The Grade II listed Birmingham School of Jewellery, a faculty of the University of Central England, was established in 1890. In 1994-1995 it was subject to a major refurbishment, extension and upgrade to provide a pleasant and safe facility to allow the development and updating of traditional craft and contemporary design.

When the electro-deposition laboratory research facility was destroyed by an equipment fire in 1999, BCA were appointed as Project Managers and infrastructure designers because of the detailed experience Brian Thompson gained during the earlier redevelopment project and subsequent equipment fit-out.

The ventilation system to deal with aggressive acid and cyanide vapours from the treatment tanks was upgraded and integrated into the electroplating tank surrounds, gas fire-detection and suppression systems integrated into the tanks and electronic equipment racks, and monitoring and control safety systems extended and enhanced.

Co-ordinating closely with the University staff, specialist treatment system designers and suppliers, and health and safety specialists, the £300K refurbishment project was successfully co-ordinated and managed by BCA to ensure that facilities were provided for UCE to maintain their enviable reputation in this field of research and education.