SIMON SMITHSON
BA DIP ARCH RIBA
Director
Personal Profile
Simon studied at Leeds School of Architecture and won a national brickwork design award for his final thesis design for a new Leeds Playhouse on the Waterfront.
Simon gained invaluable site and practical experience at Leeds Federated Housing association before joining the John Brunton Partnership were he worked in both the Bradford and Bristol offices before joining careyjones architects in 1992.
Promoted to Director 3 years after joining careyjones Simon became responsible for many of the practices finest schemes, leading several teams through the growth of the practice.
Established think architecture+design with Jonathan Wilson in 2009 after spending 15 years joint working in practice.
Simons design and masterplanning skills together with personal commitment and passion have been key to ensuring the success of projects, together with the ability to work with and get the best out of others for the benefit of all.
Of particular interest is the application of practical solutions to promote low carbon footprints for the built environment with the benefit of lower running costs for the building users.
Simon takes an active role in the Leeds Chamber Property Forum in the Quality Places and Spaces Group, helping promote greater thought and realisation of public realm.
Simon other passions are the great outdoors and making things. When not enjoying our great countryside he is probably immersed in DIY or making furniture.
A recent convert to bicycles Simon cycles to work on a regular basis.
Projects
think architecture+design 2009 - present
Established in 2009 with Jonathan Wilson after working together for 15 years in practice. Growing portfolio of a wide range of work including office, masterplanning, leisure.
21 Queen Street, Leeds
A major refurbishment scheme of a 1980s office building, including the addition of two new floors of accommodation. The scheme substantially rebrands the building through careful design of both new and existing elements.
Strategic Planning Study
Involved in a future strategy review/masterplanning exercise for a major employment and mixed use site. The study looks to evolve the site into a variety of linked uses, with the potential for on site energy generation to form a truly sustainable future.
Hotel, Bristol
We are currently involved in looking at a 4 star Hotel in Bristol City Centre. Initial viability studies have been completed to understand the site capacity.
Xercise4less, Wakefield
A new budget gym chain.The Wakefield project opened at the end of October 2010, and already looks to be hugely successful. We are in discussions with Xercise4less on future schemes which will involve both new build and further change of use schemes.
careyjones architects 1992 - 2009
Responsible for the design of many of the practices major schemes for architectural, urban design and masterplanning projects including the following:
Olympic Spirit, Munich
A 100 000sqft visitor attraction celebrating the Olympic Games.
Princes Exchange, Leeds
A stunning signature office building in Leeds that set a new benchmark for the City
Wakefield Westgate KDA [ Merchants Gate]
A major mixed use project forming a new neighbourhood in the centre of Wakefield.
Snowhill, Wakefield
A large residential and commercial masterplanning scheme for this 120 acre edge of centre site.
University of Leeds
Strategic Framework plan Strategic framework for the main Campus setting out future development and improvement.
Alliance and Leicester plc, Carlton Park, Leicester
The Works, Leeds
A large mixed use scheme on a former chemical works site included an innovative solution to family housing.
Dean Clough, Halifax
Conversion of listed Mill buildings to Offices and Strategic Plan for the whole site.
John Brunton Partnership 1984 - 1992 [Bradford + Bristol offices]
Project Architect/ Associate Director involved in the design and delivery of a wide range of projects from sheltered housing schemes , mixed use historic buildings and site development in Exeter, workplace projects in Bristol, large out of town retail schemes & major urban regeneration projects.
Leeds Federated Housing Association 1980 - 1984
Project architect for both new build and refurbishment housing projects in North and South Leeds. Major project Marlborough and Blandfords HAA.
