OPUN appoints chief exec
The OPUN architecture and design centre has appointed interim chief executive Julie Tanner to the position permanently.
Tanner has held the position on a temporary basis for the past ten months.
Prior to her role at OPUN, Tanner worked at East Midlands Development Agency, where she led transport, infrastructure, public realm and capital investment projects.
She said: "It's a really interesting time for OPUN. Government cuts mean that less funding is available to support our services.
"But there's still a real need for what we do. We make sure that well designed places - which are fit for purpose and meet the needs of our communities - are brought through the planning system."
OPUN said it aims to improve the quality of building design across the East Midlands. The company works alongside design professionals and the commercial and community sectors.
Tanner said her first move as chief executive would be to apply for the company to achieve charitable status.
She said: "I believe that as a not-for-profit company, this will put OPUN in a better position to access more funding opportunities. We are also establishing a new and innovative web-based design review service to make our offer more accessible."
