Leading UK and Canadian architectural practices form partnership to create a platform for broadened international growth and expertise
BDP has made a strategic investment in Toronto-based Quadrangle, one of Canada’s most respected architecture and interior design practices. The partnership will create a platform for continued international growth in key markets and sectors across Canada and North America.
John McManus, Chief Executive of BDP said:
“Quadrangle supports our strategy to grow operations in the Canadian marketplace and greatly enhances our expertise and resources. The addition of a 200-strong studio in one of North America’s largest cities will not only provide exceptional opportunities for our people, it will also enable both BDP and Quadrangle to expand our services into new regions. BDP’s collective grouping of professions design with a progressive outlook and a sensibility towards the creation of a sustainable and human environment. We are confident that our culture and ethos will be greatly enhanced by the addition of Quadrangle. We are also delighted to welcome four of Quadrangle’s Principals to the BDP Group Board.”
Quadrangle Executive Principal, Anna Madeira, said:
“We are incredibly excited to join BDP. This partnership infuses our business with greater expertise, services and resources that we can offer to our clients, and it enables us to provide our staff with increased opportunities to work on diverse projects.”
Founded in 1986, Quadrangle is an architecture and interior design firm renowned for its client service resulting in long-term relationships. The firm’s portfolio spans the commercial, mixed-use, multi-unit residential, content media and retail markets, and includes specialisations in areas such as masterplanning, accessibility, sustainability and adaptive re-use. Quadrangle’s office of over 200 architects, interior designers, technologists and support staff will continue to operate under the Quadrangle brand and under the direction of Quadrangle’s principals.
BDP Chair Chris Harding commented:
“Our firms share common values — that design begins with people, and great architecture and interiors are accomplished by developing close working relationships with clients and stakeholders. Both companies are passionate about the role of design to improve everyday life.”
Quadrangle Executive Principal Richard Witt added:
“BDP is a natural fit with Quadrangle. We enjoy a similar collaborative, supportive, culture and passion for design excellence as a means of creating better cities. We are confident that this union will build on our separate accomplishments and establish a shared platform for even greater things, together.”
Quadrangle is currently completing the Yonge-Sheppard Centre, a large mixed-use development in North Toronto; 80 Atlantic Avenue, Toronto’s first wood office building in over one hundred years; and Downtown Markham, a large scale mixed use development featuring retail, housing, office and hospitality in a progressive urban setting.
BDP is currently providing full inter-disciplinary design services to restore and safeguard the future of the Palace of Westminster, the seat of the United Kingdom’s parliament. In Toronto, BDP has designed a three-level retail podium for RioCan at The Well – a large mixed-use commercial development, currently under construction.
BDP is the 30th largest practice in the world with 378 qualified architects according to BD’s World Architecture 100 league table. Quadrangle is at position 94 with 110 qualified architects.