International architect Gensler is expanding into property consultancy in the UK after poaching two senior managers from consultant Donaldsons.

Hugh Mulachey, formerly the head of public sector real estate at Donaldsons, will lead the division. He will be aided by Karla Damba, a former consultant at Donaldsons, who becomes assistant director of consulting.

Gensler, which has 30 offices worldwide, will now compete with surveying practices and management consultancies in the UK property market. The division will provide strategic land and property advice to the public and private sector. It will operate across Europe and the Middle East, which are overseen by the London office.

The architect previously offered limited land and property consultancy services in America but this will be the first time it has offered a dedicated consultancy service. A spokesperson said that Gensler would roll out the offering in the US if it was successful in the UK and Europe.

Chris Johnson, managing principal of the London office, said: “Establishing a consultancy team of this calibre in London gives Gensler an exciting opportunity to provide high-level strategic advice, management consulting and innovation to Europe, the Middle East and Africa and deepens our commitment to delivering financially sound solutions.”

Before joining Donaldsons, Mulachey and Damba were at rival consultant DTZ, where Mulachey was a director responsible for the business consulting team.

This is an opportunity to provide strategic advice, consulting and innovation to our clients

Chris Johnson, managing principal

Gensler, which has its head office in the US, has worked on high-profile international architectural schemes, including the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Its UK projects include Herman Miller’s headquarters in Wiltshire. It was recently appointed as design adviser on the Kent Building Schools for the Future scheme.

• Jones Lang LaSalle has acquired KHK Group, a property project and cost management consultant, for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition will bring the firm into the UK’s top 10 project management specialists by market share.

Established in 2000, KHK employs 54 people in Leeds and London. It will integrate into, and rebrand as, Jones Lang LaSalle. The group will be headed by Mike Tiplady, head of project and development services at Jones Lang LaSalle. Richard Houghton, one of KHK’s founders, will become its chairman.

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