StudioJB launches to rejuvenate Preston's heritage

John Bridge, the architect behind the designs for the £3m Preston Market Hall scheme, has established his own boutique architectural practice, StudioJB.

Operating out of  The Artistry House at Winckley Square, StudioJB will work with developers and public sector bodies in Preston and Lancashire.

John said: “I led the Preston Market Hall project for FWP and I am enormously proud to have been involved in a scheme that has preserved an important part of Lancashire’s heritage while transforming it to ensure it offers contemporary facilities that will secure its future.

“Lancashire has a rich built environment, full of forgotten buildings that could be brought back to life in the same way. My vision for my studio is to create a practice that combines heritage expertise with contemporary creativity and pride in all Lancashire has to offer. To drive inspirational refurbishment and new build projects across sectors including regeneration, conservation, housing and education.”

John has been a chartered architect since 2011, after having successfully obtained a first class degree at UCLan and then completed the Bachelor of Architecture at the MSA (Manchester School of Architecture) whilst simultaneously working in practice, where he led a number of housing, healthcare and commercial projects, and was also responsible for the award winning design of Hesketh Children’s Centre for Lancashire County Council.

John says he is a keen exponent of contemporary design methodologies, including building information modelling (BIM) through the use of Autodesk Revit software. As well as innovative rapid prototyping and fabrication techniques through 3D printing, CNC and modular construction. John has even designed his own desk and workbench for his new studio, elaborate 3D curved forms that slot together without the use of any glue or fixings.

He added: “I passionately believe that we should embrace new techniques and ideas, both in the design of contemporary buildings that complement the rich built environment and varied natural landscape in Lancashire, and in rejuvenating heritage buildings to extend their service life for future generations." John aims to use the new practice as a means of creating opportunity for ambitious young architects. He is already working with UCLan to hire an intern later this year through the university’s Mentor Programme and plans to create a team of three architects within the firm’s first three years.