Woolpert Expands Architectural Competence in the UK with UMC Architects Acquisition
In a strategic move to bolster its architectural offerings, Woolpert has acquired UMC Architects, a prominent UK-based firm renowned for its expertise in industrial and logistics repurposing. This acquisition comes at a time when there is a growing demand for converting industrial sites into next-generation infrastructures. Woolpert's decision reflects the urgency to adapt to market needs amid the rapid evolution of the data center sector and industrial transformation across Europe.
Founded in 2012, UMC Architects has built a formidable reputation, employing over 90 designers across its offices in Newark, Manchester, and London. The firm has delivered comprehensive architectural services, including master planning, BIM (Building Information Modeling), urban design, feasibility studies, and renovations to high-profile clients like Amazon, DHL, Ikea, Coca-Cola, and the BBC. These extensive capabilities position UMC as a key player in the industries it serves, and now as part of Woolpert, the firm can leverage its assets more effectively.
Woolpert has been actively providing data center design services in the UK and Europe since it acquired Sheehan Nagle Hartray Architects (SNHA), a leading data center architecture firm, in 2022. By integrating UMC's vast experience in logistics and industrial architecture, Woolpert is now better equipped to tackle increasingly complex projects, establishing itself as a comprehensive solution provider in the market.
The acquisition also aligns with the current trends in the European data center market, which is experiencing rapid growth due to cloud adoption, AI workloads, and escalating investments in digital infrastructure. As real estate pressures and energy constraints mount, there is an apparent need to redevelop underutilized industrial and logistics assets across the region effectively.
"Joining Woolpert allows us to combine strengths while significantly enhancing the scope and impact of our services," stated Matthew Duffin, Director of UMC Architects. He emphasized that this partnership would enable them to guide clients through multifaceted redevelopment projects throughout the UK and Europe by merging Woolpert’s data center expertise with UMC's industrial insights.
Matthew Salanyk, another director at UMC, described the acquisition as a pivotal moment in their growth trajectory. The addition of UMC to Woolpert not only opens access to a broader platform and global network but also empowers them to undertake bolder projects that align with their commitment to design excellence and customer service.
Neil Churman, President and CEO of Woolpert, noted that the entry of UMC’s talented professionals brings local insight and technical depth that will enhance Woolpert's integrated service offerings regionally. "We are excited to welcome UMC's skilled professionals to Woolpert and continue expanding our team in the UK. More than just an acquisition, this partnership is built on shared values, complementary strengths, and a mutual commitment to achieving outstanding results for our clients in an increasingly complex built environment. UMC exemplifies our dedication to growth, job creation, and community engagement in the UK and beyond."
As Woolpert moves forward with the integration of UMC, the collaborative potential of these two firms promises to drive immediate and long-term innovation in architectural design and logistics solutions across Europe. By reshaping the landscape of once-neglected industrial sites into modern, efficient facilities, they aim to pave the way for advancements in distribution, cutting-edge manufacturing, and state-of-the-art data centers, setting a new standard for the industry moving forward.
Woolpert is a global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial (AEG) services with over a century of experience in innovation and impact. The firm prides itself on combining technical expertise with future-focused thinking to solve complex problems across public, private, and government sectors. Woolpert operates more than 75 offices across five continents, dedicated to building smarter, more resilient communities globally.
For more information, visit woolpert.com.
UMC Architects is a leading industrial architecture firm in the UK, specializing in distribution and logistics, television and entertainment, transport, and product design. With its offices in Newark, Manchester, and London, UMC’s team of over 90 talented designers delivers architectural, planning, BIM, urban design, feasibility study, and renovation services for clients throughout the UK. The firm is committed to excellence in design and exceptional customer experience.
Founded in 2012, UMC Architects has built a formidable reputation, employing over 90 designers across its offices in Newark, Manchester, and London. The firm has delivered comprehensive architectural services, including master planning, BIM (Building Information Modeling), urban design, feasibility studies, and renovations to high-profile clients like Amazon, DHL, Ikea, Coca-Cola, and the BBC. These extensive capabilities position UMC as a key player in the industries it serves, and now as part of Woolpert, the firm can leverage its assets more effectively.
Woolpert has been actively providing data center design services in the UK and Europe since it acquired Sheehan Nagle Hartray Architects (SNHA), a leading data center architecture firm, in 2022. By integrating UMC's vast experience in logistics and industrial architecture, Woolpert is now better equipped to tackle increasingly complex projects, establishing itself as a comprehensive solution provider in the market.
The acquisition also aligns with the current trends in the European data center market, which is experiencing rapid growth due to cloud adoption, AI workloads, and escalating investments in digital infrastructure. As real estate pressures and energy constraints mount, there is an apparent need to redevelop underutilized industrial and logistics assets across the region effectively.
"Joining Woolpert allows us to combine strengths while significantly enhancing the scope and impact of our services," stated Matthew Duffin, Director of UMC Architects. He emphasized that this partnership would enable them to guide clients through multifaceted redevelopment projects throughout the UK and Europe by merging Woolpert’s data center expertise with UMC's industrial insights.
Matthew Salanyk, another director at UMC, described the acquisition as a pivotal moment in their growth trajectory. The addition of UMC to Woolpert not only opens access to a broader platform and global network but also empowers them to undertake bolder projects that align with their commitment to design excellence and customer service.
Neil Churman, President and CEO of Woolpert, noted that the entry of UMC’s talented professionals brings local insight and technical depth that will enhance Woolpert's integrated service offerings regionally. "We are excited to welcome UMC's skilled professionals to Woolpert and continue expanding our team in the UK. More than just an acquisition, this partnership is built on shared values, complementary strengths, and a mutual commitment to achieving outstanding results for our clients in an increasingly complex built environment. UMC exemplifies our dedication to growth, job creation, and community engagement in the UK and beyond."
As Woolpert moves forward with the integration of UMC, the collaborative potential of these two firms promises to drive immediate and long-term innovation in architectural design and logistics solutions across Europe. By reshaping the landscape of once-neglected industrial sites into modern, efficient facilities, they aim to pave the way for advancements in distribution, cutting-edge manufacturing, and state-of-the-art data centers, setting a new standard for the industry moving forward.
About Woolpert
Woolpert is a global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial (AEG) services with over a century of experience in innovation and impact. The firm prides itself on combining technical expertise with future-focused thinking to solve complex problems across public, private, and government sectors. Woolpert operates more than 75 offices across five continents, dedicated to building smarter, more resilient communities globally.
For more information, visit woolpert.com.
About UMC
UMC Architects is a leading industrial architecture firm in the UK, specializing in distribution and logistics, television and entertainment, transport, and product design. With its offices in Newark, Manchester, and London, UMC’s team of over 90 talented designers delivers architectural, planning, BIM, urban design, feasibility study, and renovation services for clients throughout the UK. The firm is committed to excellence in design and exceptional customer experience.
Topics Business Technology）
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