TWO Hampshire directors are celebrating 25 years in business together, a quarter of a century after they launched their architecture practice.

Alan Powell and Gary Wilburn set up HPW Architecture in 1990 having first met and worked together on neighbouring restaurants at Portsmouth’s Port Solent.

Now based at Ower, near Romsey, and employing 15 people, the company has been at the heart of not just some of the county’s most cutting-edge leisure and retail projects but builds nationally and right across the world.

Fittingly for a 25-year anniversary, HPW’s largest project to date is just going into construction; Rushden Lakes, a £55m retail scheme in Northamptonshire incorporating its very own nature reserve.

Gary, director of design and sustainability, said: “It’s hard to believe that Alan and I have been in business together for so long.

“Anyone who’s worked with us will remark how different we are and be surprised at how well the partnership works. In reality it’s our differences that make us function so well.”

The company’s prestigious portfolio includes the environmentally-sensitive Gateway building at Paultons Park as well as the welcome building for the park’s Peppa Pig World attraction; the 500-cover Haskins restaurant in West End; the award-winning Bicester Avenue; and projects for IKEA across Germany and Italy.

Daily Echo:

HPW Architecture's presitious portfolio includes the welcome building for Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park in Ower

Managing director Alan said: “It’s an incredibly proud milestone not just for Gary and myself but the rest of the team as well, many of whom have been with us for much of the 25 years.

“That we have one of our most significant projects to date going into construction at the moment is a really positive start to the next 25 years.

“Our expertise in sustainable building and working in environmentallysensitive locations has seen us work on exciting projects across Europe and North America – we’re looking forward to where our work will take us next.”