End of an era | A new beginning!

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the forthcoming retirement of Alan Sankey from BRP Architects. Alan has been a pivotal figure within the business for over 35 years, aiding in driving the practice forward during this time and developing a solid reputation as a trusted professional consultant, for both individual clients as well as larger commercial organisations.

Chris Woods, Richard Woolford, Lee Hankins, and Alan Sankey

Since joining Bundey and Rodgers (the forerunner to what is now known as BRP) in 1988, Alan progressed through the ranks, becoming a Partner in 2000 and ultimately a Director in 2010 when the Partnership evolved to a Limited Company. During this time, he has been responsible for the delivery of more than 200 Primary Care projects all across the UK, working directly with GP surgeries, the wider NHS and via Healthcare Developers / Portfolio holders. With his architectural flair being underpinned by a wealth of knowledge surrounding NHS funding and procurement, it is fair to say Alan has been instrumental in establishing BRP as one of the country’s leading architectural practices within the Primary Healthcare sector.

“it is with great personal pride that I am able to say I joined Alan over 15 years ago as a colleague, but he definitely leaves as a friend”

Alan will step back from his duties at the end of June 2024, and will be embarking on fulfilling his desire to expand his already enviable list of travel destinations with some long-stay trips as well as continuing to enjoy all things related to fast cars and motor sport, not to mention the odd construction project here and there! It will no doubt be a huge change of direction, but one we all hope will be enjoyable and offer fresh challenges.

Whilst I personally, as well as the wider business, will forever be indebted to the passion and verve Alan brought, this juncture equally marks an exciting transition into the future of BRP. Therefore, it is with great pleasure I am able to confirm the promotion of Richard Woolford to Director and Lee Hankins to Associate Director, both of whom will work alongside myself as part of a Senior Management Team. Alan will be retained as a Consultant to offer advice and a source of continuity for a number of existing clients and projects.

Richard joined the business in 2012 and quickly evolved to become a key member of the team, assuming the lead role on a broad range of residential and healthcare projects. In recent years, he has established himself as the Practice Lead for our well-established work within the Veterinary sector. Beyond his architectural remit, Richard also currently undertakes the role of Quality Manager and acts as BRP’s principal point of contact in relation to all Health and Safety / CDM related matters.

Equally, Lee is a long-serving member of staff, with over 20 years’ experience with the business. Having undertaken his architectural education alongside working on live projects Lee has grown and developed his skills and has become a senior figure within the Healthcare team, both in terms of the delivery of architectural design but also with a depth of knowledge in relation to BREEAM. Acting as the Practice’s IT and BIM Manager, Lee has long championed the concept of 3D design software, something BRP are proud to have been using for well over 30 years.

“On behalf of us all at BRP we would like to thank Alan for all his efforts and achievements over the years and collectively we wish him all the very best for a long, happy and healthy retirement”

As we close in on 50 years of trading, BRP will continue to build upon the principles the practice was originally founded in the residential, residential care and primary healthcare sectors. Our residential portfolio includes working with affordable housing and care providers, national housebuilders, private developers as well as domestic clients to deliver bespoke one-off houses.

The practice will also maintain its focus on healthcare, with Lee assuming a greater responsibility in managing BRP’s presence in this sector. In fulfilling this role, Lee will be supported by myself and Richard, as well as Alan.

Finally, Richard will continue to progress BRP’s growing development into the Veterinary sector, having been responsible for the delivery of a significant number of schemes over the last 7 years.

In conclusion, it is with great personal pride that I am able to say I joined Alan over 15 years ago as a colleague, but he definitely leaves as a friend! As an individual, I will always be grateful for the advice and support he has offered to me throughout my own career, and I feel I have learned from one of the best.

On behalf of us all at BRP we would like to thank Alan for all his efforts and achievements over the years and collectively we wish him all the very best for a long, happy and healthy retirement. Equally, I am excited as we look forward to the next chapter for BRP, as we continue to maintain and enhance our position as a longstanding member of the regional architectural community.

…and after the formalities