Tim Byles lines up three architects for Cornerstone

Former schools delivery chief Tim Byles has lined up three architectural practices for work on schemes for his new venture, Cornerstone, which is planning a £1bn pipeline of work over the next three years.

Penoyre and Prasad, LSI and Cullinen Architects have already had discussions with Byles about working for Cornerstone, which is looking to convert surplus public sector assets into buildings for use in sectors including education, residential and elderly care.

Byles, who established Cornerstone in June after leaving Partnerships for Schools, said: “We have relationships already in place with those architects, although we will be working with others too.” He added that Cornerstone would procure architectural services directly, rather than through its contractors.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that another former senior figure at PFS, Sal Wilson, has left the body to join Cornerstone. Wilson, a former operations director at PFS, joins former regional operations director Harry Scarff at Byles’ new venture.