A leading national architectural firm has celebrated the opening of its new Gloucester office.

The celebration at Brewhouse and Kitchen on Gloucester Docks not only heralded the opening of the Docks office but a number of new appointments to the practice.

The celebration offered a chance for clients and local industry professionals on Wednesday evening, providing guests with the opportunity to network and meet the newest members of the Practice.

Recent appointments include Nazia Chowdhury as an architectural technologist, alongside Natalie Thorman as a Chartered Architect.

Nazia joins GSS after gaining her degree in Architectural Technology and Design and is currently working towards her Master's in Building Information Modelling (BIM) with the support of GSS.

Natalie joins GSS with a number of years of cross-sector experience as a project architect, including working for Worcestershire County Council.

The expansion into the Gloucester office is being led by Chris Ryder, who GSS are delighted to announce has recently been promoted to associate and office lead.

Chris started his career with GSS as a Senior chartered architect and has since played a valuable part in the growth of this office, taking a key role in several projects due to complete this year.

Chris will also be responsible for the day to day running of this studio, including helping the Practice in building upon established client relationships, as well as forging new connections.

He said "It's a very exciting time for GSS in the South West and I am thrilled to be playing a part in it.

Being promoted to Associate in the Gloucester Studio means that I will be leading the growth in this region.

"With some recent new additions to the team, I believe we have the necessary skills and experience to provide a quality service to our clients, both existing and new."

GSSArchitecture have already gained a reputation for delivering well-considered and technically complex buildings.

The team are currently working on a number of exciting projects in the region, including a nine-storey, city centre student accommodation block for the University of Bristol.

This £22m new build scheme will be one of the first in Bristol to connect to the Council-run district heating network, the first stage of transforming Bristol into a carbon-neutral city by 2050.

The Practice, which was founded in the Midlands 140 years ago is well-established in the United Kingdom and has a deep-rooted history in providing architecture across all sectors.