAMPUS is a new neighbourhood located at the former Manchester Metropolitan University campus in the heart of the city, utilising the qualities of the existing built structures – Victorian brick canal-side warehouses and the 1964 concrete tower. A melting pot of buildings and spaces, KAMPUS celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of the city with respect to the historic quality of Canal Street
The development hosts a range of independent retail and F&B spaces set around a lush secret garden and central courtyard. Residents also benefit from a private landscaped podium, secure parking and cycle spaces and a rooftop residents’ gym and lounge which will boast unparalleled views across Manchester.
Speaker 2: Andrew Arnold Architect Director at Gilling Dod Architects
Andrew is an Award-Winning Architect and Director at Gilling Dod Architects which has over the last 25 years established itself as a major player in UK Healthcare Design. It is in the field of Mental Health Design however where Andrew has excelled with acclaimed projects completed across all aspects of the sector and for Clients nationwide. He heads up a vastly experienced team at Gilling Dod with first-hand knowledge of the specialisms found in MH design.
An in-depth knowledge of the issues surrounding modern Mental health services, an innovative design approach and passion for the subject matter, has seen Andrew lead the design on some of the Practice’s most iconic and Award-winning recent Mental Health schemes including Red Kite View, Inspire CAMHS, Broadmoor High Secure MH Hospital, Hartley Hospital, and Aspen Wood LSU. He is also the Director in charge on the £105M North View AMHU project in North Manchester and leading on Mersey Care NHSFT’s innovative Mental Health Digital Research and Innovation centre (MHDRIC) in Maghull.
All this experience has seen Andrew forge an impressive knowledge and profile in Mental Health design/construction, championing innovation and design excellence in the sector.
Presenting: Aspen Wood Hospital
Aspen Wood Hospital is a new facility that showcases a modern design featuring two versatile 20-bed wards tailored to support individuals with complex forensic learning disability needs.
Winning the Sustainability category of the 2024 Brick Awards, the architectural design seamlessly marries principles of special educational needs (SEN) schools with humane custodial design inspired by Scandinavian models. Informed by invaluable insights from service users, the result is LD-friendly spaces characterised by adaptability, intuitive circulation patterns facilitating ease of movement, and a strong integration with the surrounding landscape, fostering a holistic and therapeutic environment.
Speaker 3: Andy Rogers Director at jmarchitects
Andy was a founder member of jmarchitects Manchester office when it opened in 2003, having been trained as an architect and urban designer at Oxford Brookes University. He has over 20 years’ experience in master planning and architectural design across multiple sectors, working from the macro through to the micro. Experienced in planning large vacant cleared sites to developing complex multi-layered urban situations and thrives on working with the client, wider design team and identified stakeholders to optimise each opportunity.
Andy has an extensive portfolio of experience in remodelling and repurposing existing and listed buildings, along with a plethora of new builds across multiple sectors for both public and private clients. His depth and variety of experiences have exposed him to a breadth of knowledge and understanding of the many construction skills and techniques available, often interpreting modern responses to contrast and sit juxtaposed to provide visual interest and moments of joy.
Presenting: Boho X and Middlewood Locks
Boho X is a 60,000 sq ft, mixed-use office building in Middlesbrough's Boho district. Focusing on the key pillars of communication, innovation, and sustainability, Boho X will act as a catalyst for social, economic and environmental change within the region. It will nurture the freshest new talent and skills within the digital sector and act as a base for new businesses and industry start-ups.
Railings, the official name for Phase 3 of the Middlewood Locks masterplan, represents the pinnacle of thoughtful design and meticulous planning. The ambitious development will introduce 189 modern apartments and duplexes across two elegant blocks of 10 and 12 storeys, complemented by a first for the masterplan: 7 stunning three- and four-bedroom family townhouses. With both style and functionality in mind, it comes with podium-level shared amenity spaces and private gardens that provide balance for residents between community and privacy.
Speaker 4: Paul Ruding Strategic Specification Director at ACS Stainless Steel Fixings
With a wealth of experience and extensive knowledge of building, design and construction, Paul plays a crucial role in assisting architects during the early stages of specification to ensure the correct systems are chosen.
Elevating Masonry Façades through Partnership and Innovation
- From Manufacturer to Masonry Façade Solutions Partner
At ACS, we’ve embraced a transformative journey—evolving from a product manufacturer to a comprehensive masonry façade solutions partner. This shift reflects our commitment to not just providing products, but delivering value through tailored, collaborative, and innovative solutions.
- Overcoming Design Challenges
In the ever-evolving construction landscape, design challenges are inevitable. Whether it’s addressing structural complexities, meeting aesthetic aspirations, or adhering to tight project timelines, we’ve developed a systematic approach that combines technical expertise, cutting-edge tools, and a problem-solving mindset to deliver outcomes that exceed expectations. - Early-Stage Collaboration: Eliminating Design Buffers
We believe the most impactful solutions are born from early-stage collaboration. By working closely with architects, engineers, main contractors, and brickwork contractors from the outset, we streamline the design process, eliminate unnecessary design buffers, and ensure projects are delivered with precision and efficiency.
- Façade Solutions Case Studies
To illustrate our impact, I’ll share examples from recent projects where our masonry façade solutions have transformed architectural visions into reality. From bespoke designs that push the boundaries of creativity to practical solutions that resolve technical challenges, these case studies demonstrate how collaboration, innovation, and expertise come together to achieve outstanding results.
