Planning consultancy Marrons has launched in Bristol as part of its strategy to the expand into the South West.
Leading the new Bristol team is director of architecture Tom Macklen, who has joined with senior architect Will Thomas and architectural assistant Isabelle Firkins, pictured.
All three previously worked in the Bristol office of multi-disciplinary national practice Barton Willmore.
Midlands-headquartered Marrons, which has nine offices across England, provides planning, masterplanning, architecture, urban design and socio-economics services to clients ranging from planning officers and private landowners to housebuilders and retailers.
It is part of legal and professional services group Ampa, which includes Bristol-based GL Law following its merger with its national life and business law firm Shakespeare Martineau.
The Marrons Bristol team share the same building in Queen Square as Shakespeare Martineau.
Tom Macklen has more than 15 years’ industry experience – from concept to delivery – having worked on a range of national projects across multiple sectors including residential, commercial and leisure.
He leads on complex projects within an urban and heritage setting, from small-scale housing schemes to large brownfield regeneration proposals. Prior to his nine years at Barton Willmore, he worked in the Bristol office of architecture practice AWW. 
Senior architect Will Thomas has more than five years’ experience in the leisure, hotel and residential sectors, supporting projects from design to construction.
He has been involved with developments of varying scales, including work on sensitive heritage sites and existing buildings.
Architectural assistant Isabelle will be supporting the team’s growth, while also completing her architecture and planning degree at UWE Bristol.
Tom said: “We’re thrilled to be joining Marrons and to have been given a unique opportunity to grow an architecture team that provides the best of worlds – creating a nurturing design studio atmosphere paired with the supportive environment offered by an established, multi-disciplinary planning practice.
“Being able to provide a combined service in-house presents a number of unique benefits for our clients, creating a more streamlined and coordinated offer.
“I know I speak for the whole team when I say we are delighted to be working as part of a consultancy that is passionate about place making and gives us the ability to work on some fantastic projects across the country.”
has grown significantly in the past financial year and maintains ambitions to broaden its geography and service offering in the coming months.
Head of Marrons Brian Mulli said: “We’re delighted to launch an architectural offer in Bristol as part of the ongoing development of Marrons.
“We are very proud that Ampa has merged with GL Law and our new architecture team joining as part of Marrons is a fitting complement to that south western growth.
“Tom and his team have forged a strong reputation for high-quality design in the South West. The energy and creativity within the team is allied with a clear focus on delivering the highest quality design and service across development sectors and for a wide range of clients.”
Marrons, which recently updated its name and branding from Marrons Planning, said it would be expanding the Bristol team in the new year.
