A Congleton-based architecture firm have been short-listed for a national award.

Chapel Street business ICI Architecture and are in the running for the 'Construction and Building Services Start-Up' category at the annual 'StartUp Awards National Series'.

Jordan Kirkham (26) founded the company in November 2020, and immediately found success both nationally and internationally.

They conduct architecture services, and utilise the best of technology to provide a premium service. Jordan even describes himself as an Architectural Technologist.

Jordan's firm covers architecture jobs from private properties, offices and even theme parks. Pictured is example of ICI's work, which turned an old lorry park into an exciting and green leisure complex. (Image - ICI Architecture Design Facebook)

"ICI architecture started in the middle of the pandemic," Jordan said. 

"So we were expecting one or two projects to start but by Christmas we had over 35, including an international one at that point.

"But fast forward to April last year we ended up getting a [regional] start-up of the year award, and now we are up to 116 projects across the UK and internationally."

Now up for a gong again, ICI Architecture are amongst a list of over 2,500 nominees, and has now made it all the way into the final four.

We'll know if Jordan will be bringing an award home to Congleton in June. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Congleton Nub News)

"We entered the National Start Up Awards a couple months ago," he explained.

"We basically wanted to give it a go and see what happened, and then low and behold, we have been shortlisted down to the final four.

"It came as a huge surprise. If we won the award, it would mean so much.

"Winning the award makes all the hard work seem real, it's nice to get that validation and recognition as well. It would just be amazing to be honest."

Congleton: Jordan and his team are based in Grosvenor House, on 3 Chapel Street. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Congleton Nub News)

Off the back of the success of his first company, Jordan is now looking to branch off new and exciting companies which would 'fill the gap' that he has said to have seen in the market.

"At this stage, we are in the process of launching another company called 'designology group'," Jordan teased.

"[Which we envision] is to do with interior design and that is focused on people, place, planet and space.

"With that particular company it is all to do with sustainability, a lot of people are being pushed into being more sustainable and carbon neutral, and that's where that brand will assist those customers.

Jordan is not looking to get ahead of themselves, but did mention that winning 'would be amazing'. (Image - ICI Logo)

"So, with that company we are looking at interior fit-outs, say for offices or hotels or restaurants and things like that and we are just in the process of launching that one."

Jordan and his team of five are not satisfied just yet, before the second companies launch there is already discussions of a third interior design company.

This company would help clients with interior design layouts through the use of virtual reality and the metaverse, and helping companies get their products in digital spaces.

"To be honest it started as we spotted a bit of a gap in the market," he added.

The ICI founder lives just outside of Congleton, and loves the community-feel of our town. Jordan loves going to Congleton's The Lion and Swan, and will hope to treat his team of five for their success. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Congleton Nub Ne

"We spotted that a lot of clients cannot seem to interpret 2D plans.

"So, producing a layout in 3D, using virtual reality, they can gain a better understanding (of interior plans). This new company would allow them [the clients] to experience their office before they get started in real life."

Congleton: We'll find out whether ICI wins when the StartUp Awards National Series takes place on June 16 2022.

But you can cheer on the business for now by giving them a follow on Facebook.

ICI Architecture Studio can be contacted via 01260 602005 or [email protected].

They also have a website.

Got a business to promote in Congleton? Advertise it for FREE on the Congleton Nub News Local List.

Congleton: Have you signed up for our Friday weekly newsletter? It contains each week's top 10 Congleton news stories, and one FREE exclusive article?

3700 of you have signed up already. Simply enter your email address in the shaded box below or on this link.

Free from pop-up ads, or unwanted surveys, Congleton Nub News is a quality online newspaper which produces 15-20 stories a week for our town.

You can find us on Facebook and Twitter.