London Architectural Studios Closes

ABK, one of the best known architectural studios has decided to close its London office. With a presence in London for over 50 years the closure coincides with the retirement of the partners who founded the company, but is as a result of the office becoming quieter during recent years according to Robert Davys, director of ABK’s Dublin office.

No Plans to Close ABK Dublin

When Paul Koralek and Peter Ahrends, both founding partners, retired over two years ago, a separate company was formed in ABK Dublin which is still open. Employing ten people the company is involved with IADT National Film School, Dublin and the civil offices of County Roscommon Council which are both high profile projects. There are no plans to close ABK’s office in Dublin. Richard Burton, the remaining founding partner, has been retired for nine years.

ABK Formed after Competition Win

Formed in 1961, ABK began after the original partners entered a design for the Berkeley Library at Trinity College, Dublin into a competition and won. Winning several high profile commissions thereafter the company thrived.

Prince Charles’s Carbuncle Remark

One design in particular was disparaged by Prince Charles in 1984 when he referred to ABK’s design of an extension for the National Gallery as a “carbuncle”. At a time when the company was achieving widespread renown, this remark did have a negative effect on their business for a short time but they carried on and gained some lucrative projects in the design of the Moscow British Embassy and 12 new railway stations from Poplar to Beckton for Docklands Light Railway.

Notable Projects

Other important projects included their work on Dorset’s Hooke Park, an environmentally friendly Isle of Wight hospital which runs on low energy, and Kingston’s John Lewis store.

Commenting on the “carbuncle” remark, Peter Ahrends stated that the company had gained a ‘huge amount of work in Ireland over the last 25 years after the carbuncle stuff.’ However, Robert Davys explained that the comment made by Prince Charles had nothing to do with the decision to close the London office, whilst admitting that the 20 year old remark made some difference to business at the time but the company had survived and gone on to build not only the Moscow British Embassy which opened in the year 2000 but also several other projects in the UK.

Dublin Office Busy

The decision to close the London office was made in London when it was debated whether to continue prospecting for work or to close. Robert Davys says that ABK’s Dublin office continues to be busy.

Written by Tina Reeves, construction industry writer