Borkowska and Long step up at KKA

Architects Kasia Borkowska and Chris Long, who have each been with the Liverpool architect for more than ten years, have each acquired 50% of the firm’s shareholding.

KKA said that the change of ownership is in accordance with the 70 year old firm’s succession plan, and comes as a result of KKA’s previous directors taking retirement and pursuing other interests.

Among recent high-profile projects are the Robins High Performance Centre for Bristol City, a project that has garnered repeat business through the Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter, and a Hilton Garden Inn overlooking the finish line at Silverstone.

KKA is also arcihtect for a Hilton hotel at the £70m second phase of Rochdale Riverside.

In Liverpool, KKA projects include the LFC Flagship Megastore at Anfield and the new multi-story car park and energy centre within Paddington Village in the city’s Knowledge Quarter, which is set to complete this summer.

Borkowska, who has been with the firm for 15 years, joined the firm as an architectural assistant after graduating from university in Poland. She has since worked her way through the ranks to reach the directorship.

She said: “We are hugely honoured to have taken the opportunity to steer the firm to further success, with an exceptionally talented and creative team behind us. We look forward to further cementing our reputation as a highly collaborative practice that isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo.”

Long joined the firm as soon as he finished his studies at Northumbria University and Liverpool John Moores University. He has been with KKA since 2007.

He said: “Kasia and I are both very proud to lead the company in the latest stage of its history. Just as we gained invaluable experience from our predecessors, we’re committed to nurturing the exceptional talent we have at the practice, ensuring the next chapter for KKA is its most exciting yet.”

KKA, which was known as Kingham Knight Associates until 1999, is based at the Highpoint building in the centre of Liverpool’s commercial district.