i2C Joins the Ryder Alliance

i2C has joined the Ryder Alliance, an international collaboration of like-minded, similar sized practices that share the same ethos and entrepreneurial ambition.

Our combined multidisciplinary experience will allow us to develop and provide great opportunities for our people and clients on a global level with a specific interest in research based design.

Background

Some 5 years ago through a chance introduction in Australia, i2C Director Anthony Merlin met with Mark Thompson, Director of UK company Ryder Architecture. Ryder are a 60 year old company with several offices in the UK and one newly opened in Hong Kong. Over time the three Directors Anthony (i2C), Brian (i2C) and Mark (Ryder) quickly found that their companies shared a common work culture; had complimentary business sectors and entrepreneurial ambition.

Around the same time the three directors shared their first beer, Ryder Architecture established a joint venture – that of the BIM Academy. BIM Academy was co-founded with Northumbria University in 2010 with the vision of creating an international centre of excellence for BIM, through the complementary activities of research, education and consultancy.

Discussions continued over the years until earlier this year, the two architectural firms supported by BIM Academy entered into an agreement to form an international alliance of practices with particular areas of expertise and an interest in research based design. Several other conversations are currently being forged with European firms that offer complementary specialism to the alliance.

“We are very excited to be part of the international alliance as it will allow us to expand our sector and BIM offerings, but it also enables a fabulous opportunity for our teams to develop their practice and project management skills in exchange programs.

Anthony Merlin (i2C Joint MD)

Visit Ryder Alliance Website

Further Information

Ryder is a UK based firm founded in 1953 with offices in Newcastle, Glasgow, Liverpool, London & Hong Kong; their key sectors are Education, Healthcare, Commercial, Public Buildings, and Residential. Heavily awarded for their architectural projects Ryder was also finalist in the Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work for 2014. (Visit Ryder here).

BIM Academy is a commercial joint venture with Ryder Architecture and Northumbria University formed in 2010 with the vision of creating an international centre of excellence for Building Information Modelling (BIM), through the complementary activities of research, education and consultancy. They provide services in Strategic Implementation; Project Services; Asset Management; Training.

Visit BIM Academy here