Well-known architectural practice, P+HS Architects, which has its roots in Yorkshire and the North East, has announced that after 32 years with the firm – the last 10 as MD – Joe Biggs will retire at the end of November, and will be succeeded by co-director, Chris Dennis, with whom he has worked with and known for 40 years.
Following an early career in the south of England with a multidisciplinary practice, Joe Biggs has spent most of his working life with P+HS Architects, where he began his long association with healthcare. His first project was for Teesside Hospice, and, continuing along the healthcare route from that point, he went on to be involved in hundreds of successful projects – from small refurbishments to major new build hospitals and health centres.
Joe Biggs said: “I've been very fortunate too to have the opportunity to lead the P+HS Architects team for the last 10 years. Being a part of the business’s growth and seeing new talent coming into the profession is very inspiring. It's time now to hand the reins to someone else, and there's no person better placed than my long time co-director, Chris Dennis.”
Joe Biggs (pictured left and right, respectively) met at Hull School of Architecture, where they both studied for their architectural qualifications. Previously, with an early interest in the technical aspects of design, Chris Dennis had qualified as an Architectural Technologist, ‘a passion that has stayed with him throughout his career, providing a strong understanding and respect for good, buildable and sustainable design’.
Joining P+HS Architects in 1986, Chris Dennis has led teams in the business for the past 33 years. He said|: “When I first joined, I worked primarily on residential projects. Through the years, as the balance of our healthcare and residential work has fluctuated, I have been involved in both sectors with equal challenges and enjoyment; not just creating great designs, but designs that are also buildable and affordable. Today, the split across our work is pretty even, and we have built incredibly strong teams with specialisms in both healthcare and residential. We are increasingly seeing projects that encompass these two key strengths as housing and healthcare needs converge.
“I’m grateful to Joe Biggs and my other fellow directors for entrusting the position of MD to me, and honoured to take up the challenge. The company is in great shape; successful, resilient, and with exceptional staff across our three offices. I'm looking forward to building on the P+HS legacy of quality, design, and technical skill.