Ken Schwarz leaves healthcare and science specialist architect Anshen Dyer 16 years after he founded it

Ken Schwarz has left Anshen Dyer, the UK office of US architect Anshen + Allen, which he co-founded 16 years ago.

During that time, the practice has focused on healthcare and science buildings in the UK. It is thought within the industry that it is planning to change its strategy, and that it was this that prompted Schwarz's resignation. An industry source said: "It was a political thing."

Schwarz refused to comment on this, but said: "I was one of several directors at Anshen Dyer, and those that are there will be very competent at carrying on. It was time to leave and do something else."

Schwarz, 66, is now advising a number of architects, including the London office of US practice NBBJ. One of that practice's principals is Bruce Nepp, who set up Anshen Dyer with Schwarz in 1990.

Schwarz was one of three healthcare directors at Anshen Dyer. Recent successful bids for Bovis Lend Lease's 拢383m Joint Manchester Hospitals PFI project and the 拢300m Newcastle PFI hospital scheme were both won under Schwarz.

The company has not replaced Schwarz. Instead, it is redistributing his responsibilities between the two other healthcare directors, John Cooper and Jane McElroy.

It was time to leave and do something else

Ken Schwarz

A spokesperson for Anshen Dyer declined to comment on Schwarz's reasons for leaving as it was "a personnel issue".

Anshen Dyer is a joint venture between Anshen + Allen in the USA and Cheltenham-based Dyer Associates.

n John Rowan, the founding partner of multidisciplinary consultant John Rowan & Partners, left his company this week. He founded it from his home in 1981, but has retired because of illness.

Stephen Gee, managing partner, said: "John maintained a clear vision and engineered the changes to the management structure that have brought us success.

"We will miss his drive, his humour and his vision."