Ryder Architecture merges with London practice JAA

Ryder Architecture is to merge with Jeffery Associates Architecture (JAA) with immediate effect, it was announced today.

Ryder, which has offices in London, Newcastle, Liverpool and Glasgow, said the merger with the London practice was a sign of its busy workload in the UK and abroad and would strengthen its position in the leisure, commercial and industrial sectors.

For JAA, which will now be know as JAA|Ryder prior to completion of the full merger towards the end of the year, the move will “provide a solid resource for clients as the complexity of its workload increases,” according to the firm.

One of JAA’s most significant current projects is the Hitachi Rail Europe building in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

JAA director, Tim Jeffery, said:  “We are fortunate to have exceptionally loyal and active clients, but as the scale and complexity of work has increased, I am acutely aware that it is our responsibility to provide a resource and knowledge base to match their requirements. 

“It is great to join a national practice with a growing international portfolio.”

Ryder’s managing director, Mark Thompson, added:  “The merger has a number of strands for us and is a very positive move.  Firstly, it adds depth to our London office with the addition of another skilled director who brings a diverse portfolio of work, entirely complementary to that of our own including international experience, which will further assist the development of our growing portfolio in China. 

“Secondly, in the case of Merchant Place Developments’ Hitachi project in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, it allows us to deliver what is a major inward investment project, working with Tim as project director to build on the strength of his existing relationships, but with the backing of our Newcastle office resource, which is considerable.”