Benoy plots US expansion with new design director appointment

Benoy has appointed of Barry Spencer Hughes as design director to help expand the firm's business in America.

With over 25 years’ experience in design, Hughes has a strong design-led portfolio having worked on significant large-scale, mixed-use projects spanning markets and typologies.

Commenting on his appointment, Hughes said: “I am excited to have joined the Benoy team, and look forward to building on the firm’s national and international reputation for providing excellence and innovation in our built environment.”

Benoy chief executive Tom Cartledge said: “The appointment of Barry fits brilliantly with our business objectives for America. Barry brings energy, passion, creativity and drives us forward as a cutting-edge design team. His previous experience includes award winning mixed-use, retail and transport projects and he also brings a great reputation in designing tall buildings - an area of increased interest for Benoy.

“These are exciting times within the industry, and alongside Barry, we have appointed eight new directors in the last 18 months, adding to our width and depth of skills to provide new, creative and often commercial problem-solving design thinking.”

Primarily based at Benoy’s London campus, Barry will shape the firm’s global design message, while expanding the business in America. “Benoy’s experience and reputation in mixed-use and transportation led projects will be a great entré into the US market,” said Hughes.  “We have a proven track record of creating great places all over the world and I look forward to helping continue that tradition back home,” said Hughes, a US citizen who has been working out of London for the past 15 years.

“We are delighted to have Barry in Benoy. He will quickly be an integral part of the team, principally leading our design message globally and in the US. His inspiring design solutions, ideas and approach align well with the next phase of Benoy’s brand development,” said Penny Illston, Benoy’s head of global talent.