One of RBDCommunity’s Eagle Lab partners is looking forward to demonstrating the work it does for the industry at Railtex/Infrarail, after doubling in size and taking on a major survey contract.
Manchester-based SEED Architects has designed new stations, interchanges, accessibility solutions, facility expansions and more for over two decades. Its work in the sector is carried out bespoke for top-tier clients, with sustainability and social responsibility playing a central role in their designs.
This experience came to the fore when it was asked to deliver an extensive audit programme for rail operator Northern. It is in the process of carrying out 200 surveys as part of work to ensure the stations are as accessible as possible for all visitors, providing its client with essential information and solutions.
Complementing this, it has been creating and updating maps of 465 stations, also for Northern, which will provide the most up-to-date information that people with disabilities can visit the operator’s website and understand how they can best access services on arrival.
“It’s no small task, and translates into a lot of information, but these projects are something we are very proud to be a part of,” said Seed Architects director Gary Seed. “It definitely helps that we have the agility of a small practice, but our staff expertise means we also have the approach and capability of a much larger business.
“Thanks to this work and more, we have doubled the size of our team since 2020 – despite the wider issues affecting the country. Our clients clearly won’t let anything stand in the way of providing well-thought out and essential infrastructure for all passengers. We are proud they want us to be a part of that.”
The contracts are the latest in a long line of architecture-related achievements which the business has been a part of, having worked in rail since 1999. During this time, they have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with major industry players – including everyone from HS2 and Merseytravel to Mott MacDonald and Arcadis.
They say the foundations of their award-winning work extends beyond technical knowledge. “It’s important when dealing with the level of detail we do to set out clear timescales and deliver with a down-to-earth approach,” he said. “That includes challenging every brief. Good architecture is about driving new ideas, rather than recycling received wisdom.
“All the while, you complement this with smart working – using your industry links and knowhow to negotiate better with suppliers, drive a more efficient scheme and save money.”
He added he looked forward to Railtex/Infrarail, which is at the NEC, Birmingham, from September 7-9. “Now that the very worst of the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be behind us, we are very much looking forward to getting out there and meeting clients old and new again.
“When it comes to Railtex and Infrarail, we have been to visit, but we have never exhibited. Now, we believe, is the right time – and the perfect opportunity to build new alliances in the industry.”
Click here for more details about SEED Architects.
Click here for more details about RBDCommunity’s Eagle Lab.
Photo credit: SEED Architects
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