Bridgnorth architect is joining an elite NHS band
A Bridgnorth architect's growing reputation in the healthcare sector has helped beat off competition from larger rivals to gain the firm a place on the NHS Framework.
Johnson Design Partnership (JDP), which employs eight people at its offices in Station Lane, is one of just eight practices to be approved by the Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Hospitals Trust.
The agreement allows JDP to be selected for a range of projects every year, including hospitals and medical centres across Birmingham, Sandwell, Wolverhampton and Worcestershire.
JDP has extended its reach in the healthcare sector of late, with contracts worth more than £2.1 million already under way involving the design of a simulation suite, tuberculosis clinic and a groundbreaking transport and discharge suite.
The practice is also working on maternity refurbishments and feasibility studies on patient circulation routes.
Founder Vic Johnson said: "This is the second time we have been awarded on to a significant NHS Trust Framework tender and, with 180 companies taking part, the competition was fierce.
"I'm delighted to say we were chosen as one of the eight architects and we believe we may be the only one in Shropshire. This puts us in an ideal position to win future projects that will be awarded until May 2015."
Johnson Design Partnership's technical expertise and its ability to use uplifting design to create stunning new environments, retail spaces and in developing practical solutions to boost treatment and wellbeing were well received by the panel.
To date, several prestigious hospitals in London and the Midlands have worked with JDP.
Andy Brierley, contracts manager at the Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "The Framework currently covers six trusts, including Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Hospitals, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and Worcestershire Health & Care NHS Hospital.
"All member organisations can directly award a contract or carry out a mini competition between the approved companies, which basically ensures a high quality and faster response to critical design and build projects."
Mr Johnson concluded: "Securing such a tremendous endorsement will hopefully raise our brand in the Midlands and lead to other high profile opportunities.
"If we continue to win projects, there will definitely be the need to take on new skilled people to cope with the additional demand."
