Andrew Sutton of Gaunt Francis Architects has been appointed Chair and Jonathan Jones of HLM Architects has been appointed Treasurer of Design Circle, the newly reformed South Wales branch of the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW).

The local RSAW branch reformed with the aim of providing social and architectural activities to the construction community in South Wales. Its activities include promoting architecture, co-ordinating continuing professional development (CPD) events, hosting informal social events and, over time, representing design and construction interests locally through acting as a co-ordinating lobbyist for construction design related issues.


"I am delighted to have been selected for one of the two executive roles within the local branch," Jonathan said.

"I hope to make a real difference to Design Circle, encouraging young people to consider a career in architecture and raising the profile of the contribution that architects make to the built environment.

He concluded: "As architects working across Wales on projects that are central to regenerating communities, from re-providing schools in Newport to delivering a new hospital in Cynon Valley, we know that we can make a difference. We want others to know that too."

Andrew also commented on his appointment, saying: "The re-establishment of the South Wales Branch as Design Circle - RSAW South comes at a time when Welsh construction has increasingly independent regulation.

"As such, Design Circle can not just support architects, but has a fantastic opportunity to galvanise the industry in to collaborative action with the Welsh Assembly Government to build a better Wales."

(JM)