Seventy Years in Practice
SPACE Architects, founded in the North East, celebrates seventy years in business in 2026. The anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the practice’s history, the people behind it and the work delivered to date, while looking ahead to what comes next.
@70 Explained
@70 brings together a series of activities, conversations and outputs developed across the year. Some will be reflective, others outward-facing, but all are connected by a shared intent: to contribute positively to the places and communities SPACE is part of.
This year-long programme of events allows for reflection and exchange, not as a retrospective exercise, but as a way of understanding how the practice continues to develop through its work and collaborations. It is concerned with progression rather than conclusion, using this milestone to reinforce a thoughtful, responsible approach to architecture that remains relevant over time.
Seventy Years of SPACE
Reaching seventy years marks continuity within an ever-changing landscape. It speaks to the practice's ability to adapt, to invest in people and skills, and to remain relevant without losing clarity of purpose.
For SPACE, the anniversary provides an opportunity to recognise its North East heritage and long-standing role in civic life and regeneration. It also allows time to reflect on the practice’s contribution to digital delivery, sustainability and newer strands of work that increasingly inform how it operates.
1956
Arnold Shaw Waring and Leonard Netts establish Waring and Netts following their work in Newcastle City Architect’s Department. The practice emerges from post-war reconstruction, shaped by public service and social responsibility.
1958
Early commissions in housing and local authority work establish a reputation for reliability and clarity at a time of rapid national building programmes.
1963
The practice is appointed Consulting Architects to Morpeth, Wallsend and Gosforth Councils, signalling growing trust and regional presence.
1968
Completion of Montagu Court introduces a new level of architectural confidence to Gosforth, combining density, amenity and ambition in a landmark residential building.
1970
Avondale Court receives national recognition, confirming the practice’s standing beyond the region and reinforcing its commitment to quality in housing design.
1973
Bulman House is delivered as a collectively owned professional building in Gosforth. It becomes the practice’s home for several decades and a symbol of stability.
1979
Leadership transitions are carefully managed, ensuring continuity as founding partners step back and new voices shape the studio.
1980
Appointment to the Tyne and Wear Metro embeds the practice within one of the region’s most significant infrastructure projects.
1984
Blyth Community Hospital marks a decisive move into complex healthcare environments and establishes a long-term sector specialism.
1988
The Cadcam Centre for British Shipbuilders reflects technical confidence and a forward-looking approach to research and innovation buildings.
1991
A long-term relationship with Aldi Stores UK begins, introducing systemised delivery and efficient construction.
1994
Conservation work with the National Trust at Cragside and Gibside signals the emergence of heritage and reuse as a defining strand of the practice.
1997
A new headquarters opens at Balliol Business Park, Benton, marking confidence and permanence as the practice enters a new century.
2000
Strategic focus shifts towards education, public investment and partnership-led delivery.
2006
Major education programmes expand the practice’s reach across the UK, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted delivery partner.
2007
The practice becomes SPACE Architects, reflecting an evolving identity and broader ambition.
2011
National growth accelerates, supported by expanded digital capability and multi-office working. BIM and digital workflows are embedded at the core of practice, laying the groundwork for specialist businesses and tools.
2016
Spaceworks opens in South Gosforth, bringing the wider Space Group together in a shared workplace designed around collaboration and culture.
2018
Creative reuse and transformation of existing buildings become central to the portfolio, alongside continued education and civic work.
2023
SPACE Architects achieves B Corp certification, formalising a long-held commitment to responsible practice and business as a force for good.
2025
Alongside a number of heritage awards across multiple projects, SPACE received an RIBA North East Award for The Farrell Centre. The practice was also recognised as a three-star Best Company and named Best Small Company to work for in the North East.
2026
In 2026, SPACE Architects will mark seventy years of practice through a year-long programme of celebratory events and activities.
People, Planet, Place
The @70 programme is structured around principles that have long informed how SPACE operates and continue to do so today.
People
Acknowledging the individuals and collaborations that have contributed to the practice, while supporting learning, mentorship and engagement with the next generation.
Planet
Reflecting a sustained commitment to low-carbon design, responsible use of resources and the development of tools and knowledge that support wider industry progress.
Place
Recognising the North East context in which SPACE is rooted, and the role architecture plays in responding to its heritage and local communities.
Community
Working closely with our communities
@70 Programme
Throughout this milestone year, the @70 programme will unfold through activity developed with academic institutions, partners, SPACE alumni and colleagues.
@70 Launch
February 2026, Spaceworks
This evening marks the start of the 70th celebrations.
Making Space
Throughout 2026, The Farrell Centre
Lecture series on place and culture.
@70 Podcast
Throughout 2026, Archipod
Podcasts featuring conversations with alumni and today’s team.
@70 Summer Celebration
July 2026, Beamish Museum
A relaxed, family event to celebrate 70 years.
Our Gosforth
August 2026, The Gosforth Centre
Pop-up exhibition and guided walking tours.
Here, Still
October 2026, North East
Photographic exhibition of SPACE buildings.
Sponsored Cultural Events
Throughout 2026, North East
Regional cultural partnerships and events.
Beyond 70
December 2026, The Farrell Centre
A closing event exploring what’s next for people, planet and the region.
Alongside the main programme, smaller creative projects and a few surprises will take place throughout the year.
Further details and @70 updates will be shared via our quarterly SPACE Architects newsletter.
