The founder of Wakefield-based architects JRP Associates, John Paley, has named a new board of directors to steer the award-winning firm into a new era.

Promoted to the board is managing director, Vikki Sykes; Laura Mepham, director of planning & design; and Lee Brown, director of urban design. The trio has been promoted from within JRP having worked their way through the business over the past 16 years.

John, who founded the business almost 50 years ago, will remain as chairman with his daughter, Emma Wynne, staying as company director.

JRP Associates is a multidisciplinary architect practice that delivers commercially successful developments for a range of clients from NHS Trusts, private homeowners and national housing developers, to the UK’s biggest land, property and regeneration companies.

They specialise in the creation and regeneration of sustainable residential communities in urban, suburban, and rural settings.

Their range of services includes master planning, commercial and industrial planning and landscaping services as well as large scale residential projects.

“This is a very proud moment for me,” said Vikki, who unveiled a refreshed JRP logo and a new website as part of the new era. “Becoming MD of such a great organisation with a fantastic history is not something I could have envisaged when I joined in 2004. I am grateful to both John and Emma for their continued support and to have such a great team around me in Laura and Lee. I’m looking forward to driving the business forward building on the strong foundations we already have.”

“This is a natural progression for both Vikki, her team and the business,” said Emma. “She has incredible drive and knows JRP and the industry as well as anyone. Her conscientiousness, energy and expertise make her the perfect person to take the firm into a new era.”