Birmingham-based Intervention Architecture is building its national reputation and its trophy cabinet, having been named the ‘Architects Practice of the Year’ at the West Midlands Property Awards. The RIBA chartered architecture and design studio received the prestigious accolade on the back of a terrific 12 months, which has seen team growth, increased turnover, and the signing of its biggest project to date.
The five-strong interdisciplinary team took home the award for its depth and breadth of knowledge, experience, and implementation across the region. This ranged from highly design-focused projects including the design and fit-out of both The Whisky Club and Hazel + Haydn Salon; through to its collaborative community-led initiatives; and, last but not least, its commission as Community Engagement Lead on the Solihull Station Integrated Transport Hub development.
The judges concluded that Intervention Architecture deserved the award “because of its focus on communities and adding social value”; a fact made most evident by its Make:it_Brum project. Established in conjunction with ARUP, the project has seen IA volunteer time into running a series of workshops with schoolchildren aged 13-15 across Birmingham. Providing valuable insights into construction careers, this live-project experience has seen these young people design alongside the experts, resulting in a real-build for UK Construction Week, which was exhibited at the largest gathering of industrial professionals in the country.
Speaking about the win, Director at Intervention Architecture Anna Parker, commented: “We are thrilled to have been awarded the ‘Architects Practice of the Year’ prize at the West Midlands Property Awards and we are completely blown-away. Not only are we tremendously proud to be nominated in a category with practices that we have long admired, but to win alongside so many of the landmark projects that we believe are transforming the region is a huge triumph for the team.”
The award builds on a momentous year for Intervention Architecture, which has seen growth in team number, financially, and in project size. Most instrumentally, the practice has been commissioned for its largest project to date as lead partner on the redevelopment of Solihull Transport Interchange project. As well as developing the design and business case for the integrated transport hub, the team will deliver a masterplan for the station area, identifying opportunities for developments and public realm improvements.
“This past 12 months has been a complete whirlwind for IA, and we hope to continue building on the success of 2019 in the coming year. We have already laid plans to partner with other firms to provide a boutique small practice consultant role on large schemes, bringing our expertise in community-led regenerations and collaborations to these projects. Of course, we still remain committed to volunteering time to Make:it_Brum , and will also keep developing our interests in the Arts, working with local makers and groups on exhibitions, sculptures, and installations. Here’s to 2020!” concluded Anna.
For more information about the practice, the team, and the projects, visit Intervention Architecture’s website.
