TODD Architects, established in 1976 by the sadly recently deceased Barrie Todd, has grown to become the largest architectural practice in Northern Ireland. It is the only locally-owned company in the prestigious Architects’ Journal list of Top 100 practices in the UK, and placed in 59th position.
The practice has studios in Belfast, London, Dublin and Manchester, working across public and private sectors and developing expertise in a wide range of project types. They range from those of basic architectural requirements, to complex buildings of high technological content and major developments of visual, environmental and commercial significance.
It has been at the heart of the regeneration of Belfast, designing some of the city’s most immediately identifiable modern buildings including The Boat, ICC Belfast, Invest NI’s headquarters, HMRC’s Erskine House, and of course the iconic Titanic Belfast.
The practice is currently working with the Norwegian architects Snohetta on the design of Belfast Stories, Belfast City Council’s new tourist and leisure destination.
Having previously received a number of Belfast Telegraph Property Awards in the architectural categories, the practice is delighted to be sponsoring a category for the first time this year, that of Mixed-Use Development of the Year.
The Mixed-Use Development category recognises outstanding projects which have successfully combined residential, retail and commercial properties, as well as other mixed tenures. These developments play a crucial role in creating vibrant, sustainable communities and driving economic growth.
Peter Minnis, business development lead and now in his 25th year as a director of the practice, said: “The combination of different building uses in close proximity reflects changing attitudes towards city planning and a new appreciation of urban and environmental issues, whilst also affording the opportunity to spread commercial risk.
“It is a development model that has existed for some time in Great Britain, but that has also been emerging in Northern Ireland.”
TODD Architects has been involved in mixed-use projects such as the ongoing redevelopment of the King’s Hall complex, combining health, research and later living, and Ebrington Barracks in Derry/Londonderry, where they secured planning for a scheme combining offices, retail, and residential elements.
They are also now engaged with MRP and Translink on the Weavers Cross development surrounding the new Grand Central Station in Belfast, which will establish a new benchmark for transport-led, mixed-use, urban regeneration.
Peter added: “The combining of differing uses within a development is often crucial both to establishing it as a destination and to its success and long-term sustainability.
“TODD’s commitment to innovative urban design aligns perfectly with the vision of creating vibrant, sustainable communities through mixed-use developments.
“We would encourage developers and consultants from across the province to submit their schemes for this important award category.”
To enter, please visit online at www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/propertyawards