Management buyout at JDA Architects

With founder Bill Jennings stepping back into a consultancy role, managing director Rob Henderson and directors Karen O’Reilly and Tom Kelly have taken ownership of the practice.

Jennings founded JDA Architects in 2000 in Manchester. Over the decades, the practice has grown to a team of 22. Projects have included Delamere rehabilitation centre, the refurbishment of the gym at Grand Central in Stockport, 23 affordable homes for Boswall Developments in Thatto Heath, and the conversion of Ollerset Hospital in New Mills into apartments.

“I’m really proud of how JDA has grown and developed over the last 24 years,” Jennings said.

“It’s a long way from our start in Irwin Street and I’m massively looking forward to seeing where the team will take us in the coming year – the practice is in safe hands!”

Of the three owners, Henderson has been with JDA the longest having joined in 2002. Kelly was recruited in 2004, with O’Reilly joining the team in 2012.

Henderson was optimistic about the future of the firm.

“Tom, Karen, and I are hugely excited to take the practice forward,” he said in a statement.

“The opportunities ahead of us are incredible and we are ideally placed to continue delivering for the clients and communities we are proud to work alongside.”

Among the new owners’ plans for the future are ambitions to become a B Corp and to further develop the practice’s services in retrofit.

JDA has offices in Manchester and Liverpool.