Gillespies beefs up leadership team

Sam Hutchison has stepped up to associate partner, strengthening the urban design consultancy’s senior Northern operation.

In his new role, Hutchison will support the leadership team in Leeds and Manchester to drive new UK and international business, establish and nurture client relationships and continue his placemaking work.

Sam joined Gillespies’ London studio in 2013 as a landscape architect, being promoted to senior level in 2016 and becoming a principal in 2018, before relocating to the firm’s Leeds studio, where he was made associate in 2020.

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He is described as a highly accomplished designer and project leader who has played a pivotal role in several noteworthy projects, including the design of the pioneering 300m roof terrace at the new Google HQs in King’s Cross, currently under construction, and public realm and podium design of One Thames City.

Hutchison is also leading the on-site delivery of Stockport Interchange, and is leading the team to deliver a new public square in Huddersfield for Our Cultural Heart.

He also plays a role in Gillespies’ international portfolio development, having worked and led on tourism and leisure projects in Saudi Arabia.

Tom Walker, partner at Gillespies’ Leeds studio, said: “Sam is a brilliant leader and imaginative designer who has shown an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional projects that focus on enhancing quality of life.

“His projects are characterised by immersive settings and enriched by compelling narratives. He has also played a key role in driving new business and developing key client relationships for the Leeds and Hale studio. We are really proud to support Sam in this next chapter of his story at Gillespies.”

Gillespies employs around 115 people across four UK studios, with a 34-strong leadership team.