WBA row their way to raising over £675 for Charity

This Sunday saw the newly formed Watson Batty Architects Rowing Crew hitting the waters of Waterloo Lake to do battle with other corporate fundraisers in the Martin House Dragon Boat Race Charity Event.

With a mixed range of rowing experience from 'never' to ' I once went on a ferry', what we lacked in knowledge and practice we made up for in enthusiasm and determination. Once in the water with our bats in hand we awaited the signal to impress the crowd with our speed and rowing prowess.

Unfortunately within the first 5 rows it was clear our enthusiasm and determination were not going to be enough as we sauntered past the finish post in last place.

Undeterred and after a strong team talk we were ready for round two, surely we would be able to better our last performance? Once away it was clear that we had made significant improvements, but unfortunately so had the other teams. Undeterred and digging deep we manage to scrape 3rd place knocking 3.5 seconds off our first run, coming in with a time of 74.28 seconds.

Once the euphoria of not coming in last has descended our attention turned to the stop watch, could we manage a sub 70 second in our last run? Back in the boat the nerves and adrenaline we pumping and all fell silent as we lined up to await the starters orders.

Go! The race was off. With the crew pushing hard the boat began tentatively accelerating up to top speed and once there it was clear that we were moving faster than in our previous runs. With the team now rowing in perfect harmony we began to break away from the field with our challengers from DSEmotion marginally ahead.

Coming in a respectable 2nd place we were happy with our performance and we all hurried back to see if we had broken the 70 second barrier. With a time of 69.44 we weren't going to be in the finals but we had done it.

Managing to raise over £675 for the charity, a big thanks to the Watson Batty Rowing Crew and all those that came to support and sponsor us. If you would still like to sponsor you can do so by following the below link.

www.justgiving.com/watbats

Living Sector projects shortlisted for 2015 LABC Building Excellence Awards

Living Sector projects shortlisted for 2015 LABC Building Excellence Awards

We are pleased to announce that for the second year running, two of our recently completed new build residential projects have been shortlisted for the LABC Building Excellence awards West Yorkshire region.
  
The ‘High Lock’ residential development at Mytholmroyd near Hebden Bridge has been shortlisted in the ‘New Dwellings - 2 to 10 units’ category. Consisting of 10 stunning properties each with 3 bedrooms, the development built on behalf of Candelisa is set within a private courtyard and offers picturesque views over the adjacent canal and countryside.  Each of the 3-storey town houses has a top floor living area with a contemporary open plan layout including high loft ceilings and private balcony space.

Our other entry ‘The Poplars’ at New Bolton Woods, Bradford was built on behalf for Skipton Properties and Great Places Housing Group. The scheme has been shortlisted in the ‘New Dwellings over 10 units’ category and consists of 20 affordable and 30 private - for sale units.  This high quality development is clustered around a new contemporary Home-Zone streetscape and is the first phase of the “New Bolton Woods” masterplan, a major residential led regeneration initiative located to the north of Bradford city centre.

The awards event is on the 18th June at Headingley Carnegie Stadium, Leeds. 

Ahoy!!

Watson Batty Architects are delighted to have been accepted to take part in the Martin House dragon boat race! The “Watbats” will be taking to the waters of Roundhay Lake on Sunday 17th May in a bid to raise as much funds as possible for the children’s hospice.

Martin House children’s hospice in Wetherby, provides family-led care for children with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses. For the past five years the hospice has held a dragon boat race event at Roundhay Park to raise funds, with more than £200,000 raised over the period.

The Watbats would be extremely grateful if you or your company would help reach our target of £1,000. You can donate by following the below link and for those who wish to cheers us on, please feel free to come along and join in.

Health and Safety Coordinators, We Need You!

Watson Batty Architects are seeking a highly motivated and versatile Construction Health and Safety Coordinator to assist in  the delivery of project health and safety across the practice, including assisting the role of Principal Designer

The successful candidate will be based in our Leeds Studio and must be able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of all construction health and safety matters from inception to post-handover. A team player you will have the ability to communicate with all relevant parties and have client facing experience.

You will have experience of complex projects of all scales across a diverse range of sectors, and will be willing to work on projects nationally.

Whilst not essential previous experience as a CDMC would be an advantage. The suitable candidate will also have the following experience and qualifications:

• Ability to develop Construction Risk Assessments
• NEBOSH Construction Certificate
• Member of Association Project Safety
• BOHS P405 Asbestos Certificate would be an advantage
• Full Driving Licence

If you are ambitious and are seeking a new challenge please submit details of your experience to Pamela Cooke at the following e mail address: pamela.cooke@watsonbatty.com  

Watson Batty Architects are an equal opportunities employer and are Investors in People accredited

We're Hiring!

Watson Batty Architects are seeking a highly motivated and versatile project architect and architectural technician to work with our clients to deliver dynamic, creative and practical building solutions.

The successful candidate will be based within our Leeds or Loughborough Studio and must be able to demonstrate excellent design skills, sound construction knowledge and the ability to work in a fast paced environment. You will be a hands on all-rounder with both job running and client facing experience with the ability to deliver projects within a range of sectors, from initial concept stage through site works to completion.

If you are ambitious and are seeking a new challenge please submit details of your experience, along with samples of work, to Pamela Cooke at the following email address: - pamela.cooke@watsonbatty.com

• Applicants must be skilled in AutoCad and computer literate. Revit and graphic presentation skills are preferable. 

• Applicants must be able to demonstrate experience in managing challenging projects as well as the ability to liaise with design consultants, clients and stakeholders.

• 3 years post qualification experience is preferable.

WBA to assist the Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum

Watson Batty Architects are delighted to be working with the Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum (ANDF) assisting the group in developing their 'placemaking' masterplan to map out the development of Aireborough to 2028. The masterplan will eventually be examined as a Neighbourhood Plan by the Government Planning Inspectorate to ensure compliance with Leeds' strategic local plan; then it will be voted on in a local referendum to be adopted as a legislative document.


The first stage of the project will see us assisting the ANDF map out evidence of issues, desires and ideas in order to create a vision plan by Spring 2015.

We were delighted to be shortlisted and eventually chosen as the groups preferred consultant having demonstrated our detailed local knowledge of development in the area. The group were also impressed with the range of disciplines offered by the practice as well as our ability to provide initiative solutions.

For further information please visit the Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum by clicking here

RIBA East Midlands Regional Awards

We were proud to support the recent RIBA East Midlands Regional Awards 2014. Held in the Newton and Arkwright Building, Nottingham Trent University, and hosted by TV presenter and architectural historian Jonathan Foyle, the prestigious evening included an after dinner speech by award winning architect Sir Michael Hopkins.

An audience of local practitioners, professionals, clients, executives and representative of the East Midlands construction industry, celebrated award winning projects across the region.  Our Managing Director; Peter White, presented the 2014 Client of the Year Award, sponsored by Watson Batty, to Derby City Council.

At Watson Batty we recognise the importance of our clients, some of which we have worked with in excess of 20 years. It therefore felt appropriate to sponsor an award that recognises the client as a key component in the success of a project. The sponsorship of the award comes following the opening of the Loughborough office 5 years ago with our Midlands base now having a number of successfully completed works with many more exciting proposals currently being developed.

Congratulations to Derby City Council and all those who took part in the event.

West Yorkshire LABC Building Excellence Success

Watson Batty Architects were pleased to receive two awards at last night’s West Yorkshire Building Excellence Awards at Headingley Stadium. Three of the practice’s projects nominations were shortlisted; Harold Wilson Court (Huddersfield), Student Central (University of Huddersfield) and STEM (University of Bradford) along with a practice entry for the Partnership Award. 

We are delighted to report that Student Central picked up the award in the Education category with the practice also taking the Partnership Award which recognises our commitment  to team work, the development of long-standing relationships and our co-operative approach to problem solving during the development process.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed towards the success at the awards. The winning entries will now be put forward for the national awards to be held in London on the 11th November 2014.

Watson Batty Half Marathon Team

On Sunday 12th May, the Watson Batty Running Team limbered up to complete the 13.1 mile course of the Leeds Half Marathon Corporate Relay. With the experience of 116 marathons behind us (115 of those by veteran runner Rosemarie Utley) the team and a well-planned race strategy saw the finish line in a respectable 1 hour 58 minutes and 01 second. We were pleased to be placed 12 out of 25 in the mixed category. 

A big well done goes out to: Alison White, Rosemarie Utley, Pete White, Claire Merrills, Andrew Grindrod and Nick Page as well as the supporters who turned up to cheer the team on their way. 

The Great Associate Bake Off

As the May Day Bank Holiday beckoned Watson Batty planned to get the extended weekend off to a flying start with a staff get-together over a few slices off delicious home made cake. The competitive side soon came shining through in the planning of the soirée and it was decided that the cake making should take the form of The Great Associate Bake Off!

It may be argued that the skills of Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry were lacking but the effort and enthusiasm was not. Joint winners Keith Southernwood and Catherine Blain managed to see off the competition of Scones, Ginger Cake and a Victoria Sponge with respective treats of Rocky Road and Chocolate Fudge Cake.

A great effort by all got the afternoon and weekend off to a flying start.

4 entry shortlisting for WBA in the West Yorkshire LABC awards

Watson Batty have had 3 projects shortlisted this year in the West Yorkshire Building Control Building (LABC) Excellence Awards 2014 with 2 nominations in the Education category. In addition to the projects, the practice is also one of three companies to be shortlisted for the Partnership Award.

The success follows a dynamic 18 months seeing a number of unique and exciting projects coming to completion from both in our Leeds and Loughborough offices.

In addition to the Partnership Award we have nominations in the following categories:
Education:    STEM, University of Bradford
Education:    Student Central, University of Huddersfield 
Restoration and Conservation – Major Projects:   Harold Wilson Court, Union Street, Huddersfield

Mark Sidding director of the education sector spoke of his delight in the shortlisting success saying;

“ This is fantastic news, a real testament to the quality of projects we deliver and the dedication and commitment of our staff in achieving excellence for our clients ”

The winners of the awards will be announced on the 10th of June at an awards ceremony held at Headingley Carnegie Stadium. 

Professional Success

Watson Batty Architects are delighted to announce the professional accreditation of three members of staff. Nick Page and Victoria Wood were both successful in becoming qualified Architects and are now seeking chartered status in becoming RIBA members. Both Nick and Victoria have been with the practice for a number of years with Nick's first venture at the practice forming part of his secondary school work placement.

Simon Collins also added to the success when he passed the CIAT Professional Assessment Interview to become a Chartered Architectural Technologist. 

Having seen Nick, Victoria and Simon through their studies, new staff members are already in place at the practice who we hope will achieve similar successes.  

Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park Shortlisted for RICS Awards

Watson Batty Architects are pleased to announce that the recently completed Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park has been shortlisted for 2 awards at the RICS Pro Yorkshire Awards 2014. The facility has been shortlisted for the Community Benefit and the Tourism & Leisure Categories.

Chair of the RICS Pro Yorkshire Awards 2014 judging panel, Colin Harrop, ‎Director, Jones Lang LaSalle, said: 

“I’m delighted to announce the shortlist for the RICS Pro Yorkshire Awards 2014. The awards showcase the very best in property and construction across the region. Competition this year has been stronger than ever - with 46 projects shortlisted, there is a lot for Yorkshire to be proud of. 

The shortlisting comes following positive feedback on the facilities since it was completed in September 2013 with John Senior, Estate Department, Sheffield Hallam University adding that the facilities offer; - “An extremely striking building designed to high standards. It was very warmly received on completion and continue to please all who visit” 

Staff Wanted!

Due to an expanding number of projects, we are seeking to appoint talented Architects and Technicians for both Scheme and Detailed Design. We will be looking to recruit candidates to join our professional and dynamic team, primarily in our Leeds office, although the position(s) will require working on projects throughout the United Kingdom. 

We would like to hear from candidates with a broad range of sector skills and specialisms in keeping with Watson Batty’s diverse client range and background. Commercial / Industrial experience would be advantageous for these vacancies. 

Delivering projects from our Head office in Leeds and increasingly the East Midlands office in Loughborough we are now utilising BIM on most new commissions. Practical experience of Revit is therefore welcomed but not a necessity.

Please click the links below for the details of corresponding positions. If you are interested in joining our team please send your CV, personal statement and where appropriate examples of your work to pamela.cooke@watsonbatty.com

Click Here for Architect Job Description

Click Here for Architectural Technician Job Description

Watson Batty go BIM

Watson Batty Architects are taking a major step forward with the introduction of Building Information Modelling (BIM) on selected projects across the practice. During the last 2 years the practice has made a significant investment in hardware, software and staff training to enable use of the computer software on some of our live projects. Over the last 12 months BIM has been used to deliver a number of key projects within the practice including the newly opened Student Central at Huddersfield University, the proposed Washington Leisure Centre and new foodstore in Chapel Allerton. Having used Autodesk’s Revit software on each project we have been able to bring the benefits of the BIM software into the design and co-ordination process.

BIM is a process of managing the information produced during the design and construction phase of a project in a single common format that can be utilised from the initial design stage through to construction, operations, maintenance and finally demolitions. BIM is set to become an integral part of the construction process and the investment that has been made by the practice will ensure that Watson Batty has the potential of bringing the benefits of BIM to both existing and future clients.

Associate positions announced at WBA’s Autumn Reception

Watson Batty held another successful Autumn Reception recently at the practice’s headquarters in Leeds. The event was well attended with the usual 2 barrels of Landlord’s bitter being emptied in record time.

The event also saw the announcement of a tier of new managerial staff being introduced into the business. Five Longstanding members of staff all with varied design and technical backgrounds were promoted to associate positions.. Ben Pickersgill, Catherine Blain, Keith Southernwood, Scott Lonie and Scott Lunn will now move into their new roles in helping support the business in continuing its success and expansion over the coming years. Watson Batty Architects have performed well in the recent period of recession with increasing workloads now flowing to both the Leeds office and the more recently established Loughborough office.

For those of you who couldn’t make it to this year’s reception we hope to see you in 2014 at our next event.

Movember - Month of the WBA moustache

In an effort to raise money and awareness of men’s health issues, 4 determined members of Watson Batty joined the Movember cause in growing  a moustache throughout the month of November. Strict rules of engagement, including starting from a freshly shaved top lip were adhered to by all volunteers as they all set out to create impressive and unique pieces of face garnish. With varied rates of follicular success the quartet raised over £250 for the charity with some members deciding to retain their lip warmer for the winter months.

For more information on Movember cause please click here

Spot the WBA Santa?

Christmas came early to Skipton on Sunday as 1200 Santa’s prepared for their busiest night of the year by competing in the Rotary Club Santa fun run.

Peter White, Managing Director is pictured readying himself for the event, following an intensive warm up routine led by one of Santa’s little helpers!

The race which has been run annually for the last couple of years is a charity event, raising much needed funds for Sue Ryder Manorlands, Martin House Children’s Hospice and The Yorkshire Dales Society.

As ever the race was well supported by ‘bemused’ visitors to the town and the concluded with hot coffee and mince pies!

WBA Phone line disruption on the 7th of November

We are making vital upgrades to our telephone system which means our phone lines will be temporarily unavailable on Thursday the 7th of November. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you wish to contact the office during the switch over please call us on 01943 871 448.

Howzat!

Watson Batty Architects ventured out in to the hot summer weather on Thursday last week for a game of cricket against GMI Construction. In keeping with the current Ashes summer there were many twists and turns over the course of the evening which finally ended in a comfortable Watson Batty victory!

Pictured above are Watson Batty’s opening pairing of Nick Page, Architectural Assistant and Matt Ing, apprentice Architectural Technician. Our sincere thanks must go to GMI and Wrenthorpe Cricket Club for their hospitality. 

If there are any other teams out there fancying a game then do not hesitate to contact Ben Pickersgill our fixture secretary!