One of our founding Directors and good friends, Duncan Few, retires after 24 years at HFM Architects.
Duncan and Mike Montuschi first worked together at Ronald Ward and Partners in the 1980’s; they met again at BDP when Duncan joined Partner Chris Haddon to lead his multidisciplinary team to develop and build Henrietta House, which truncates the view looking north up Bond Street.
Chris left BDP in 1992 and formed his own practice in Marylebone Lane. A year later a recession lead to Mike leaving BDP and Duncan’s time being reduced; Chris suggested combining forces and Haddon Few Montuschi Architects was born.
Duncan carried on being involved in BDP projects as a sub-consultant; commissions included technical reviews of projects and specification support; acting as M&E services coordinator for the refurbishment of Brent Cross Shopping Centre (completed in 1995); technical advisor to the BDP:Dixon Jones joint venture for the rebuilding and refurbishment of the Covent Garden Opera House (a role that lasted 6-years); and architectural project monitor for Prudential Portfolio Managers investment in Bluewater Kent.
As the practice expanded (and moved to Margaret Street) Duncan grew our technical support, architectural due diligence and specification writing services.
Notable design development monitoring projects included: Bluewater Shopping Centre for Prudential and Hermes; Christ Church Court, Paternoster Square and Manchester Arndale for Prudential; Bluewater Events Space for Lend Lease; 10 Portman Square and 4 Kingdom Street Paddington for British Land.
Specification Writing support for large and small architectural practice clients includes: BDP; Chapman Taylor; Dixon Jones; PLP Architecture; Callison RTKL and John Pawson.
This work will continue with our team of specification writers and Duncan’s direction and support will be at hand as he maintains a part-time role in HFM Architects.
We at HFM owe Duncan a great deal as he has always been a steady and knowledgeable influence as the practice has expanded and traded through varying economic conditions.
The whole practice is delighted to continue to be able to call on his good advice over the next few years; but most of all we wish him all the best for an enjoyable and fulfilling (semi) retirement when he can spend more time with his wife Lesley and their Hungarian Vizsla, Gorky.