The board of Aedas has announced its decision to separate the business.

The 12 offices in China, South-East Asia, the Middle East and the USA, will continue to operate under the Aedas brand.

The eight UK offices and the offices in Russia, Poland and Kazakhstan will operate under a new name AHR.

The demerger will allow both companies to focus on their respective strengths and will enable them to grow the businesses in different directions. The intention is that both groups will continue to work together on projects in the future.

Keith Griffiths, chairman of Aedas, said, “This move reinforces Aedas primary aim to provide international design services to the major world cities through our network of 12 offices and 1,400 staff.”

Brian Johnson, chairman of the new UK practice, said, “We believe that this is a very natural evolution based on how the practice has been operating in recent years and to all intents and purposes there will be no change for our clients or our 450 staff.”

The realignment of Aedas’ global office network is being made to meet the growing demand for major mixed use high density projects in key regions. The move is part of a strategy which reflects increasing development demand from the Asian market at home and abroad.

Also today, Aedas announced it has opened its relocated London studio at 65 Chandos Place in the city’s West End. This office will carry out UK and international work and act as a showcase for Aedas’ international projects, targeting overseas investors and developers active in the London market. Aedas has 1,400 designers expert in large high density Asian projects, with this London office expected to grow to 50 staff focusing on mid to high density international and London work.

A senior team drawn from Aedas' design leaders, comprising Keith Griffiths, Andrew Bromberg, Ken Wai and Max Connop, will oversee the London studio and will rotate their presence in London, bringing their unique high density mixed commercial expertise to bear upon the London market:

• Keith Griffiths, Chairman, has 30 years’ experience of design of high rise, high density projects in Asia and will be spending significant time in London.
• Andrew Bromberg, Director of Design and Aedas' signature designer, has created many award winning international buildings, and will be focused on the London and European markets, bringing his exciting and unique design skills in all aspects of design.
• Ken Wai, Design Director for China, will lead Aedas’ work for Chinese investors in London, bringing his substantial experience in high density, high rise design.
• Max Connop, Director, will be bringing his unique experience of Aedas’ airport and rail infrastructure projects.

Aedas is also recruiting a locally based Design Director with significant international built commercial experience in London and with a track record of London approvals.

Keith Griffiths adds, “Over the last ten years, Aedas has grown into one of the largest and most successful international practices, creating a global platform for creative excellence and completing more than 100 projects totalling over 100 million square feet of space. We are keen to be active in locations with increasing demand for high rise, high density residential, commercial and infrastructure developments, and recognise the long-term importance of international cities. The market for international design practices is changing as developers become international. Our realignment reflects this change by ensuring we are present in core markets for our global clients.”

Aedas’ business currently reflects the fact that 80% of global development and construction is taking place in Asia, and is also looking to increase its presence in the USA.

Aedas’ 1,400 staff provide architectural, urban, landscape and interior design services from seven countries with 12 global offices at London, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Macau, Singapore, Los Angeles, Seattle, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi.

www.aedas.com