Bristol-based StudioHIVE Architects appoints new director and head of studio.

Matt Scott has joined Bristol-based StudioHIVE after a career in architecture, urban design and masterplanning with some of Bristol’s best-known firms.These include Ferguson Mann Architects, where he led work on the creation of Bristol’s most successful mixed use creative industries hub at The Paintworks and had a key role in Lakeshore by Urban Splash, which was responsible for Lakeshore, the residential regeneration of the former Imperial Tobacco headquarters.

As architecture lead at LDA Design his focus was on placemaking, combining architecture, landscape and masterplanning. His last position was as an associate with Portishead-based Thrive Architects, working on residential projects of all sizes.

“The practice has been established for four years now and we are looking to win more work independently of StudioHIVE, whilst retaining our close links and collaboration on key projects. This is reflected in our subtle re-brand from Architecture by StudioHIVE to the slightly more ‘stand alone’ name of StudioHIVE Architects,” said Matt.

The practice – sister company to bespoke property developer StudioHIVE – is currently involved with the high profile urban regeneration project at Silverthorne Lane, part of the major Temple Quay Enterprise Zone near Bristol’s Temple Meads station.

The 12-acre mixed use site features new offices and student accommodation, plus 430 new build to rent homes and workspace, in partnership with Atlas Land and Singapore-based construction and civil engineering specialist, Woh Hup.

“The largest individual project for which I will be responsible is the St. Vincent Works, a Grade A, BREEAM Outstanding office building which sits central to the urban regeneration project at Silverthorne Lane,” says Matt Scott.

“The office proposal is partly within the shell of a listed building and while this will obviously continue in the months and years ahead, I anticipate that much of our work will revolve around residential and residential-led mixed use schemes, student housing and primary healthcare.

“This will involve creating new housing with SME and boutique developers and housebuilders, often on brownfield regeneration sites, which of course has been flagged as an urgent policy priority by the new UK government.”

StudioHIVE and StudioHIVE Architects are also involved in other mixed use schemes including the development of Weston-super-Mare RFC, transforming the site and providing new facilities for the rugby club, together with a new purpose-built NHS health centre and pharmacy, with a new clubhouse proposed in the second phase; and the proposed transformation of the former Battleaxes pub in Wraxall, North Somerset, into new offices, which will provide a new home for StudioHIVE and the StudioHIVE Architects studio, a co-working hub, a licensed cafe/farm shop and a small number of high quality sustainable homes.