Will Alsop quits his own firm

Will Alsop has quit the architecture practice that bears his name.

The larger-than-life architect will leave Alsop to spend more time painting and teaching, but will continue as a consultant to the Archial group which owns the firm.

The 61-year-old intends to hand over management of the Battersea-based Alsop to managing director Duncan Macaulay and other directors.

He told Building’s sister magazine BD that he would retain an interest in the firm: “I’m leaving Alsop but will be becoming a consultant,” he said. “I will still be associated with their projects and the promotion of their work.”

Alsop’s Battersa office will remain a part of the Archial group, according to Archial’s chief executive Chris Littlemore, and its work will continue to be branded with the Alsop name and logo.

He said: “It is a very happy arrangement for Will and for us. Will will be able to do more creative and artistic things, but will remain a part of this organisation as a consultant.”

Littlemore said that Alsop would be free to pursue other interests, which could include starting up another firm, but non-executive director Maxwell Hutchinson said he thought this was unlikely.

He said: “Every architect when they reach a certain age looks at how their firm will manage when they want to do other things. This offers Will a perfect succession strategy.”

Alsop won the Stirling prize for his Peckham Library scheme, and was also behind Transport for London’s Palestra building in Southwark as well as the Public, a community arts centre and attraction in Bromwich. He has recently seen the completion of his “Chips” apartments in Manchester for Urban Splash. However his plans have always been controversial, with his design for a “fourth Grace” on Liverpool’s historic waterfront running up against severe criticism before being scrapped as costs rose.

Alsop will reportedly continue teaching at Ryerson University in Toronto and the Technical University in Vienna and intends to spend two days a week or more painting.