Property and construction consultancy, McBains, has appointed Maria Harmalia as associate director within its architectural team, strengthening its offering in the science and healthcare sectors.

An ARB-registered architect, Harmalia joins McBains from Architon LLP and brings 20 years of experience delivering successful healthcare, life science, and research projects within both the public and private sectors.

Experienced in delivering projects from inception through to tender, construction, and handover, she has worked directly for, and with, NHS and private trusts, as well as research institutions and pharmaceutical companies.

Projects she has worked on include the £20m SkyLab facility, a specialised life sciences laboratory built on the roof at the renowned Francis Crick Institute, where she was project architect and lead consultant; and the new £12m Centenary Wing at King’s College Hospital, a modular construction comprising more than 100 units, where she acted as project architect and project manager role from concept to completion.

Mark Baseby, director at McBains, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Maria to McBains and I’m sure her expertise and experience will prove invaluable in driving new opportunities for the business within the healthcare and life science sectors.”

She added: “I’m excited to have joined McBains and look forward to working with my new colleagues to deliver a holistic and flexible inter-disciplinary service that balances design, efficiency, budget, and sustainability.”