Will Freeman joins Wates from Atkins where he helped grow its London architecture practice from a team of 20 to 170 in three years.
He previously spent three years as head of design development for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympics Games (LOCOG).
Wates is looking to Mr Freeman to broaden its design innovation, increase early tender involvement and improve the quality of design information.
Mr Freeman said: 鈥淲ates has an impeccable reputation for the standard of its projects and it鈥檚 a team I am extremely proud to be joining. Early contractor collaboration in the design process is a vital factor in all projects and I look forward to developing the strong design skills that are already cultivated in the team.鈥�
Phil Shortman, managing director of Wates Construction London, said: 鈥淲elcoming Will to the business marks a real step-change in our approach to design management, which will enhance our team鈥檚 proficiency, advance our abilities to source innovative solutions and to be recognised as best-in-class by supporting our customers鈥� design aspirations.鈥�
Wates鈥� London project portfolio currently includes the extension of the V&A Museum, the development of Knight Dragon鈥檚 residential scheme at Greenwich Peninsula and British Land鈥檚 new offices at 4 Kingdom Street.
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