BA (Hons) Dip Arch RIBA
DIRECTOR
mike.harris@fuse-studios.com
Following in his father’s footsteps, Mike studied architecture at Leeds between 1986 and 1993. During an extended ‘year-out’, Mike travelled to Vancouver where he met and worked for renowned organic architect John Kay. He returned to Vancouver in 1993 when he was awarded the Bedford Scholarship by the West Yorkshire Society of Architects to research Kay’s work and theories on architecture.
Mike qualified as an architect in 1996 and joined careyjones architects a year later. He joined the Board of Directors there in 2002. Whilst at careyjones Mike led the practice’s largest architectural team; working on projects across all market sectors, throughout the UK.
Notable completed projects within Mike’s careyjones portfolio include Dakota Hotel in Edinburgh, The Brooklands Hotel in Surrey and the Casa Hotel and Office scheme in Chesterfield.
At careyjones Mike established an excellent reputation for designing innovative buildings for Higher Education institutes including ‘Soundhouse’ for The University of Sheffield. Closer to the practice’s Leeds studio, Mike co-led the team delivering several buildings within the Clarence Dock masterplan.
In 2010 Mike founded Fuse with three other former Directors of careyjones. He led the company’s work at the University of Leeds and Leeds College of Building. Mike has also led VITA Student projects in Newcastle and York. Most recently he oversaw the delivery of the award-winning Hudson Quarter in York.
Currently Mike is leading the redevelopment of the Grade II listed Bank House office in Leeds city centre and the new 400 home BTR scheme in York for Moda Living.
BA (Hons) Dip Arch RIBA
DIRECTOR
simon.clarke@fuse-studios.com
Simon joined careyjones architects in 1999, having completed his studies at the University of Plymouth and Mississippi State University. Simon quickly established himself within the practice as a strong designer with excellent project running ability and was soon promoted to an Associate position. His rise through the practice culminated when he became a Director there in 2007. Whilst at careyjones, Simon’s interest in the regeneration of urban brownfield sites developed and he became responsible for the design and delivery of some of practice’s most complex mixed-use projects, including the BAE Technology Park in Stevenage for MBDA, Granary Wharf in Leeds for ISIS Waterside Regeneration and Townside in Bury for Ask Developments.
As careyjones grew and sought to expand its North of England base, Simon was the obvious candidate to spearhead the practice’s drive into the north-west, building upon established relationships within the construction industry. In 2007 Simon opened careyjones Manchester studio and became responsible for the development and continued expansion of a portfolio of work in the North West of England.
Fuse was established in 2010 by Simon and three other Directors. Since Fuse’s formation, Simon has been responsible for delivering major VITA Student projects in Southampton, Sheffield, Leeds and Nottingham. The success of these projects in setting a new standard for student housing design has led to further new commissions in this sector in Kingston upon Thames, Sheffield, and Belfast. More recently our latest design for VITA Student in Coventry, is now onsite and will provide 496 studios.
Simon also led the practice’s team designing Angel Gardens in Manchester – the first UK development for Build to Rent specialists – Moda Living. This landmark 450 apartment scheme has set a new benchmark for regional BTR schemes and as a result, Fuse is now working on others across the UK with Moda.
Simon’s is currently overseeing the refurbishment of Derwent Halls of Residence for the University of York. Simon and his team are working closely with the University to provide a fresh and contemporary design within the 1960’s buildings, on campus.
