News 07/07/2025
Recognising Emerging Talent: James Banham’s Promotion 
About Us
Inside a UMC Architects Drawing
We’re more than just your go-to Purveyors of PDFs – behind every drawing is expert precision and creative clarity.
UMC at a glance
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Offices across the UK
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Years in practice
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Talented designers
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Projects completed
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Acres masterplanned
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Floor space delivered
Milestones and Achievements
What has shaped our journey.
Client approvals, project completions, awards, and strategic partnerships drive our growth, but it’s also the dedication and achievements of our team that fuel our success.
2012
- Doug Unkles & Graham McMorran establish UMC Architects with a Newark office, dedicated to serving the industrial sector.
- Matthew Salanyk and Matthew Duffin join as Directors, bringing further expertise and leadership to UMC Architects.
- The construction of a 1 million ft² IKEA unit in Dubai was officially underway.
2013
- Completion of first DPD satellite hub in Cardiff as part of UK wide roll out programme.
- The Newark Office’s momentum continued, welcoming fresh talent to strengthen the team.
2014
- UMC listed as No. 1 UK Industrial Architect by Barbour ABI
- Completion of first project in Scotland whilst coordinating the building warrant process.
- Completion of new logistics facility for Airwair Dr Martens at Warth Park Raunds.
- UMC achieve ISO 9001 Quality Management System accreditation.
2015
- 4.5 million ft² designed and coordinated on sites to date by UMC Architects
- Works commence at strategic development site Worcester Six.
- Completion of new cross dock facility for third party logistics company DSV at Warth Park Raunds.
- UMC recruit first graduate for year in practice.
2016
- UMC opens Manchester Office.
- Completion of Euro Car Parts, Distribution & Logistics Facility in Tamworth.
- UMC support RIBA Future Architects mentoring scheme.
- Completion of Rail Operating Centre for Network Rail in Romford.
2017
- Management team expanded as Gary Hauton is promoted to Director.
- Planning permission secured for Howdens Joinery ‘Megashed’ at Warth Park following JR appeal.
- Completion of first retail project for ASDA in Raunds.
2018
- We celebrated the expansion of our Newark Office to 40 staff and the growth of our Manchester Office to 5 staff—exciting milestones in our journey!
- We celebrated the successful Practical Completion of the Gestamp Facility in Peterborough.
- We proudly committed to our first Level 7 apprentices.
- UMC support first Chartered Architect via a part time qualification having joined the practice in 2012.
2019
- Completion of largest speculative warehouse development in the UK in Haydock.
- The expansion of our Manchester Office marked a significant milestone in UMC’s continued growth and success.
- UMC’s concept design Helix for ‘Shed of the Future’ wins sector acclaim.
- UMC achieve ISO14001 Environmental Management System accreditation.
2020
- UMC secure planning permission for a new film production facility in Elstree for Sky & NBC Universal.
- Completion of Kemsley EFW project – Europe’s largest household waste recycling centre.
- Completion of Urban Outfitters, mechanised distribution hub at Peterborough Gateway.
- UMC listed as No. 1 UK Architect by ABI.
2021
- Strategic restructure as Alastair Longden, Chris Allwood, Dean Butler, Graham Mackfall promoted to Directors
- Completion of Jaguar Land Rover 3 million ft² Global Parts Logistics Hub, Mercia Park, Manufacturing & Logistics
- UMC coordinate St Modwen corporate design guidelines known as the ‘Swan Standard’.
- UMC achieve BSI kitemark Building Information Modelling (BIM) accreditation.
- The ‘U’ and ‘MC’—founding directors Doug Unkles & Graham McMorran—celebrate their retirement, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and excellence!
2022
- A milestone was reached as UMC celebrated 10 years in practice.
- We successfully completed the Amazon Fulfilment Centre in Peddimore, Birmingham. An exciting milestone in our distribution and logistics portfolio.
- The 250,000 ft² UK headquarters for Lidl in Tolworth was completed, showcasing our expertise in large-scale office projects.
- We continued to expand our Newark and Manchester offices.
- We proudly took first place at the Newark Dragon Boat Festival, raising funds and awareness for Beaumond House Hospice Care!
2023
- UMC proudly launched its London Office, marking an exciting new growth and opportunity! With in-house Urban Design specialists expanding our service offer.
- UMC continued journey to net-zero achieving Planet Mark Certification.
- The new film production facility in Elstree for Sky & NBC Universal was completed, marking a major achievement in the creative sector.
- Our 154,691 ft² facility in Longbridge was successfully completed, achieving both net-zero in operation and BREEAM Outstanding.
- Planning permission secured at £700 million redevelopment of former Honda site in Swindon.
2024
- In house BRPD services now included in UMC service offer.
- UMC support first Chartered Architect via an apprenticeship qualification.
- UMC receive Apprentice Employer of the Year award.
2025
- Stephen Higgins promoted to Director.
- UMC Architects unveils a bold brand evolution.
- Project Thrive, a bold 3M ft² employment park designed for sustainable growth and net-zero transition in North Warwickshire, is submitted for planning.
UMC Architects Offices
Our offices are strategically located, so no matter where you are, or where the site is, we’re always within reach. And of course, the coffee is always on and you’re always welcome to drop by.
Midlands
Sheppard Lockton HouseCafferata Way
Newark
NG24 2TN +44 (0)1636 554 854 info@umcarchitects.com
Manchester
3rd Floor Manchester Club81 King Street
Manchester
M2 4AH +44 (0)161 413 0590 info@umcarchitects.com
London
Fora Southwark241 Southwark Bridge Road
London
SE1 6FP +44 (0)1636 554 854 info@umcarchitects.com
Accreditations
Our accreditations reflect our unwavering commitment to high-quality, sustainable design practices. They ensure we are always advancing in our approach to creating buildings that are both efficient and future-proof.
Unmatched Excellence
Every project is guided by our directors, ensuring a personalised approach and a commitment to the highest standards of quality and care.
To understand the essence of our work, we invite you to explore our process, where design and purpose unite to create lasting impact.
Our culture
Design begins as an internal dialogue, and we shape our environment to encourage learning and growth as a collective endeavour.
Get to know us
Our team is a vibrant mix of professional talents, each bringing their own invaluable traits and expertise. It is this rich diversity that allows us to approach every project with fresh thinking and collaborative spirit.
Journal Posts
Keep up to date with projects, events, achievements and behind the scenes content.
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Onward. Upward. Reach out and let’s get started
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