Four Architects formed in Manchester

Neil Dermott, previously associate at Cassidy + Ashton, has founded his own architecture practice in Manchester, alongside a former colleague Matthew Atkinson, and Leach Rhodes Walker project director Martin Birkett.

The trio are based out of Bruntwood’s Neo on Portland Street, servicing clients in the North West and Midlands.

Dermott worked at Cassidy + Ashton across its Preston and Chester offices from 2004 to 2018, and now holds the majority stake in Four Architects.

According to Dermott, Four is currently looking at projects in Cheadle, Salford, Lytham, Birmingham and London. The practice is largely working across the commercial and residential sectors, as well specialist buildings such as a mosque for the Cheadle Muslim Association. Outside of the North West, Four is designing a £50m mixed-use scheme in Birmingham.

As well as the three directors, Four is looking to hire two further staff in the coming months, potentially graduates from local universities.

Dermott said his focus was to “make sure 2019 is the strongest start for the business that it can be, while being open to our future and exploring what kind of practice we’ll go into.”