
The Lincoln-based architectural and interior design practice, Simons Design Ltd, enjoyed a successful 2024 that included the winning of a prestigious LABC (Local Authority Building Control) Award. The recognition highlighted the firm’s exceptional work on a cutting-edge pharmaceutical manufacturing facility for GSK, the global healthcare company.
“The award is excellent recognition not only for our team but also for the client as well,” explains Phil Roe, Managing Director. “To get praise from an external body really underlines the quality that we adhere to in terms of building control and has been a nice opportunity to showcase some of the work that we do, which would otherwise have remained quite hidden because of the nature of the industry.”
The award-winning project is a tablet manufacturing building for GSK, located on a constrained site with ongoing business operations. The facility spans approximately 6,500 sq m over three floors and is designed to produce new oncology and HIV treatments. Simons Design was appointed in September 2020 to undertake the scheme design and oversee the project through its various stages.
One of the key challenges of the project was the use of modular building techniques. The top floor of the facility is composed of 39 modules of varying sizes, which house the main plant. This innovative approach required meticulous coordination with the modular build team and services teams to ensure seamless integration with the building’s fabric. The constrained site and the need to minimise on-site activities further complicated the project, making off-site fabrication a crucial strategy.
The success of the project can be attributed to the collaborative approach adopted by Simons Design and its partners. The project followed an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) process, where the client appointed multiple partners, including Simons Design for architectural and structural design. This collaborative environment facilitated the development of a comprehensive 3D BIM model, ensuring precise coordination of the building’s mechanical and electrical services.
Founded in 1972, Simons Design has built a reputation for its expertise in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. Over the past 30 years, the company has specialised in designing state-of-the-art facilities that meet the stringent requirements of these industries. The recent LABC award win is a prime example of its capability to deliver complex and high-quality designs.
Looking ahead as it moves into 2025, Simons Design aims to continue expanding its portfolio in the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries while also diversifying into new sectors. “We’re finding the general market to be quite cautious at the moment,” outlines Mr Roe. “The opportunities are there, they’re just taking a bit longer to get to site. The change in government has been a factor so we’re confident that the overall picture will improve once the situation settles down.”
As positivity returns, and with a strong focus on client relationships and continuous improvement, Simons Design remains well-positioned to tackle future challenges and achieve further success.