HLM Architects Welcomes Simon Reid as New Studio Director in Birmingham

HLM Architects has announced the appointment of Simon Reid as the Studio Director for its upcoming Birmingham studio, set to launch this summer. Reid joins the firm from Lungfish Architects, where he held the position of Managing Director, bringing with him 15 years of experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams and executing impactful public sector and community projects throughout the Midlands.

The Birmingham studio will mark HLM’s eighth location across the UK and Ireland, complementing its existing studios in Sheffield, London, Plymouth, Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast, and Dublin. This new establishment positions HLM at the heart of one of the UK’s most dynamic regions, which is currently undergoing significant regeneration, ambitious decarbonisation efforts, and extensive investments in healthcare and education.

Reid and his team will work closely with colleagues from HLM’s national network, with plans to recruit architects, interior designers, and landscape architects. The goal is to build a team of up to twelve professionals within the first year of operation, focusing on sectors such as education, defence, justice, healthcare, and commercial.

HLM has already established a strong presence in the West Midlands, with significant projects like Three Snowhill, a prominent 17-storey, 420,000 sq ft Grade A office building located in Birmingham’s central business district. The new studio aims to expand this portfolio and enhance client relationships throughout the region.

Commenting on his new role, Simon said, “I’m delighted to be joining HLM Architects and to be launching our new Birmingham studio. The Midlands is experiencing a wave of regeneration and long-term investment across public services, infrastructure and placemaking. Establishing a permanent base here gives us the opportunity to work even more closely with clients and partners, to grow our regional presence, and to support the delivery of projects that have real and lasting social impact.”

Philip Watson, Chair and Head of Design at HLM Architects, remarked, “Opening our eighth HLM studio, right in the heart of Birmingham, is an important milestone for our practice. It reflects the momentum we’re building and the scale of opportunity across the West Midlands, from major health and education programmes to long-term justice, defence and emergency services estates. Strengthening our national resilience and deepening our regional presence is a strategic priority for HLM. Birmingham provides the ideal base to broaden our reach, enhance our framework capabilities, and tap into a new and diverse talent pool. As a Brummie myself, it’s great to be returning to the city, and we are thrilled to welcome Simon to the team and excited for the opportunities ahead.”