Leading North East architectural practice Pod Newcastle has restructured its management team as it prepares for growth following recent 10th anniversary celebrations. The firm, owned by equity directors Craig and Ruth Van Bedaf, has made three senior promotions to its 12-strong team, based in the Toffee Factory, Newcastle.
Jens Rahmann, Adam Lee and Martin Clay have all been promoted from senior architect to director.
Craig Van Bedaf said: “The promotion of these key staff members represents recognition of the vital contribution each individual has made over a sustained period with the practice. They’ve all delivered some great client projects.
“Pod is entering an exciting time in its development and we recognise that for us to grow as a practice, that we acknowledge the talent in our team and promote key members to take on greater responsibility.
“The promotion of each director provides Pod with a diverse senior skill base and the ability to deliver a range of projects of various scale. We’ve had a great 10 years and look forward to the future with excitement and optimism as a consequence of the practice restructure.”
During the last five years the firm has doubled its team from six, while also growing its fee income 100pc during the same period. Pod works with many of the leading housebuilders across the North East, including Bellway, Miller Homes, and Story Homes. Elsewhere, the practice also undertakes more bespoke projects that might be individual homes or developments in sensitive landscapes and environments of historic importance.
New director Jens Rahmann, who has been with Pod for 10 years, has developed a strong reputation primarily for the delivery of residential masterplanning projects across the north of England. His promotion allows the masterplanning discipline to be strengthened, with other team members benefitting from his knowledge.
Adam Lee has been instrumental in the development and delivery of highly technical projects from inception to site completion. His promotion will allow the technical expertise in the office to be developed, while he also takes on responsibility for the diversification of the practice.
Martin Clay has been promoted for his varied skill base, from his expertise in strategic masterplanning through to the delivery of bespoke private homes. He will drive creative design across the firm while ensuring all projects are delivered in a timely way.
For more information on Pod, please visit www.podnewcastle.co.uk