Landsec names diverse and emerging talent on new retail work roster

The 16-strong framework, which will sit alongside Landsec’s existing procurement processes, includes talents such as Hayatsu Architects, Spheron Architects, IF_DO, Studio Gil, Architecture Doing Place and Bureau de Change.

The shopping centre owner, whose existing properties include Bluewater in Kent, St David’s Cardiff and Trinity Leeds, said it had carried out a six-month-long search process which it claimed removed ‘some of the barriers to entry usually faced by emerging talent’.

It said its hunt for fresh names had involved four short stages so as to avoid ‘complicated procurement processes and bidding structures’.

Under the new framework, this ‘pool of SME businesses’ will be invited to pitch for future projects across Landsec’s UK-wide retail portfolio and apply for forthcoming design projects through a new streamlined process.

Landsec design director Richard Carr said: ‘We want to work with people who challenge us to approach situations differently and who can create something new because we think it will lead to better, more impactful places in the long term. By reflecting on how we can make our own processes simpler, we hope we’ve created a framework which makes exciting, larger-scale projects accessible to a wider range of businesses.

‘As the retail landscape evolves we want to work with people who challenge us’

‘As the retail landscape evolves, we need to adapt our approach to designing spaces to ensure that destinations remain relevant and well-loved by the people who use them. To do this, we need a platform which brings new talent and more diverse skillsets to the forefront of our designs.’

Thomas Bryans, director at AJ40 under 40 practice IF_DO  said: ‘The procurement process for this framework managed that very rare thing: to be smooth, straightforward, and enjoyable. It set a tone that makes us excited about the prospect of working with Landsec, and we are very pleased to have been selected.’

Meanwhile, alongside today’s announcement, the developer has recently launched Landsec Futures, a £20 million fund aimed at improving social mobility within the sector which includes bursaries for university students.

One of those bursaries will support students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue architecture qualifications at Leeds Beckett University. 

Full list of shortlisted firms:

Hayatsu Architects
Common Ground Workshop
Spheron Architects
IF_DO
Studio Gil
Architecture Doing Place
bureau de change
Mcmullan Studio
Ab Rogers Design
Jestico + Whiles
Turner Works
Wren Architecture & Design
Brinkworth
studio DUNCALF
Holmes Wood
Brady Williams London

Source:Airvideo UK/Shutterstock

Bluewater shopping centre, Kent