The board of directors at the acclaimed architectural firm, Race Cottam Associates (RCA), has undergone a reorganization in order to spearhead the next phase of growth as the company commemorates its 30th anniversary.
Paul Foster has been elevated from associate director to director, while Laurie Cottam has assumed the position of Managing Director (MD) following the transition of current MD, David Speddings, into a senior design lead role. The roles of Pauline Lake, director responsible for business development, and David Cottam, chairman, will remain unchanged.
In describing the board’s reorganization, Laurie Cottam explains, “This meticulously planned reshuffling of our Board aims to realize our growth vision and, more importantly, ensure a seamless business continuity.” He emphasizes that David Speddings, who has been a familiar presence to RCA clients for nearly three decades, will continue to serve as the company’s design quality champion, imparting his expertise in advanced manufacturing, industrial, and energy sectors to mentor the next generation.
Likewise, as RCA’s work in healthcare has experienced significant momentum, it was only fitting to acknowledge and reward Paul’s substantial contributions with this promotion. Paul, a well-regarded and proactive industry ambassador, is best suited to lead this growth and uphold our position as an eminent authority in healthcare design.
Furthermore, Pauline will continue to lead our education initiatives and drive sustainability efforts, bolstering our credentials and advancing business development. With this well-coordinated team, we have full confidence in steering RCA into its next 30 years,” Laurie concludes.
In recent times, RCA has achieved substantial success. Notably, their project for Hull Royal Infirmary’s new main entrance and paediatrics department earned the prestigious Award for Design Excellence at the national Planning Awards 2023.
In the field of education, RCA has secured a position on the University of Nottingham’s design consultancy framework, and both St Anne’s SEN School in Hessle and CAPA College in Wakefield have been shortlisted for the upcoming Education Estates Awards.
Moreover, the firm’s work in industrial and new infrastructure spheres continues to flourish, as evidenced by the recent acquisition of planning permission for Smith + Nephew’s flagship manufacturing and R&D facility. Additionally, the completion of the fifth phase at AESSEAL’s precision engineering factory in Rotherham is imminent.
Highlighting these accomplishments, Laurie affirms, “Our team’s talent and creativity have played a pivotal role in these continuous triumphs. As the guardian of the RCA brand, I am immensely proud, and the recent changes in our Board ensure sustainable growth for generations to come.”
