The architect behind Preston’s new Market Hall has decided to go it alone.
AdvertisementJohn Bridge has established StudioJB after leaving the Frank Whittle Partnership.
He has taken office space in The Artistry House in Winckley Square.
John said: “I led the Preston Market Hall project for FWP and I am enormously proud to have been involved in a scheme that has preserved an important part of Lancashire’s heritage while transforming it to ensure it offers contemporary facilities that will secure its future.
“Lancashire has a rich built environment, full of forgotten buildings that could be brought back to life in the same way. My vision for my studio is to create a practice that combines heritage expertise with contemporary creativity and pride in all Lancashire has to offer. To drive inspirational refurbishment and new build projects across sectors including regeneration, conservation, housing and education.”
As well as the Markets design he has won praise for his award-winning Hesketh Children’s Centre for Lancashire County Council.
John graduated from UCLan in 2011 with a first-class degree and then completed a Bachelor of Architecture at the Manchester School of Architecture.
Read more: Teething problems continue to be fixed by council at new Market Hall
He said: “I passionately believe that we should embrace new techniques and ideas, both in the design of contemporary buildings that complement the rich built environment and varied natural landscape in Lancashire, and in rejuvenating heritage buildings to extend their service life for future generations.
“My new studio at The Artistry House co-locates me with a range of creative talent, spear headed by Wash Studio. Including branding, marketing, videography and photography, enabling me to offer clients an inter-disciplinary approach if they want to push projects beyond the boundaries of conventional architecture.
“I see my studio not only integrating with this creative hub for Preston, but play an integral part of our Lancashire-wide creative ecology, that is at the core of the Preston renaissance. This will nurture our cultural heritage and our progressive approach to economic growth with architectural concepts that are dynamic, relevant and anchored in a sense of place.”