Wates has appointed Will Freeman as its Design Director across London and the South.

With 15 years' experience, Mr Freeman joins from Atkins and will lead Wates' design management function in the region, increasing early tender involvement and improving quality of design information.

At Atkins, he worked with the senior leadership to grow the business' London architecture practice from a team of 20 to 170 over a three-year period.

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In addition, he spent three years as Head of Design Development for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympics Games (LOCOG).

Speaking on his new role, Mr Freeman said: "Early contractor collaboration in the design process is a vital factor in all projects and I look forward to developing the strong design skills that are already cultivated in the team."

Phil Shortman, Managing Director of Wates Construction London, added: "Welcoming Will to the business marks a real step-change in our approach to design management, which will enhance our team's proficiency, advance our abilities to source innovative solutions and to be recognised as best-in-class by supporting our customers' design aspirations."

(LM/CD)