Glasgow-based Page\Park Architects have been appointed from a shortlist of five companies which bid for the role.

They will now start work on a detailed plan for restoration. Work is expected to begin in spring 2016 with hopes for academic access from 2017/2018.

While the art school is continuing efforts to raise £20m to pay for the restoration of the Mackintosh and its contents... [it] has provided additional information regarding Page\Park's restoration and working relationship with the School in a press release, presented here in a slightly condensed form:

"The Glasgow-based architects have an extensive track record in both restoring and reinvigorating major historic buildings.  They have also worked across the spectrum of Mackintosh's designs from the domestic at the Hillhouse, through commercial at the former Glasgow Herald offices - now the Lighthouse, to his finest cultural and academic work at the School of Art itself  - as lead designers for the Heritage Lottery Fund supported Mackintosh Conservation and Access Project (2007-9)

“The team assembled by Page \ Park Architects impressed us not only with their deep knowledge of the building, but of the wider work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh,” says Professor Tom Inns, Director of The Glasgow School of Art. “They displayed a superb methodology to the task of restoration – in particular their room by room analysis of the structure, materiality, craftsmanship and intent of Mackintosh in designing, specifying and overseeing the construction of his masterwork. “They also bring an understanding of the building’s particular importance to Glasgow – its people and history - as well as of its status as an international design icon.”

“Although the design team will lead the programme, the GSA will have a fundamental role in the development of the detailed restoration plan.  We were particularly impressed by their openness to work in partnership with the GSA as we set out on an exciting journey of discovery. [...]