Every good project starts with the right people around the table. Collaboration is one of our favourite parts of the design process, and Morgan Studio sits right at the top of the list when it comes to people we enjoy working with. Whenever Michael calls, our instinct is to say ‘lets do it!’.

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That was very much the case when The Hatch — already well established in their first location — made the decision to open a second venue in Banbridge. While Michael led on the design, we were brought in alongside to support the technical side of things: working through the detail, navigating statutory applications, and helping out behind the scenes when called upon.

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The photos speak for themselves. Design credit to Michael, who's attention to detail and considered approach to the space comes through.  This kind of collaboration works so well — design and technical consultancy pulling in the same direction.

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Hot food retail outlets come with their own particular set of building control considerations — and getting the detail right from the start makes a real difference. Fire Safety, Accessibility as well as ventilation, extraction and food hygiene requirements all feed into the technical design which needs to compliemtn the aesthetic concept is key.

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For projects like The Hatch, working through these details as part of the process — rather than as an afterthought — means the design shines through without any last-minute surprises. It's not the most fun part of the job, but it's certainly one of the most important (chasing building control approval at the end of a fit out isn't something any architect wants to be doing!).

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We enjoyed working on this throughout 2025. There's something satisfying about watching a project like this land well for local small enterprises like The Hatch. As a client they had a great mindset and made the right decisions. Credit to Bronagh and Colin for engaging with the right processes from the start — for a hot food outlet, obtaining a change of use for the premises and then building control approvals help protect their business, the staff and the customers long term. Most pleasing was seeing everything come together just in time for an opening before Christmas - a timely present for Banbridges town centre.

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Check out Michaels website here and you can find him on Instagram and LinkedIn.