TWO award-winning Sunderland architect firms have come together to create a strengthened practice serving clients nationally.

Building Design Northern [BDN] Limited and Fitz Architects – both well-established businesses in their own right – will now operate as sister companies, working on commercial and residential projects respectively.

BDN, which relocated to Sunderland in 2020 and provides architectural, civil engineering and structural engineering services to a host of blue-chip clients, has concluded the acquisition of Fitz Architects, which has been operating in the city since 2007.

The companies will continue to trade under distinct brands, with Fitz founder Craig Fitzakerly, business partner Clinton Mysleyko, and Fitz’s employees working alongside BDN colleagues to ensure the two business units complement and support each other and share best practice.

Fitz specialises in bespoke residential design and extensions, while BDN has carved out a national reputation for commercial architecture and engineering. Rick Marsden, who became MD of BDN in 2019 following a management buy-out of the 40-year old firm, will lead the development of both businesses, and said he is proud to have acquired Fitz, a company that has long been a source of inspiration for him.

He said: “I have always had the greatest respect and admiration for Craig and Clinton’s professionalism and practice, and the business they have built in my home city.

“To be able to acquire a brand that is so well established and bring it together with BDN is truly humbling and I am excited to be able to guide both businesses, which can work side by side, complementing one another perfectly. Craig, Clinton and the team bring a wealth of expertise, and will continue to nurture the excellent relationships they have with clients across the North East and beyond.”

Craig Fitzakerly said: “For 16 years, Fitz Architects has built a reputation for outstanding one-off homes and extensions in the North East of England and it’s a great honour for us to come together with BDN, a business we hold in the highest regard.

“Rick has ambitious plans that will build on the Fitz brand and we’re relishing the opportunity that presents, as part of a multidisciplinary team of experienced, dynamic professionals with a unique offer to residential and commercial clients across the region and beyond.”

To find out more about BDN visit www.bdnltd.com or follow on social media and to find out about Fitz’s services visit www.fitzarchitects.co.uk.