Renowned architect Will Alsop, who has designed major intentional projects including the Glenwood Waterfront regeneration project in New York as well as buildings in Toronto, Marseille, Hamburg, Singapore, Shanghai, and throughout the UK, joins RMJM to lead the new studio “Will Alsop at RMJM.”
Will Alsop, the internationally acclaimed British architect and designer of the Glenwood Waterfront project on the Hudson River, is to turn his attention once again to the U.S. after announcing he is to create a studio called “Will Alsop at RMJM,” as part of the RMJM worldwide architectural firm.
Alsop has extensive international experience with major projects in Toronto, Marseille, Hamburg, Singapore, Shanghai, New York and throughout the UK, picking up prestigious awards including the coveted Stirling Prize in 2000 for the Peckham Library in London.
Although Alsop is to be based in London, where he will take up the pole position at the newly branded studio “Will Alsop at RMJM,” he will lead on projects worldwide by working with teams from throughout the company’s network – which includes offices in New York, Washington D.C., Princeton and Philadelphia.
After winning his first project in the U.S. in 2006 – the Glenwood Waterfront regeneration project that will transform an inactive power plant in Yonkers into a vibrant public space – he has particularly expressed his desire to build upon this initial success in the U.S. in his new position with RMJM.
RMJM, which has 16 offices around the world, offers Alsop the opportunity to once again work internationally. Alsop joins RMJM from Archial, to which he sold his own practice in 2006 in order to devote his time to designing, but which led to the closure of his North American operations. Famed for his bold and colourful approach to design, Alsop will now focus his energies on building a world class global design studio.
Alsop said of his new role: “Over recent years, I have come to admire RMJM’s vision and the way it has embraced the current economic climate by expanding into new and emerging markets and strengthening its offering through the creation of global studios comprising dedicated experts in key growth sectors.
“As RMJM is one of the leading architecture firms in North America, I’m particularly excited at the prospect of pursuing ambitious projects here by working with U.S. colleagues who have such an enviable reputation for high quality and sustainable design.”
“I’m looking forward to working with the new management team on taking the design credentials of the London office to the next exciting phase. The value of RMJM’s international pool of experts and the fact that it has licences to operate in key overseas markets cannot be underestimated. I’m thrilled to be working once again in a truly international capacity.”
RMJM Group Chief Executive, Peter Morrison, commented: “Will is a leading light in the architectural profession and we are thrilled to have him on board to head up our London studio, operating internationally. His passion, energy and approach to design coupled with his international reputation and experience will be a massive boost to RMJM.”
Alsop will be supported in his new design role by a recently appointed management team, which includes Miriam White, previously of Rafael Viñoly Architects and Foster + Partners as Operations Director, and Scott Lawrie, who has held senior positions at PRP Architects and Foster + Partners, as Principal.
RMJM has been expanding into new territories overseas in recent months, including new operations in Istanbul, Bahrain and Doha. This renewed investment in the London studio aims to reinforce the firm’s presence in its domestic market, in particular in the City of London, as well as continuing to win and deliver outstanding projects internationally.
