…Taylor Young hires ex-DPP Shape director

Mick Timpson, one of the founding directors of urban design practice DPP Shape, has joined Taylor Young.

Timpson was head of EDAW's Manchester office prior to setting up DPP Shape with fellow EDAW colleague Shelagh McNerney in 2009. DPP Shape is part of the DPP LLP group but operates as a separate business unit, focusing on architecture and urban design.

Timpson is perhaps best known for his work on the masterplan for Manchester city centre after the 1996 IRA bomb. He left DPP Shape in November.

In a statement, Stephen Gleave, managing director of Taylor Young, said: "We are all really looking forward to Mick being here , together we can win and implement fantastic new work. Mick`s skill and experience will bring even more opportunities to combine our architecture, urban design and landscape skills and to help clients deliver great projects."

Taylor Young is headquartered in Handforth with other offices in Leeds and Liverpool.

McNerney, managing director of DPP Shape, commented: "Building on the successful platform created in its first year, DPP Shape is adapting its presence in the development and regeneration market. It has developed a strong offer with regard to intelligent strategic planning, public policy, regeneration and delivery in accordance with real 'place making'. It continues to offer comprehensive urban design and masterplanning services as required by public and private sector clients. As a new enterprise Shape's business direction is responsive to market demands and what is needed in our towns and cities to make adequate progress."

Timpson was not available for comment when contacted today.