Wednesday 12th March 2008
A LEADING firm of Tees Valley architects has created its own in-house planning consultancy to ensure clients have the best possible chance of seeing their projects succeed.
Steve Hesmondhalgh, a well known planning figure throughout the North East, has joined DKS Architects as a partner, heading up a town planning team to add to the architectural and interior design services already offered by the practice.
Steve has more than 20 years experience as a chartered town planner working in various local authorities in the region followed by a spell with a leading private housebuilder.
Most recently he was responsible for the establishment of one of the largest teams of independent planning professionals in the region at North East solicitors Blackett, Hart & Pratt.
The creation of a planning consultancy alongside the practice’s architectural services will enhance DKS’ ability to provide clients with the best possible chance of success at the crucial early planning stage of the development process. In-house CDM Coordinators also ensure that designed projects can be safely constructed and maintained in accordance with current Health and Safety Legislation.
Steve said “It is our role to fine-tune certain elements of projects ensuring they go forward as smoothly as possible. That means we are able to guarantee that clients aren’t wasting time and money on projects with no chance of getting planning permission.”
In his previous role Steve worked with DKS on the complete redevelopment of the Tall Trees site at Yarm. Other major projects currently on DKS’ books range from a £35m healthcare scheme in London to working with KHome Engineering on a £350m international mixed use project in Dubai.
Steve has been joined at DKS Architects by planning consultants Julie Hesmondhalgh, Craig Stockley and architectural designer Chris Cooling and most recently by Jim Handy from the Newcastle office of Engineering and Environmental Consultancy Atkins.
Fellow Partner/Architect Mark Barlow said: “Steve has established a successful reputation in the Tees Valley region for his commercially focused planning advice regarding all aspects of development planning.
Planning consultancies of this kind are not unheard of in much larger practices, but I believe it is unique for a firm the size of DKS and is a clear indicator of the ambition that the partners have for the practice.”