Architecture, engineering, and building solutions consultancy DB3 Group has announced a strategic change within their Cardiff studio.
In a move towards retirement, Matthew Savory, Cardiff Studio Leader and Director responsible for DB3’s Welsh business, will relinquish his role and step down to three days per week from the end of April.
DB3 have selected Bruce Massie, a Senior Associate Architect, to take the leadership of the studio. Bruce first joined DB3 (then Burgess Partnership) in 1996 as a Part II Architectural Assistant, qualifying as an Architect in 1998. In 1999, Bruce moved to London but returned to Cardiff in 2002 and re-joined DB3 in December 2004. This year will mark his 21-year anniversary.
DB3’s Welsh studios work with clients including NGED (National Grid Energy Distribution), Swansea University, Cardiff Council, Lloyds Banking Group, Museum Wales (Amgueddfa Cymru) and The National Library of Wales. Their focus on regeneration with conservation & heritage leaning has seen them involved in significant projects at Haverfordwest and South Quay, Pontypridd’s Llys Cadwyn development and a recent appointment to support the Welsh Parliament’s Pierhead Building.
The firm said that Bruce’s remit will guide the growth of the Cardiff studio, building a pipeline of projects in education, retail, energy, industrial and regeneration sectors. Supported by Richard Croydon – Senior Associate Architect and life sciences specialist, Hasviter Monkley – Associate Architect, George Waters – Retail Banking Expert, Iwan Thomas – Aberystwyth Studio Leader, and Matthew Savory. Bruce will continue to be hands on, managing the NGED account and a number of education projects.
Julius Steinert, DB3’s Managing Director for the South & Wales, said:
“Bruce has been a valued member of the DB3 family for many years, if not decades. We are pleased to promote him to Studio Leader and eagerly anticipate the impact he can have in his new capacity.
“We are grateful for Matthew's invaluable contributions over the years, as a Board member and Studio Leader. Matthew will stay with the business for another few years and will help Bruce to transition into his new role.”
Since their move to an employee-owned model in December 2022, DB3 has been working to shape its operations for future growth, securing involvement in significant infrastructure projects, such as the £1.2 billion North London Heat & Power Project and the £22 billion Xlinks Morocco to UK interconnector project. DB3 recently merged with London based TTG Architects to increase their capacity within the retail sector, which has already seen them working with new clients.
