About us

APM Design are a highly experienced and skilled multi-disciplinary company. Having been an established commercial Interior Design practice for over 35 years, APM have a wealth of experience working across a wide range of industry sectors and have an excellent understanding of the various regulations applicable to commercial projects.

In addition to our core Interior Design service, APM have an exceptional reputation working with Local Authorities in securing both Planning Permissions and Listed Building Consents.

Our Construction Consultancy services are offered by APM’s in-house CIOB chartered construction manager who is experienced working on high end commercial and hospitality projects.

Based in the mill town of Darwen, Lancashire, APM have built up a reputation as one of the regions leading design practices. APM take on appointments throughout the UK and have experience working on international projects in Europe, North America and the Caribbean. APM Design also have a satellite studio in the Duddon Valley, Cumbria, making them ideally placed to deliver projects in the Lake District National Park.

Meet the team
APM HQ in Darwen, Lancashire

Our approach and process

APM Design work on projects of all sizes and budgets from small family run cafe refurbishments to large new build hotel and spas. No job is too big or small for the team at APM.

APM can work as either lead Designer or as part of a wider Design team, depending on the nature of the project. The extent of our role will vary from project to project, with APM capable of undertaking services including; Concept Designs, Detailed Drawings, 3D Visuals, Specification of Internal Finishes, Landscaping Design, Planning Application and Listed Building Consents.

Our Construction Consultancy services can be provided either in support of our Designs or as a separate appointment acting in the capacity of either: Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor or Contract Administrator.

As a small family run business, we offer a personable 'down to earth' approach where our Clients brief is delivered with award winning design from our passionate and competent team.

Our servicesOur work

Our environmental pledge

APM Design are committed to the long term sustainability of the global eco-system as well as our local communities.

We encourage and promote the use of locally sourced materials, tradesmen and consultants to support local communities and reduce the carbon footprints of all of our projects. Any materials and products which cannot be sourced locally are only ever specified from sustainable sources and companies who treat the environment and their workforce with care and respect.

APM Design promote a healthy lifestyle for all of our employees and encourage the use of public transport, walk / cycle to work schemes and are proud to give support to a number of local charities.

Recognition

Check out some of our latest industry awards.

The Grand - Sefton Design Awards 2023

Winner: Hive Creative and Digital Business Award 2022

Finalist: Northern Design Awards 2022 – Commercial Interior Design Practice of the Year

Finalist: Northern Design Awards 2022 – Commercial Interior Design Project of the Year – The Grand, Southport

Finalist: Northern Design Awards 2022 – Restaurant and Bar Project of the Year – Artizen, Warrington

Finalist: Mixology North 2022 – Design Practice of the Year

Winner: Mixology North 2021 – Hotel Interiors Project of the Year – Clifton Arms Hotel

Finalist: Northern Design Awards 2021 – Hotel Design

Finalist: Northern Design Awards 2021 – Commercial Interior Design Practice of the Year

Winner: Build Construction & Engineering’s Best Healthcare & Education Architecture Practice – Lancashire

Finalist: Mixology UK 2021 – Design Firm of the Year

Winner: Northern Design Awards 2020 – Commercial Interior Design Project of the Year – Athelis Health & Fitness Club, Warrington

Meet the team: 
Small team, big ideas

Andy McCluskey

Design Director & Co-Founder

Andy trained at Salford Tech in Interior Design. With more than 40 years’ experience in Commercial Design, specialising in hospitality, leisure and catering interiors. Andy is a keen illustrator and is a former student of renowned artist Harold Riley.

Favourite way to spend a day off – Walking or running in the countryside with family and my dogs.

Favourite building in the World – Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany.

Most rewarding part of my job – Being able to transform spaces and create a "wow" factor for Clients.

Tracy McCluskey

Design Director & Co-Founder

Tracy also studied at Salford Tech, which is where she met Andy. Tracy specialises in high end residential Interior Design, together with exhibition and landscape design.

Favourite way to spend a day off – I feel happiest in the fresh air where I can be most creative and inspired.

Favourite building in the World – As a Salford girl, LS Lowry has made a massive impact on my life and therefore I would say the Lowry Theatre and Gallery.

Most rewarding part of my job – The ongoing industry awards and gratitude from Clients. APM continue to swim with the big fish in the industry and long may that continue.

Dean McCluskey

Projects Director MCIOB Bsc(Hons)

Dean graduated from Salford University in 2012 with a degree in Quantity Surveying and became a Chartered Construction Manager with the CIOB in 2020. He continues to be an active member of the CIOB acting as a mentor to those aiming to become chartered members.

Favourite way to spend a day off – Walking or running amongst the Lake District Fells.

Favourite building in the World – Harpa, Reykjavik. I admire how it takes inspiration from its country’s unique natural environment.

Most rewarding part of my job – I love taking a project from start to finish and seeing buildings transformed.

Tony Lee

Designer

Tony qualified from Blackburn Technical College with an OND in Building Construction. He has over 25 years’ experience in Computer Aided Design and has been with APM for more than 15 years.

Favourite way to spend a day off – Spending time with family and collecting trainers.

Favourite building in the World – Sydney Opera House that I’ve visited, I would love to visit the Taj Mahal too.

Most rewarding part of my job – Exceeding Clients expectations and visiting APM’s completed projects.

Emma Lavery

Interior Designer BA(Hons)

Emma joined APM at the start of 2022 having graduated from Edinburgh Heriot-Watt University in 2017. Emma has since lived in Australia and worked as an Interior Design Stylist in Glasgow.

Favourite way to spend a day off – Visiting new places and experiencing different cultures.

Favourite building in the World – La Sagrada Familia, I’ll hopefully get to see it completed one day!

Most rewarding part of my job – Creating an interior scheme and seeing it come to life.

Zeus and Eric

Security Team

Zeus acts as Senior Security Advisor for APM, his young apprentice 'Eric' is very keen to assist Zeus with all security matters. As a team they take security and dog treats very seriously.

Murphy

Wellbeing Ambassador

Murphy is the newest member of the APM Design team and is already taking his role as Wellbeing Ambassador very seriously. A crucial part of Murphy’s job description is to make sure team members and any visitors to the studio are happy and keep smiling.

Interested in starting a project with us?