Executive partner will go to HOK less than a year after joining firm

Rob Firth will leave Austin-Smith:Lord for HOK later this month, less than a year after joining the firm.

Announcing a major restructure today, which will see the firm focus on five key divisions, Austin-Smith:Lord said post the review, executive partner Firth will leave to join HOK.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Neil Musgrove, chair of the practice executive, said: 鈥淲e are grateful to Robert for his recent time with us and assisting with this important task. We have always been a very strong design practice, now we have the business structure and planning to match.鈥�

The firm will focus on divisions including transport, industry and infrastructure, renew, urban regeneration and international arts & culture.

Firth鈥檚 departure could come as a shock, as he has been at the firm for such a short period of time. He said: 鈥淚t has been very impressive, the way the partnership has embraced a revised structure in such a short time and I anticipate the markets they are aiming at will suit the enormous expertise and experience within Austin-Smith:Lord. In focusing on their specialist work in key areas I am sure they are steering a successful course through the tough economic times ahead.鈥�

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