Ambitious Kim Mountford decided to combine her expertise in architecture and construction – and launch her own practice.
The 29-year-old spent a combined six years in the industries and eventually launched MODE Architects in February 2017 to provide a ‘friendly and focused approach’ to architecture and construction.
The company started off at an office in Etruria, providing a ‘one-stop shop’ for clients in the residential and commercial sector for projects including industrial units, offices and private houses.
But just a few weeks ago the business – whose services include concept designs, planning and feasibility studies – relocated to a bigger premises within Hillcrest House, in Wolstanton, and took on its first employee.
Kim, who lives in Leek, said:
“I decided to make the leap of faith and set up on my own. In the early days I spent a lot of time networking and eventually I won a few good size projects. There are a lot of people investing in the area at the moment, but it’s quite tentative with Brexit approaching, so I still spend a lot of time raising awareness of the brand.”
She added:
“There are lots of derelict buildings in the area and I am keen to play a part in transforming them and getting them back into use”
Over the last 12 months, MODE has been involved in a variety of projects within North Staffordshire and South Cheshire – including the new Beauty and the Bistro development in Basford.
It is also helping to support the Urban Vision North Staffordshire charity, which promotes urban and rural regeneration.
At the moment, the organisation is in negotiation with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to regenerate the former Fenton Library.
Since establishing her business last year, Kim said that being in a position to be able to employ someone is one of her most notable achievements.
She said:
“I took on my first member of staff in April and that was quite a big leap, but it’s been one of the things I’m most proud of. Being able to employ someone means I can start to grow the business and over the next two years I want to carry on bringing in new staff so we can work on bigger projects.”
MODE Architects has now entered The Sentinel Business Awards in the Start-up of the Year category, sponsored by Solidor.