Crown Paints has announced it is among the first brands involved in creating a new hub of inspiration in Manchester for architects and designers, opening in Autumn 2021.

The business joins the new Material Source Studio with the aim of supporting architects and designers to create beautiful spaces using colour. The business will use the studio to share its knowledge in specifying paint and colour expertise and showcase its services for architects and designers, including its bespoke specification service.

Crown Paints’ dedicated architect and design team, which aims to help support more designers, architects and specifiers in choosing the best paint for their work, will be heavily involved in the partnership. The team will work closely with the Material Source Studio, providing resources for visitors.

Crown Paints will also be involved in the range of events Material Source is planning for the space. As well as a monthly ‘maker in residence’ programme, which will provide a platform for emerging local talent, the Studio will also host Continuing Professional Development (CPDs) and seminars at its 100-seat theatre and meeting areas.

The new studio, the first of its kind in the UK, will offer architects and designers an inspiration hub full of products and materials from global brands. The 15,000 sq ft space in Manchester’s NOMA development is split across two floors, with a range of inspirational exhibits and interactive displays. So far, 40 brands have signed up to share their expertise at the studio.

Katie McLean, Marketing Director at Crown Paints, said: “Our partnership with Material Source is a significant part of our continuous aim of collaborating with the architecture and design community. It’s a significant milestone for the B2B side of our business as Material Source allows us to champion Northern talent and the wider design industry.

“We have a diverse professional product range and service offering that’s been built up over years through our work with large commercial customers. From bespoke specification services to site surveys and one-on-one colour advice, our aim is to help architects and designers create beautiful and sustainable spaces. On top of this we’ve worked hard to create resources that help the community to choose the best coatings for the job – whether that be information on fire protection or how to make the most of our new colour scanning device, the Crown ColourKey. We’re looking forward to creating a programme of activity at Material Source to help showcase the potential of Crown Paints.”