In a strategic move that underscores the importance of seamless facilities management, the Royal College of Art (RCA) has entrusted Derwent Facilities Management (FM) with the responsibility of overseeing its expansive estate. The RCA, a prestigious institution that has been ranked the world's top art and design university for the past decade by the QS World University Rankings, has recognized the critical role that facilities management plays in supporting its academic pursuits and maintaining its global reputation.
The IFM contract awarded to Derwent FM covers a wide range of services, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning maintenance, mechanical and electrical upkeep, cleaning, security, pest control, grounds maintenance, transportation, and more. These services will be delivered across the RCA's 12 buildings located in its three campuses – South Kensington, Battersea, and White City.
Eamonn Tierney, the Managing Director at Derwent FM, expressed the company's pride in securing this prestigious contract, stating, "Derwent FM are hugely proud to have been awarded the contract with The Royal College of Art, an iconic and prestigious educational institution, and look forward to working in partnership to deliver our services to the highest possible standards." Tierney emphasized the importance of ensuring that the RCA's facilities operate at the highest level, as they are the backbone of the institution's academic pursuits.
Paul Draper, the Director of Estates at the RCA, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the pivotal role of the Estates team in creating a world-class environment for learning, research, and collaboration. Draper noted that Derwent's team demonstrated a deep understanding and enthusiasm to support the RCA's vision, making them the ideal partner to manage the institution's critical facilities.
This strategic alliance between the RCA and Derwent FM represents a synergistic symbiosis, where the expertise and dedication of the facilities management provider will contribute to the continued success and global prominence of the renowned art and design institution. By entrusting Derwent FM with the stewardship of its estate, the RCA can focus on its core mission of nurturing the next generation of creative talents, confident that its facilities will operate at the highest standards.
As the built environment continues to evolve, the partnership between the Royal College of Art and Derwent Facilities Management serves as a testament to the importance of integrating facilities management into the strategic vision of leading educational institutions. This collaboration promises to pave the way for a future where world-class facilities enable the pursuit of academic excellence and artistic innovation.
