New design practice founded in Oldham

Studio KMA and Thorpe Wyman & Briggs Architects have merged to form 2³ Architects, or Two Cubed Architects.

TWBA, established in 1902, was purchased by Nick McGilvray in 2007 and specialises in education, delivering 50 schools across eight local authority areas.

McGilvray said: "TWBA had been looking for the perfect partner for a while and we've found that in Studio KMA. I'm very proud at what we've achieved but, due to health reasons, I'm less able to make and build new relationships out in the marketplace. The experience and reputation behind Studio KMA will allow us to focus on new opportunities. Ultimately we can deliver any architectural assignment regardless of size and complexity for both the private and/or public sector."

Studio KMA was set up in May 2012 by Andy Titterton, a former AEW Architects associate director. The practice led a number of large residential and retail regeneration projects.

Andy Titterton added: "Studio KMA was founded upon positive collaborative working and our relationship with Nick's team flourished during 2013. The unification of the two companies provides a highly respectable spread of experience and talent and TWBA's implementation skills and BIM technology has been a significant consideration for us moving forward."

2³ Architects will be based at TWBA's existing offices at Chambers Business Centre, Oldham. The practice employs eight staff including former regional director of Aedas Architects, David Holmes. The practice is currently recruiting to strengthen its existing team.