HFM Architects

One from the back end of last year; HFM are incredibly proud to announce that we have completed the entrance and signage upgrades at The Royal Exchange. Our project not only aims to improving accessibility but to also refine the arrival experience at this historic landmark. A new metal petal ceiling brings a lighter, brighter feel to the space while maintaining service access. At the primary entrances, integrated illuminated signage ensures greater visual clarity, while refreshed signage zones on the north and south elevations create a cohesive wayfinding approach. Improvements to the east entrance introduce a refined route with ramping and automatic glazed doors, facilitating easier access. Working within the constraints of a Grade I Listed building required a careful and sensitive approach — balancing modern interventions with its rich architectural heritage. We continue our collaboration with Ardent across The Royal Exchange, including developing future tenant design guidelines and further work across their portfolio. HFM Team: Emily Cater Nigel Clarke Dhruv Gulabchande (Including Maria Christodoulou in the earlier stages of the project who is now currently completing her Masters at University of Sheffield)

We are thrilled to announce that construction for the new surgery at Andover Medical Centre will commence in February. This project will transform a former office space in Islington into a modern healthcare facility, enhancing our capacity to serve the community effectively. For further details, visit: https://wix.to/qxHL5QS

We are excited to share the news that our client, Capital & Regional, alongside the Whittington Health, has been Highly Commended at the Building Better Healthcare Awards for Best Healthcare Development under £25 million for the Wood Green Community Diagnostics Centre. Actively involved in Project Management and Architectural reconfiguration of several areas of The Mall Wood Green, we are incredibly pleased to have been a part of this success. Thank you to Storm Building Limited for inviting HFM! Read more at https://wix.to/Ktpmu4Q

Pleased to share that NP+HFM Architects are participating in this year’s RIBA Mentorship Programme, supporting three students from London South Bank University. Building on experience mentoring students through Narrative Practice, we’re committed to continue guiding the next generation of Architects. We will be taking the students through a series of sessions comprising day-to-day practice insights, understanding of project team structures, attend a live site visit, ending with a one-to-one CV and portfolio workshop. #HFMArchitects #RIBA #RIBAStudentMentoring #Mentorship #ArchitectureEducation #FutureArchitects #InclusionMatters

HFM Architects are delighted to announce that our Associate Director, Dhruv Gulabchande, has been shortlisted for the RIBA Journal Rising Star 2024 award. This recognition highlights his outstanding contributions to the architectural field, not only through his work at HFM but also through his advocacy for diversity and inclusion. Dhruv’s journey in architecture is one of perseverance and dedication. Coming from a South Asian family reliant on the welfare state, he has overcome significant socio-economic barriers to carve a unique path in the industry. His commitment to social change is evident in his founding of Narrative Practice (NP), a non-profit that has supported over 700 individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. This organisation partners with leading firms and institutions to open doors for new voices in the profession. At HFM, Dhruv’s leadership extends across our retail and public realm projects, where his innovative approach consistently drives impactful design outcomes. His dedication to storytelling through architecture has enriched the firm’s portfolio, influencing the spaces we create with a focus on both people and place. Additionally, Dhruv is an active educator, sharing his expertise at institutions like Central Saint Martins, University of The Arts London and contributing to the professional growth of future architects. We are incredibly proud of Dhruv’s achievements and grateful for the recognition from RIBA. This shortlist acknowledges the remarkable work Dhruv has done to push the boundaries of architecture and social responsibility. We wish him, and all other nominees, the best of luck. For more on Dhruv’s work at HFM Architects and beyond, please visit www.hfm.uk.com

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 We are thrilled to announce that the Wood Green Shopping Mall, Community Diagnostic Centre project has been shortlisted for the Refurbishment Project of the Year Award at the 2024 Healthcare Estates Awards! 🏆 This recognition highlights the hard work and dedication of the entire team involved in transforming the space into a state-of-the-art diagnostic facility for the community. We're proud to be part of a project that makes such a positive impact on healthcare access and delivery. Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this vision to life. Here's to the final round! 🙌 ➡️➡️Read more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/ev-MmeNK #Healthcare #Awards #Community #Innovation #TeamWork

Hattie has joined us for two weeks of work experience, contributing to a live concept design project, getting involved in day-to-day ongoings as well as expanding her practice-based skills. — It’s been a pleasure having Hattie at the office over the past two weeks, as part of the BA Architecture Work Experience Programme at the University of Westminster. Working closely with her workplace mentor, Hattie has contributed to a live concept design project aimed at revitalising a redundant city centre space. Through daily feedback sessions, she has advanced the project from initial historical research and brief definition to the production of drawings and visuals. In addition to this, Hattie has joined several site visits, observed design team meetings, taken part in an informal guided tour of Stanton Williams’ Royal Opera House, and had the opportunity to present and receive feedback on her portfolio and CV. It’s been great having you, Hattie — we hope you’ve had a good time with us and wish you the best of luck in your final year! Harriet Cosgrove Workplace Mentor: Dhruv Gulabchande RIBA

We're extremely happy to share that Emily Cater will be joining our growing team at HFM as an Architectural Assistant, while advancing her Architect Apprenticeship at London Metropolitan University. https://wix.to/OZd2xxs

Guardian: NHS community diagnostic centres speeding up access to tests, survey finds. CDC at Wood Green Mall speeds up access to diagnostic tests, with 77% of services reaching North Central London’s most deprived communities. The NHS Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at The Mall Wood Green, designed by HFM Architects, is playing a crucial role in reducing diagnostic wait times in North Central London. Opened in 2022, this CDC has ensured that only 9% of patients wait longer than six weeks for tests — significantly lower than the national average of 21%. Located in a busy shopping centre, the centre has improved healthcare access, particularly for the most deprived communities, with 77% of tests performed on patients from these groups. Healthwatch England’s survey revealed that 87% of patients had a positive experience, appreciating the speed, accessibility, and quality of care. The Wood Green CDC is part of the NHS’s broader effort to boost diagnostic capacity, with 7 million tests provided across England so far, and aims to reach 9 million by next year. The full Guardian article can be found at: https://lnkd.in/e9NTrkaq Capital & Regional Whittington Health Andrea Craig

As part of South Asian Heritage Month, we're spotlighting trailblazing built environment professionals and asking what #FreeToBeMe means to them. "'Free to be me' aligns with a broader need within our communities to embrace and celebrate diversity. Historically, the field has been dominated by certain demographics, often overlooking the rich contributions of those from varied backgrounds. In teaching and professional practice, I advocate for the exploration of personal narratives and cultural contexts, as I have done, urging young people to draw inspiration from their own experiences and backgrounds. This not only reinforces their own design practice but also challenges the homogeneity too often found in architectural discourse. By creating an environment where individuality is valued and mutual respect is emphasised, we can help build confidence for others’ professional journeys." - Dhruv Gulabchande, Associate Director at HFM Architects and Founder and Director at Narrative Practice. ➡️ Find out more about Dhruv: https://ow.ly/CY6A50T2QHG #SouthAsianHeritageMonth #SAHM