Our Story
Our Story
Jonathan Todd, decided to launch Ballymullan Architect (BMA) Ltd, in 2009, establishing a RIBA Chartered Practice and limited company which had been a long standing aspiration. His time at Methodist College Belfast focussed upon securing a placement in tertiary education for a vocation in Architecture. The journey from that point is summarised below.
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1998
Jonathan completed Bsc (Architecture) at Queens University Belfast and during his time as a full time student at Queens took the opportunity to get involved with various NGO building projects in Belfast Romania and Uganda building at educational centres.
This work led to Jonathan being awarded a Queens Scholarship; The ‘Higginson Leadership Award’. ‘The purpose of the award is to encourage a sense of social responsibility and inspirational leadership among students of the University, and to support enterprising activities or ventures overseas which will demonstrate initiative and the ability to inspire or act as a role model for others.’
Jonathan had the pleasure of Mr Higginson joining him on the team in Romania which used experimental Strawbale construction techniques integrated with a timber post and beam barn structure.
2001
Jonathan continued at Queens University Belfast for his postgraduate, completing his degree course ‘Bachelor of Architecture’ with distinction. Elected onto the membership of (RIBA), Royal Institute British Architects, (2003)
Continued Professional Development brought into focus the discipline of Conservation of the built environment as he saw many landmark buildings being destroyed either by inappropriate adaptation or even demolished in local cities and provincial towns.
2004
Striving to ensure clients obtain the best advice, Jonathan completed the RSUA Project Management Programme.
2010
Having gleaned invaluable experience working in Historic designated centres including Belfast, Carrickfergus and Lisburn a greater interest developed within the discipline of Conservation of the built environment. To his dismay many landmark buildings, in the name of progress, were being destroyed either by inappropriate adaptation or even demolished in provincial towns and cities. In response he obtained the diploma in Conservation (RSUA) in 2010.
BMA Ltd practice has successfully restored and refurbished many Listed buildings including those with the highest status of protection. One such project included work at a 17th-century ‘Grade A’ country house in County Armagh. The only surviving house in the province of that period still intact and occupied with the original Irish Bog Oak staircase, using non-defensive detailing. BMA Ltd have also partnered with local councils including Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon District Council and Lisburn City, Castlereagh Council to roll out their successful Townscape Heritage Initiatives (THI’s).
Whatever the brief, BMA create imaginative and inspired building solutions with a timeless quality.
2020
Our generation is the first to acknowledge, albeit begrudgingly, that we have an environmental crisis, of global proportions. That’s not the only story.
We also the opportunity to reverse or at least prevent further depletion of our natural resources by taking personal responsibility to change our lifestyles including methods of construction and heating and travel. We saw in Spring 2020 a period when polluted cities were being reclaimed by nature, with Carbon Dioxide (CO2) & Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) levels dropping significantly as humans changed their living and work practices. Often these are lessons quickly forgotten and default back to practices we have become familiar, often to the detriment to our biodiversity..
With this in mind Jonathan continued with further CPD and successfully qualified as a ‘Passive House Designer & Consultant’ in the formative year that was 2020. This expertise will ensure that prospective clients have the opportunity to obtain the very best advice with regards to sustainable construction techniques and design.
BMA will work closely with you to gain a thorough understanding of what you need to take your project forward, from inception to completion.
Member of the Architects Registration Board
Royal Institute of British Architects
Constructionline
Certified Passive House Designer
