Atelier MB appoints heritage specialist

The Manchester-based urban architect has hired Laura Jessup as heritage consultant as part of the launch of a heritage division.

Jessup specialises in research, significance assessments and heritage statements for historic buildings.

She previously advised Atelier MB on a freelance basis, prior to which she worked as a project officer at Heritage Works Buildings Preservation Trust, and in the development team of Urban Splash.

Previous projects include options appraisal reports for Ancoats Dispensary and Winstanley Hall and several grant-funded research studies.

Atelier Heritage is advising Salford City Council on the grade 2-listed Collier Street Baths and is working on a number of research reports and heritage statements for schemes in Manchester and Liverpool.

Ray Makin, chairman of Atelier MB said: "We are excited to have Laura on the team and to be developing a new side of the business. We love to design new buildings, but with over half our workload on listed buildings or those in conservation areas, it makes sense for us to have a heritage specialist in-house. Atelier Heritage can now offer that service to other architects, planners and professionals when they need some expertise and advice for dealing with historic buildings."