A Nottingham architectural practice has acquired the building next door to cope with growing demand for its services.
Acres Architects has taken a second unit on the Nottingham Science Park, opposite Nottingham University campus, after celebrating its most successful year yet in 2020.
The firm moved to the site in 2017, eight years after managing director Edward Acres launched the company from a laptop in his parents’ spare bedroom.
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The business, which specialises in residential projects from private homes to large student schemes, is now looking for new recruits after recently growing its headcount by four.
Mr Acres said its success during the pandemic was partly due to many private clients choosing to expand their homes rather than move entirely, during uncertain times.
Others had expanded home working spaces, he said, due to finding themselves working from home during lockdown.
He said: “We really are going from strength to strength. We’ve seen a consistent and significant increase in workload, but we’re pleased to say we’ve managed to recruit some top talent to turn our clients’ dreams into reality.
“It’s extremely fortunate that we were able to purchase the building next door. We looked at several options, but this made the most sense. We’re in a fabulous part of Nottingham.”
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The new two-storey office has been opened up internally so that staff and customers are able to move between the two buildings easily.
Mr Acres said that he was looking forward to the further easing of Covid-19 restrictions so that the new office space could be fully enjoyed by the entire team, and welcome new staff members.
He said: “Our office is such a cultural hub for our team.
“And our culture is such a fundamental aspect of how our team and our business will be successful.
“It is key to how we work together and key for maintaining and improving the mental health of our team.”
New starters include interior designer Alicia Hollis, construction manager Tony Moore, new studio manager Bryanie Geehan and video and animation specialist Steve Clayton.
The business is now looking for a CGI specialist, a landscape architect, an urban planner and a senior technologist.
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The firm currently employs 11 people and hopes to be at 20-plus by April next year.
Mr Acres said: “Over the years, we have been known for the bespoke Grand Design style projects, but we have assisted many developers in getting large student developments and residential schemes through the planning process.
“We have a passion for seeing a job through from concept to completion, and we hope that larger scale projects will continue to come in our direction as our team expands.”