Aukett Fitzroy Robinson

With five offices in eastern and central Europe, Aukett Fitzroy Robinson took quite a pounding as the recession hit the continent and projects stalled. But in recent months it has noticed a gradual upturn, particularly in Russia’s hotel and commercial work, and Warsaw’s commercial projects.

The Frankfurt and Berlin offices have also performed well, completing several projects last year including the Berlin Sheraton. Ironically, market nerves have now moved on to the Middle East.

Chief executive Nicholas Thompson said: “We anticipate a reversal of market focus as the UK and eastern Europe markets move back to commercial development in key locations, while governments tackle fiscal deficits through capital project cancellations. Conversely, in the previously buoyant Middle East market, we expect the demographics of this region to favour social infrastructure projects, while the overheated commercial markets draw breath.”

Most of the practice’s UK work is concentrated in the West End and City of London, which has fared better than the regions during the downturn.

Elsewhere, it will complete GE’s Stockholm headquarters this year, as well as fit-outs for the Macquarie Bank in Frankfurt and HSBC in Warsaw.