One of Liverpool’s highest profile young architects has been elected to represent the North West Region on the profession’s most prestigious national body.

Matt Brook, who opened Broadway Malyan’s Liverpool office in 2007, is one of two regional representatives who will sit on the Royal Institute of British Architects’ National Council for a three-year term.

The RIBA National Council sets strategic policy for the Institute and spearheads its work to promote design excellence and Matt’s election underpins his growing reputation as one of the region’s most innovative young architects.

The JMU graduate is the youngest Director at Broadway Malyan, a practice with offices across the UK, Europe and Asia. Matt Brook designed the striking Mann Island development on Liverpool’s waterfront, and recently unveiled plans for a new landmark “green” office development in the city at 30 Pall Mall. 

Matt was honoured by his election and sees it as an important opportunity to make sure regional voices are heard on the profession’s governing body. He commented:
“One of the great things about RIBA is that the Council has strong regional representation. It’s recognition that innovation and excellence are not just things that happen in London. There has been a fantastic architectural renaissance in the North West. This is testimony to the talent and creativity that we have within the profession in this region, but also the progressive and energetic role that RIBA North West has played in helping to raise the profile of architecture and the value of a good quality built environment. I want to repay the confidence that has been put in me by RIBA members, by advocating for the North West and ensuring that what is happening here is recognised and promoted.”

Matt’s election was welcomed by RIBA North West Regional Director Belinda Irlam-Mowbray. She commented:
“We have always aimed to ensure that this region plays an active and influential role at national level, and with Matt representing us that is sure to happen. He is one of the new generation of North West architects who has been transforming the physical fabric of our towns and cities with innovative and exciting buildings. I think he will be a great advocate for the region.”

Additionally, Matt has also been reappointed to the Northwest Design Review Panel, consisting of experts from a range of fields, including architecture, planning, development, urban design, civil and structural engineering, the historic environment, landscape design, and sustainability.

Design Review is a respected method of improving the quality of new built environment development proposals by offering constructive, impartial and expert advice to developers, planning authorities and regional agencies.
It is delivered by Places Matter!, the architecture and built environment centre for the Northwest, and  is entered into by agreement at an early stage in the development process. It aims to be constructive in its recommendations, and Places Matter! suggests that projects come to them at the pre-planning stage when there is scope for discussion and possible change.

 “It’s a privilege to be part of this panel which makes such a significant contribution here in the North West to ensuring the quality of our built environment. It’s quite a responsibility but one I take extremely seriously,” said Matt.

His role with the Design Review Panel has been warmly welcomed by Charlotte Myhrum, Design Review Manager, Places Matter!

“Design Review is valuable for allowing a scheme to be assessed by a wider group of design professionals with the aim of raising the quality of the built environment. As a respected, experienced architect, Matt Brook is an enthusiastic and supportive contributor to the panel, providing a broad understanding of design in buildings and the wider urban context. He is also an absolute pleasure to work with,” she said.

From 2007 to 2008, the Northwest Regional Design Review Panel engaged well over 100 schemes from 38 of the region’s 46 local authorities representing in excess of £1.5 billion of investment in the region. 90% of schemes reviewed made changes to design as a result of design review.

Places Matter! aims to drive up the quality of place making in the Northwest, providing support and celebrating success. It is delivered with partner organisations including RIBA North West, NWDA, CABE and English Heritage. For more information about the Northwest Regional Design Review panel, to submit a scheme or to attend as an observer at one of the panel’s monthly meetings in the region, contact Places Matter! on 0151 703 0135 or visit www.placesmatter.co.uk

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