PLACE architects, based in Launceston, held a relaunch party on Thursday, October 24 as they welcomed clients, local residents and business representatives to celebrate the company’s new look.

The practice has been firmly rooted in Launceston since 1912, set up by Charles William Parkes Lees in Westgate Street as ‘Parkes Lees Architects’. One-hundred-and-seven years on, the practice has seen a number of changes — standing through two world wars, recessions and entering the fast-moving world of ever-developing technology.

But it was just two years ago that it was decided a slight modernisation was necessary. Under director Mark Kemp, the talented, close-knit team moved from their previous premises on Broad Street to Northgate Studios opposite Central Methodist Church this summer, and have changed their name to reflect their community-centred, quality ethos. PLACE architects incorporates the practice’s three main focuses — people, projects and places.

The company’s relaunch celebration took place in their new premises at Northgate Studios, Launceston. Many may recognise the space as the former home of Jerichos Kitchen, which closed its doors earlier this year. But with its light and airy atmosphere, this is the perfect space for the PLACE architects team to create outstanding project designs and revel in the inspiration of the Cornish setting.

The Post was invited to the relaunch, where we were greeted by office manager Jennifer Hawksworth. Jennifer told us more about the practice’s new look: “We were located on Broad Street, and moved here (Northgate Studios) in June 2019. The practice was based on Broad Street from the 1930s.

“We decided two years ago to change our image, but we wanted to keep the link to our history. At the same time we wanted a change of building, so we have had a full relaunch.

“We wanted to stay in Launceston and looked into all manner of places to go. Sadly Jerichos Kitchen closed down, but this was the perfect place for us because of the light. From an architectural point of view it’s a really fantastic space to work.”

The move to Northgate Studios is certainly a step-up from the company’s previous premises on Broad Street. Jennifer continued: “It was a four-storey town house, so it was not customer friendly at all, and as a team we were all on different levels, so we were spread all over. We wanted a big, open-plan studio, and this seemed like the perfect place.

“There was an industrial kitchen here before, which we have taken out and replaced with our own kitchen. Overall, it is absolutely wonderful.”

PLACE architects offer a variety of services to clients, from residential projects to commercial, such as Greens Cafe in Padstow — a brand new spacious, airy cafe space overlooking the water, beautifully designed. The team also has a commercial project in Crediton, meaning they cover a wide area and do not limit themselves.

With approximately 80 people in attendance at the relaunch, it is clear just how much support PLACE architects have from the community. Jennifer added: “It has been fantastic. We’re really pleased so many people have come along to show their support today.”

As guests grabbed a glass of bubbly — a choice between the alcoholic and elderflower kind — director of the company, Mark Kemp, addressed the party. In his 20th year since joining, Mark said the practice had seen 52 employees come and go over the years, many of whom the practice have trained up and spring-boarded into the architecture industry.

Mr Kemp explained that when he first came into the practice in 2000, he worked under Bob Platts who ‘bought the office its first computer’, and after being told his ‘time keeping was a bit lax’, he buckled down and learned from the very best architects in the practice. In November 2009, Mr Kemp took over the practice as sole director.

Following the installation of new 3D computer modelling software for the team, a new business plan came about in order to bring the practice into a modern world, having ‘a vision and a mission’ to ensure their architecture created ‘inspiring places for everyone’. This is when the practice’s main focuses became ‘people, projects and places’.

Mr Kemp said: “By March we stuck to our vision and mission and that led to the change of name. In June we followed our own vision, which led to a change of premises.”

In light of attention on the climate crisis, the team at PLACE architects have made it a priority to be more environmentally-conscious, exploring how the impact of building and architectural projects on global warming can be reduced overall.

He explained that the practice had experienced its fair share of challenges, continuing through two world wars, recessions and difficult political climates. “But now we face a new challenge, which is climate change,” Mr Kemp said.

Having joined the RIBA’s 2030 Climate Challenge, PLACE architects are looking at reducing the demands buildings make on energy, carbon and water.

With education, technology and the future in mind, it is hoped the practice will reduce its impact on the environment. Mr Kemp added: “Using education and technology, we hope we will create a better future for everyone.”

Mr Kemp then handed over to deputy mayor of Launceston, Cllr Leighton Penhale, who was delighted to be in attendance. He said: “It was most disappointing to the people of Launceston when Jerichos closed, but here we are, 107 years on, with PLACE architects helping the town and surrounding area to be so attractive. I’m sure being placed here provides some divine inspiration.

“One-hundred-and-seven years is some record, and unless you do things properly you won’t survive, so well done to you. I wish you, on behalf of the town council and the people of Launceston, continued success.”

Guests gathered around as Cllr Penhale, accompanied by town crier Rob Tremain, cut the ribbon to officially relaunch PLACE architects.

Cllr Tremain gave guests a synopsis of the history of Launceston and why PLACE architects is so well-placed in the centre of the historic town, adding: “Eat your heart out, Truro, we’re still the capital of Cornwall!”

Cllr Tremain concluded with a fitting description of Launceston, which will surely inspire the team at PLACE architects as they continue their success with their new office and name: “As I always tell visitors, Launceston — the centre of the universe!”

For more information about PLACE architects and the range of services they offer, visit www.placearchitects.co.uk.