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NEWS APPOINTMENTS BDP appoints Zucchi as chair
BDP, self-styled “original multidisciplinary house of design,” has appointed Benedict Zucchi as chair, effective from 1 July, succeeding Chris Harding after nearly a decade in the role.
The appointment comes at a time of continued evolution for the global practice, as it responds to increasingly complex social, environmental and economic challenges through design.
Benedict brings more than 30 years’ experience at BDP and “is recognised as one of the practice’s most respected design leaders,” said the fi rm. His work spans healthcare, education, housing and major masterplanning projects across the UK and internationally, including landmark buildings such as Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, Brighton, and the new National Children’s Hospital in Dublin. His approach to design has been shaped by a belief that architecture should “improve everyday life, bringing together disciplines, listening to communities and creating places that respond to people and place.” These ideas are refl ected in his recent book, Big House, Little City, which offers a compelling approach to the design of projects within an ecological perspective:
NEW STUDIO
CPMG opens Leeds studio to strengthen northern presence
Architecture and interior design practice CPMG has “invested in its commitment to supporting clients in the north of England,” through the opening of a new studio in Leeds. Two existing CPMG directors with
strong Yorkshire links “have fulfi lled long- held ambitions to expand the practice northwards,” and will lead the expansion, the practice commented. Associate director Alex Walker will head up the new studio in Park Square, with support from Nick Gregory and fellow directors.
The new studio aims to build on CPMG’s core strengths in the education, healthcare, residential and industrial sectors, strengthen ties with existing clients, and form new relationships in the region. With UK studios in Nottingham, London and Birmingham – as well as international hubs in China and India – for more than 30 years, “CPMG has been designing buildings that prioritise human needs, support growing communities, and embrace sustainability and innovation.”
the sense that big and small, cities and buildings must be approached holistically. “Throughout his career, Benedict has been a strong advocate for multidisciplinary working and architecture as a civic art,” said BDP. Alongside Chris Harding, he recently co-authored the Guiding Principles of Good Design, “reaffi rming values that have shaped BDP since its foundation: socially progressive thinking, collaboration across disciplines and commitment to creating places that stand the test of time.” These principles continue to underpin BDP’s ambition to design a world that is “built for good.”
Benedict will lead the principal group and work closely with the chief executive to support strategy, governance and collaboration across the practice. He will also drive business development, strengthen connections across global studios and reinforce the creative culture that underpins the next generation of BDP’s projects. Benedict succeeds Chris Harding, who steps down following almost 10 years as chair and more than four decades with the practice. During his tenure, Chris helped guide a signifi cant period of change and growth across BDP, including the development of The Good City initiative
Benedict Zucchi
and most recently the launch of the practice’s new brand. His design leadership also contributed to major projects including the Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster, the adaptive reuse of the History Faculty Library at the University of Cambridge and many award-winning education projects. “Benedict’s appointment refl ects both continuity and ambition, reinforcing BDP’s founding ethos while positioning the practice to address the future through collaborative, people-centered and innovative design.”
Pictured (L-R): Alex Walker and Nick Gregory
CPMG is already undertaking projects in the region and is on site with new schools in the north east, having recently completed a purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Durham.
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ADF JUNE 2026
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