Fond Farewell... Derek Hoad and Les Hodgson retire after 73 collective years
26th May 2009
TWO of the North’s architectural practitioners are retiring after amassing a total of 73 years in the industry.
Les Hodgson and Derek Hoad are retiring as partners and directors of the award-winning Browne Smith Baker practice. They will bid farewell to colleagues, clients and peers at an event on Thursday.
Browne Smith Baker has four offices in Newcastle, Darlington, Leeds and Hull, and employs over 55 people. It has been providing architectural and masterplanning services, including urban design, project management, visualisation and community engagement for over 115 years.
Les has been with Browne Smith Baker since 1972, with projects including the Hebburn Village Regeneration Project – the biggest of its time, the Grade II Listed Framlington Place in Newcastle and Mariners Point at Tynemouth. Although retiring, Les will continue to work with the practice as a consultant.
He was a key player in the company’s expansion to the four current offices and in the development of its services to include structural engineering, planning, interior design and project management services through investment in associated consultancies. He was also responsible for the development of the student accommodation and commercial specialisations of Browne Smith Baker.
Les said: “My philosophy has always been to expand the business and generally I have been blessed with partners who have always come along with the concept over the years.
”Browne Smith Baker’s ability to adapt has always been its strength. I have been around at a time when there has been a huge culture shift in architectural input; we have had to adapt to it and that’s what the strength of the practice continues to be.”
Derek was based in Hull, and oversaw the growth of that office over his 36 years with Browne Smith Baker.
He led the regeneration of Victoria Dock in Hull, acted as planning supervisor for The Deep in Hull and worked with Riverside Group to deliver hospitals in Hull and Middlesbrough.
He added: “We have gone through a massive area of change and we had to redefine our jobs to some extent.
“I brought computers into the practice and drove that development, which changed the way we work dramatically.
“We have always tried to champion design and the high quality of the work we do and hopefully that comes through.”
The practice is now gaining recognition for its innovative design solutions for sustainable developments and is part of the consortium behind homes designed to Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes in Peterborough – only the second location where this standard of sustainable living is being delivered.
The practice operates across all sectors including large-scale regeneration and masterplanning, sustainability, residential, education, health, leisure, commercial and industrial and retail developments.
Partner and Director Guy Holmes, who hosted the event on behalf of Browne Smith Baker, said Les and Derek would be missed by many.
“Les and Derek have left a considerable legacy across the north east, and we sure they will be remembered both for their work and for their personalities.
“They contributed a wealth of experience and knowledge to Browne Smith Baker and our clients, and the practice is all the better for it.
“Today is a ‘new beginning’ for Les and Derek, and we wish them well.”
Les and Derek were presented with gifts at a party in Newcastle to celebrate their careers with Browne Smith Baker.
For photographs of the evening go to
https://www.brownesmithbaker.com/Gallery.asp?gallery=Les%20and%20Derek
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