Midlands’ Architectural Practice of the Year, rg+p Ltd has announced the appointment of a new studio director for Birmingham.
Jack Whitehead has become the practice’s youngest current director, assuming responsibility for rg+p’s continued growth in the West Midlands, where current projects include:
- £2m interior architecture refurbishment at New Oscott Retirement Village, part of The ExtraCare Charitable Trust’s portfolio
- £2m refurbishment and new build works to a portfolio of SEND college buildings
- 200 residential units in for planning across the West Midlands, representing £95m development
- 30+ roadside commercial developments
- 30+ Net Zero Carbon industrial units, representing approx. £7.8m development
- 78 MMC prefabricated residential units in construction
“Birmingham has a vibrant and thriving property sector encompassing impressive regeneration and infrastructure projects that are creating diverse opportunities to transform the urban fabric,” said Jack. “The city itself boasts a dynamic blend of historic charm and modern innovation, which from an architectural perspective is exciting as it allows for experimentation and evolution. As the newly appointed studio director for Birmingham, I’m inspired about the possibilities this presents. I am actively seeking to strengthen and expand our local connections, enabling us to continue making tangible contributions that transform the cityscape.”
Jack’s career with rg+p commenced in 2018 when he joined as a Part I Architectural Assistant in the practice’s Leicester studio. For his Part II placement, Jack moved to Birmingham, where alongside acting as project lead he also began assisting with day-to-day management.
Jack’s leadership, attention to detail and determination has not only helped his career develop, but also led to him receiving various accolades during his training. Most notably, these include nominations for the RIBA Silver Medal and AJ student award, and being awarded the Stanley Cox prize for best overall performance in the Diploma Professional Practice at Cardiff University, an honour Jack believes was pivotal in securing the studio director position.
Jack adds: “The Stanley Cox prize highlights my dedication to maintaining high standards and has laid robust groundwork for guiding the team in Birmingham. Having risen through the ranks, I know firsthand how supportive and inclusive rg+p’s work culture is together with the proactive investment the company takes to ensure its employees advance and excel. This is something I am committed to continuing in Birmingham. Through my role as a guest lecturer at both Nottingham Trent and Cardiff Universities, I can share knowledge with the next generation and ensure a pipeline of talent for rg+p.”
rg+p’s director, James Badley has mentored Jack since his first day. James comments: “Jack very quickly established himself as one to watch. His professional work demonstrates a creative flair, which was backed up by his academic success. Since relocating to Birmingham in 2021, Jack has worked hard to integrate himself with the region’s property industry and is a regular supporter of events organised by Colmore BID, RAC, FBE and BAA, so will be a familiar face to many.
“We’re confident Jack has the right balance of commercial awareness, connections and energy to lead the expansion of our Birmingham studio and look forward to a bright future for him and our business.”
Established in 2019, rg+p’s Birmingham studio is located just off the prestigious Colmore Row. Currently comprising a team of five including architectural and QS specialists, Jack is looking to recruit additional architects, architectural technologists and project managers. Visit https://www.rg-p.co.uk/careers for more information.
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