RyderHKS joint venture becomes HKS Architects while Ryder Architecture continues to operate under own name

Architect HKS has become the sole owner of the joint venture practice it set up with rival firm Ryder Architecture.

The practice formerly known as RyderHKS International will now be wholly owned by HKS, and will be known as HKS Architects. Ryder Architecture will continue to operate under its existing name.

Since its creation in 2001, RyderHKS International has designed UK projects totalling more than 拢550 million in construction cost, including schemes for North Staffordshire Hospital, Kent Schools and Salford Hospital.  It is also the designer behind Liverpool FC's new stadium.

Ryder managing director Mark Thompson said: 鈥淭he joint venture has been hugely beneficial to both firms; however we have decided that it is now time to pursue individual growth and develop our business in different directions鈥�.

Ryder is in the process of setting up a new London office to add to bases in Glasgow, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Ralph Hawkins, chairman and CEO of HKS Architects, said the move would integrate its U.K. practice with offices in the US, India, Mexico and UAE. 

He said: 鈥淥ur focus now is on developing the office further as a base for servicing our clients in the UK, Europe, Middle East and North Africa offering our international design experience in healthcare, hospitality, sports, corporate, education and entertainment practice."