The architect behind the celebrated designs for the £3 million Preston Market Hall scheme has established his own boutique architectural practice, StudioJB, in the heart of the city at The Artistry House on Winckley Square.
A Prestonian whose path to becoming an architect started at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), John Bridge has established StudioJB to offer developers and public sector bodies in Preston and Lancashire, a creative approach to architecture that combines respect for the county’s heritage with a focus on delivering projects that are sustainable and relevant for 21st century users.
John explained: “I led the Preston Market Hall project for FWP and I am enormously proud to have been involved in a scheme that has preserved an important part of Lancashire’s heritage while transforming it to ensure it offers contemporary facilities that will secure its future.
“Lancashire has a rich built environment, full of forgotten buildings that could be brought back to life in the same way. My vision for my studio is to create a practice that combines heritage expertise with contemporary creativity and pride in all Lancashire has to offer. To drive inspirational refurbishment and new build projects across sectors including regeneration, conservation, housing and education.”
John has been a chartered architect since 2011, after having successfully obtained a first class degree at UCLan and then completed the Bachelor of Architecture at the MSA (Manchester School of Architecture) whilst simultaneously working in practice, where he led a number of housing, healthcare and commercial projects, and was also responsible for the award winning design of Hesketh Children’s Centre for Lancashire County Council.
He is a keen exponent of contemporary design methodologies, including building information modelling (BIM) through the use of Autodesk Revit software. As well as innovative rapid prototyping and fabrication techniques through 3D printing, CNC and modular construction. John has even designed his own desk and workbench for his new studio, elaborate 3D curved forms that slot together without the use of any glue or fixings.
He continued: “I passionately believe that we should embrace new techniques and ideas, both in the design of contemporary buildings that complement the rich built environment and varied natural landscape in Lancashire, and in rejuvenating heritage buildings to extend their service life for future generations.
“My new studio at The Artistry House co-locates me with a range of creative talent, spear headed by Wash Studio. Including branding, marketing, videography and photography, enabling me to offer clients an inter-disciplinary approach if they want to push projects beyond the boundaries of conventional architecture.
“I see my studio not only integrating with this creative hub for Preston, but play an integral part of our Lancashire-wide creative ecology, that is at the core of the Preston renaissance. This will nurture our cultural heritage and our progressive approach to economic growth with architectural concepts that are dynamic, relevant and anchored in a sense of place.”
Alongside John’s commitment to contributing to Lancashire’s built environment and conservation aims with StudioJB, he also aims to use the new practice as a means of creating opportunity for ambitious young architects. He is already working with UCLan to hire an intern later this year through the university’s Mentor Programme and plans to create a team of three architects within the firm’s first three years.
John adds: “Preston has provided me with both opportunity and inspiration and I want to pass that on and invest in a new generation of talent. There is so much innovation in design and construction at the moment and I see this new venture as a practice that will embrace all of that while remaining firmly rooted in Lancashire culture and heritage.”
