A YORK-based building consultancy which has doubled its team in the past five years is celebrating its 35th anniversary.

WR Dunn which was established in 1986 by chartered building surveyor Richard Dunn and his late wife Deborah is still going strong despite challenges during the pandemic.

Led by Ian Smith, a chartered building surveyor, and Martin Smith, a chartered architect, since 2016, the award-winning team of architects, building surveyors and accredited conservation professionals works with clients across the UK, and employs 20 staff from their offices in Acomb.

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WR Dunn has worked on prominent projects in Yorkshire and beyond, including work at Harewood House, Bishopthorpe Palace, pictured above, Lambton Castle, Yorkshire Sculpture Park and York Theatre Royal, below.

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The consultancy worked closely with the theatre owners, York Conservation Trust and architecture practice, De Matos Ryan, and York Citizens Theatre Trust on the major refurbishment of the building.

For more than 20 years, WR Dunn also carried out work for HM Prison Service and, in recent times, it has developed into experts in the care, retirement and private healthcare sector. Projects include the Ouse View Care Home in Fulford and a £50m retirement village in the Cotswolds.

Ian who has been with the company almost 30 years said: “Much has changed in the last five years, and in particular, the past 12 months have been incredibly challenging, as they have for everyone.

“During 2020 our staff have adapted brilliantly to working from home, and despite some initial uncertainty, our workload has remained strong and has continued to grow through 2021 with numerous projects ongoing and in development throughout the business.”

“Looking to the future, we recognise that the practice’s success has been built on our commitment to providing every client with an outstanding level of service, innovative solutions and detailed, considered advice.

“This commitment will remain the focus of our efforts for existing and new clients alike while also seeking to build on our outstanding team so that we can enhance, expand and develop the practice’s skills and the services we can offer. We will continue to drive the practice forward with clear emphasis on providing a service of the highest quality service based around the three core sectors - architecture, building surveying and conservation.”