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Mark Middleton, Dundee Alumni

Photograph of Mark Middleton, Architecture, University of Dundee

'Our tendency to employ Dundee graduates can be put down to the studio-based system operated by the School, which I believe is essential in preparing students for practice in the real world.'

Mark Middleton, Partner, Grimshaw Architects & Dundee Alumni

Position & responsibilities

I am a Partner at Grimshaw, an international architectural practice with four offices in London, New York, Melbourne and Sydney and a global staff of 350. I helped to develop Grimshaw's global network of offices by establishing a presence in New York and Melbourne whilst working on projects in each location. As Partner I am responsible for exploring new work opportunities for the practice.

Having progressed at Grimshaw from package architect, I have acted as design lead on a number of wide-ranging schemes, including the concept design of our first Australian transport project - Southern Cross Station in Melbourne - which won the 2007 Lubetkin Prize.

How did Dundee prepared you for life in architecture?

As well as developing my talent and my creativity, Dundee prepared me for life in practice in three ways. First, the studio environment at the School provided me with an insight into what is real practice and everyday life for qualified architects. Second, the course was not just focused on design. Its balanced teaching of design and technical issues has proven to be invaluable to me in practice. Finally, the group work aspect of learning - a strong focus at Dundee - again pre-empts what students can expect when they enter the workplace and develops the skills necessary to progress in the field.

How do Dundee graduates compare against other applicants?

Grimshaw has an interesting history of employing graduates from Dundee. One-tenth of the qualified architects in the London office - including three who are on the practice's letterhead - earned their stripes at the School.

Our tendency to employ Dundee graduates can be put down to the studio-based system operated by the School, which I believe is essential in preparing students for practice in the real world. We also find that Dundee graduates have a degree of realism; they're not just talented, they're also committed. In their time at Dundee they acquire a broad range of skills, are primed for the workplace and industry and, above all, become extremely well-rounded individuals. I think that this is why Dundee graduates tend to stand out from their peers.

Key Projects

Southern Cross Station
Mark led the team through the PPP competition and scheme design, right up to the final offer stage. At this point the team moved to Melbourne, with Mark remaining as concept guardian until completion. The project won the RIBA Lubetkin Prize in 2007.
Pulkovo Airport
Mark led the concept guardian team for the design of a new £450m Pulkovo 2 International Terminal in St Petersburg and was responsible for ensuring that the design intent of Grimshaw's competition-winning design proposals were retained throughout its development by an executive architectural team.
Reading Station
Mark is Partner in Charge of this £120m station enhancement scheme, a key transport hub connecting London and the west of England. Mark has led the project from initial option development and appraisal to the present.
Paddington Station
Mark was responsible for the scheme and concept design of the £42m Paddington redevelopment.
Thermae Bath Spa
Mark led the team for the design of this leisure project, which consisted of a contemporary intervention, alongside the sensitive restoration work of five listed buildings, in the centre of the Bath UNESCO World Heritage site.
Newport Station
Mark is Partner in Charge of this £16m landmark development.

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