1988
APM Design established in 1988 by husband and wife team, Andy and Tracy McCluskey. Andy, a former student of renowned artist Harold Riley, gained a wealth of experience working for catering design companies, whereas Tracy worked on high end private residential projects. After a number of years working for their respective employers, the couple decided to set up APM Design in 1988, initially from a back bedroom of their house in Bolton.
1990's
As the business grew, APM Design moved into their first studio, again in Bolton Tonge Moor Road area, in 1994. The company grew from strength to strength taking on high profile appointments including the Lowry Centre and Wilton Castle. This success saw APM begin to employ Interior and Graphic Designers to meet their ever increasing workload.
2004
In 2004 APM Design relocated their main studio to Darwen, taking possession of a former Temperance Movement Hotel within the town centre conservation zone. Initially working from the Ground Floor of the Knott Street studio whilst APM oversaw the renovations and reconfiguration of the first floor studio space which as of 2005 has been the home of APM Design.
2005
In 2005 Tony joined the APM team. Coming from an Architectural background, Tony elevated the technical quality of APM’s electronic CAD drawings ensuring full compliance with the latest regulations.
2008
APM continued to go from strength to strength working extensively with companies ranging from the worlds largest catering provider, Compass Group, to local families and businesses including Blackburn Rovers FC. In 2008 APM Design were commissioned for the refurbishment of the City of Manchester Stadium (now the Etihad Stadium), as new owners invested heavily in Manchester City FC.
2013
APM’s experience working for high profile football clubs continued in 2013 when Liverpool FC appointed APM to design their new club museum. In the same year APM worked on the prestigious Hale Country Club which developed an industry leading reputation for luxury spa and leisure clubs. In 2013 also worked for the national landmark Cunard building in Liverpool.
2014
In 2014 APM were commissioned as Designers for the listed Abbey House Hotel. Dating back to 1914 the hotel was originally designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, all refurbishment works were therefore done in consultation with historical societies. Abbey House Hotel has gone on to be recognised as one of Cumbria’s leading Hotel and Wedding venues.
2018
In 2018 APM Design became the first creative business to be officially recognised as a partner of the Northern Powerhouse scheme. This prestigious government recognition coincided with APM winning a number of industry design awards.
2019
In 2019 APM were appointed as Designer to Athelis, another industry leading luxury spa and health club. Athelis went on to win the 2020 Northern Design Awards Project of the Year.
2020
Andy and Tracy welcomed their son Dean to the APM Design team in 2020. Dean, a CIOB chartered construction manager had worked as a Client consultant Quantity Surveyor and Project Manager for 10 years, specialising in high end retail and hospitality projects. Dean’s addition to the team meant that APM could offer cost and project consultancy services to supplement their core design service.
2020 was also the year that APM opened their first satellite design studio. Situated in Dunnerdale, Cumbria, the Esp Hall studio is ideally situated to conveniently deal with the ever growing number of Clients and projects based in the Lake District National Park. On the subject of National Parks, APM were a key design team member for the Linton development in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Linton is the largest project to have been awarded planning permission in the area for generations and will see a luxury hotel and spa introduced to the region when built.
2021
Clifton Arms Hotel was recognised as the 2021 Mixology North Hotel Project of the Year and Lancashire’s best large Hotel. This was the first project designed and fully project managed in house by APM Design.
2022
To coincide with being awarded a number of exciting projects, Emma became a member of the APM team at the beginning of 2022. After travelling the globe and working for a time in Australia, Emma had been working as a style consultant for a leading Glasgow interiors company before joining APM. 2022 ended with more success as APM Design were named the best Creative and Digital business in Blackburn and Darwen by their local council and fellow businesses.
2023
Spring 2023 saw APM further expand their team with the appointment of Murphy as APM's Wellbeing Ambassador...there's never a dull moment in the Studio when Murphy is working!
Autumn 2023 marks APM's 35 year anniversary. We are privileged to have worked on some incredible projects during this time and honoured that some of our clients from 1988 are discussing new projects with us in 2023 and beyond.
We are delighted that this anniversary coincided with one of our flagship projects, 'The Grand, Southport' being recognised with two design awards for heritage and conversion. A huge well done to all involved in this project.
2023 has seen APM Design secure some extremely exciting projects which we can't wait to bring to you in 2024.
The future...
Having now been in business for 35 years, APM Design have stood the test of time. We look forward to seeing what further accolades and exciting projects the future has in store for APM Design.
February 24, 2023
