Atkins poaches new architecture director from Arup

Atkins has recruited a new UK director for its architecture, masterplanning and urban design business.

Declan O’Carroll joins Atkins from Arup, where he worked for 27 years.

At Atkins, he will lead a team of 400 staff, developing the firm’s design capability in its commercial, residential and education markets.

O’Carroll’s previous roles at Arup included global architecture leader and business leader of its UK, Middle East and Asia region.

He also lectures at architecture schools including the Manchester School of Architecture, University of Bath, The University of Virginia and at the V&A’s Sustaining Identity Symposium. He was a committee member for the British Council for Offices’ Green Issues Strategic Review.

James Rose, Atkins’ building design director, said: “Declan will develop our business in the commercial and residential, and education markets, leading our efforts in transformative placemaking, regeneration and building design.”