North East architects Pod Newcastle is gearing up for continued growth with two new appointments to strengthen further its team.

Launa Cowan, 26, joins the Toffee Factory-based practice as a newly qualified architect, while Matthew Turnbull, 25, comes in as a Part II architectural assistant.

The move comes on the back of several large-scale projects such as the Callerton Park residential development, enabling the firm to ensure the resources and expertise are in place as it develops further in the next 12 months.

A graduate of Newcastle University, Launa brings creative experience in bespoke residential design and project management. She will be working closely with the firm’s strategic urban design team across a diverse portfolio of regional projects and clients.

Matthew re-joins after completing his Part I qualification in practice with Pod – he was so impressive that the firm sponsored him through the second part of his qualification, which he completed summer 2018.

He will be looking to develop his expertise and experience further across all areas of the practice, developing his project management skills and contributing as part of a small design team working on a bespoke affordable housing scheme in a rural north Yorkshire village.

Pod was established by Craig and Ruth Van Bedaf in 2007 to provide a range of project management and design services. It currently employs 12 staff and undertakes residential work, primarily with large regional housebuilders across the North of England.

Director Adam Lee said Pod is looking positively to the future and added:

“We are committed to hiring the very best people to support our growth and ambitions, so it’s fantastic to have Matthew and Launa on board.”

“They’re critical additions to the team, as we gear up for a very exiting 2019 whilst continuing to provide innovative design and clients with the highest standards of service.”

Over the last five years, Pod has doubled its team from six, while also growing fee income 100% during the same period. The practice works with leading housebuilders across the North East, including Bellway, Miller Homes, and Story Homes, while completing bespoke projects, which include individual homes or developments in sensitive landscapes and environments of historic importance. More at www.podnewcastle.co.uk