Max Martin appointed Head of BDP's Birmingham Studio
BDP has appointed Max Martin as the new head of its Birmingham studio, succeeding Dan Smyth, who is retiring this summer after a distinguished career in architecture and urban regeneration. Max’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Birmingham, a city that is at the centre of a new era of growth and transformation.
Max joined BDP in 2008, specialising in the design and delivery of large and complex projects with a focus on design integration, sustainability and zero defects. His experience spans the science & technology, healthcare and transport sectors, blending imaginative design with technical rigour to deliver places that are making a meaningful difference to people, businesses and communities across the UK.
Currently, Max is working to deliver a new facility for a pharmaceutical company in West Sussex, a new district general hospital in King’s Lynn, and is leading the HS2 Headhouses project in Birmingham. He has also played a central role in several major healthcare projects, including the design of Southmead Hospital in Bristol, the expansion and reorganisation of Bispebjerg Hospital in Copenhagen, and Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s Waterfall House – home to a world-leading rare disease department.
In addition, Max led the design of the new Emergency Department at Walsall Manor Hospital, the outpatient department at Haywood Hospital, and the iMRI project at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. He also led the architectural design for the hospital’s new main entrance and is currently involved in the redevelopment of Leicester Hospitals. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Max was part of the leadership team that successfully delivered the NHS Nightingale Hospital at the NEC in Birmingham at unprecedented speed and scale.
His approach to design is rooted in flexibility, with a clear understanding of how to create environments that respond to the evolving needs of patients, clinical teams, and wider communities.
As he takes the helm in Birmingham, Max will build on BDP’s strong regional presence, leading a team dedicated to shaping the future of the built environment in the area. His appointment aligns with Birmingham’s ambitious Future City: Central Birmingham Framework 2040, which aims to create a greener, healthier, and more connected urban landscape.
Max’s predecessor, Dan Smyth, has long been an advocate for Birmingham’s regeneration and has played a key role in numerous transformative projects. Reflecting on his tenure, Dan notes that Birmingham is entering a period of unprecedented investment, comparable to its Victorian heyday. He has been at the forefront of major developments across a variety of sectors, including education, residential, commercial, and conservation projects, and was instrumental in delivering the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Edgbaston. His influence on the city’s architectural evolution leaves a lasting legacy.
From its Birmingham studio, BDP continues to be at the forefront of transformative projects across the Midlands. The practice recently completed a landmark design for the College of Arts and Society at Coventry University that has been recognised with prestigious awards for its innovative approach to the design of education and creative spaces. The multidisciplinary practice is also leading the redevelopment of the historic BBC Tea Factory in Digbeth, working alongside developer Stoford to revitalise the former Typhoo Wharf factory. The project will deliver state-of-the-art office and studio spaces for the BBC, supporting the wider regeneration of the district and contributing to Birmingham’s creative economy.
“As the Midlands enters a golden decade of opportunity, with major projects such as Smithfield, Arden Cross and HS2, we remain committed to delivering innovative, sustainable, and community-focused design solutions that leave a positive legacy on the region. I look forward to working with local authority and business leaders in the region to maximise the opportunity for good growth, social progression and sustainable outcomes across the built environment. I am positive that together, we can play a vital role in shaping the next chapter of the region’s architectural and urban future.”