Cassidy + Ashton appoints experienced architect

Cassidy + Ashton has strengthened its architecture and design team with the appointment of architect Matthew Thompson.

Matthew joins the practice from Firth Architects in Lytham, where he specialised in the design of luxury residential developments, bespoke ‘one-off’ high-valued houses and working on residential projects including house extensions, renovations and new builds.

Based at Cassidy + Ashton’s Preston office, Matthew will cover a wide range of residential and commercial client projects.

With a keen interest in heritage and listed buildings, Matthew has extensive experience in designing renovations involving the adaptation of old commercial buildings for residential use or to provide a more contemporary purpose.

Alistair Baines, chairman of Cassidy + Ashton said: “Matthew is a valuable addition to our architecture and design team, and we all welcome him to the practice. Not only does he have experience in the residential sector and working on historic properties, Matthew has a highly technical background which is a great attribute to an architect’s profession.

“I am confident, with his impressive professional background, that Matthew will help to strengthen our design expertise and will support our continued growth and success across the region.”

Matthew has significant knowledge in conservation work, in particular working on residential projects in the Lake District National Park. His passion for working on old properties includes completing the renovation of his own home, a 200-year-old cottage in the Trough of Bowland.

After qualifying as an architect in 2020 following completion of Part 3 of the RIBA’s Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture, Matthew now aims to achieve his goal of becoming an accredited conservation architect. He also has a keen interest in expanding his experience in commercial property design.

He said: “I am really pleased to have joined the team at Cassidy + Ashton and feel extremely fortunate to be a part of a supportive and established practice with a very high standard of design.

“I take great pride in appreciating the precision of detailing and craftsmanship in my role as an architect and value the success of breathing new life into old buildings.

“I’m always learning and developing my knowledge across a variety of different sectors and disciplines and working at Cassidy + Ashton will give me the opportunity to expand my skillset and my experience as I further my career as an architect.”