Leading multidisciplinary architectural practice Pick Everard has won two major contracts for the design and project management of new teaching facilities at five London schools under the Buying Solutions Project Management and Full Design Team Services Framework Agreement.

Up to £5million has been earmarked for five schools in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames: Christ's School in Richmond; Grey Court School in Ham; Orleans Park School, Waldegrave School for Girls and St Mary's Church of England Primary School in Twickenham.

Pick Everard's brief included developing a masterplan for each of the secondary schools with the provision of designated, flexible accommodation for special educational needs and enhanced diploma facilities for 14 to 19 year-old pupils, including remodelling, refurbishment and extension of current buildings. Design and construction to the highest possible sustainability ratings will be achieved through energy efficiency, use of renewable energy and passive solar design. With the finer detail of planning currently progressing, work is scheduled to begin and run in parallel on all five schools early next year. Completion is due for the start of autumn term 2011.

Pick Everard senior project manager Allan Cowie said the practice is delighted to be working with Richmond upon Thames Council and other framework partners in the scheme. "This is a very tight and challenging exercise, but as a design-led process, working from our central London office, our bid was a strong contender from the outset. Our aim is to provide the borough with excellent new facilities."

Cllr Paul Hodgins, Cabinet Member for Schools on Richmond Council, said: "There is huge demand for primary places across the country, but it is something that affects Richmond upon Thames acutely, largely because of the outstanding standards of our schools. The expansion of St Mary's Primary School will provide valuable places for local families in this part of the borough. Pick Everard has also been appointed to improve the teaching spaces and provide additional space for special needs teaching in four of our secondary schools where it is most needed - Christ's, Grey Court, Orleans Park and Waldegrave. These are lasting changes which will create major benefits both in terms of modern new classroom for the 21st century, and increased numbers of children who can be taught locally."

Pick Everard offers a comprehensive project management service under the Buying Solutions framework, geared to the exacting demands of the construction industry. The practice has renowned expertise in educational construction, with award-winning projects including Stephenson College, Madani High School, Oakham School, Derby High School, winning a Brighter City of Derby Award this year, and Leicester Grammar School, winner of the regional Community Benefit Award and a national finalist in the 2010 RICS awards.