Architect firm finds a new director.

MURA Mullan has been appointed a director of Newcastle-based Jane Darbyshire and David Kendall Ltd (JDDK) architectural practice.

Appointed an associate of the practice in 2003, Mura was born in Derry but now lives in Benton, Newcastle. A graduate with distinctions from the University of Manchester in 1994 she has been with JDDK for some 10 years, having worked previously for several large national practices.

Since joining JDDK, Mura has worked on several high-profile projects, including the award-winning Phase II of St Gemma's Hospice in Leeds, the conversion of a former Methodist church into the headquarters of the Northern Rock Foundation in Gosforth, Newcastle, the Marie Curie Hospice in Glasgow, the Sacred Heart Children's Centre in Fenham and work for the Irish Hospice Foundation.

Mura said: "I was attracted to JDDK by the wide mix of both new build and conversion work across a wide variety of sectors and the challenge of bringing old buildings back into use. More recently, I've been working very closely with Ian Clarke, specialising in healthcare, particularly hospice projects with the soon-to-be-opened Marie Curie Hospice in Glasgow taking up a large part of the past four years.

"There's a fairly unique atmosphere at JDDK and I'm obviously delighted to become a director of such a prestigious practice."

JDDK has also developed an enviable reputation for sustainable building together with active relationships with CABE (the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment), the NHS Design Review Panel and the Prince's Foundation.

Recent awards have included the nationally preferred design for the CABE-sponsored Healthy Hospitals Campaign, RIBA and RICS awards for Jesmond Dene House Hotel and other projects.

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NEW ROLE Mura Mullan.