Values
We add social value through our projects, the way we run our company and by giving to others.
Giving
In recent years we have supported charities including Feedo Needo, LandAid, Variety, Sense and the Architects Benevolent Society, alongside education and cultural organisations such as English National Ballet, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Open City, B:Music and Birmingham Hippodrome. We also share our Birmingham home with Smart Works, a charity that helps women into employment.
We believe that everyone who works with us should earn a wage that meets everyday needs, so every member of our team — including interns and apprentices — is paid the Real Living Wage and we have a profit-share scheme.
Our charity partners
Our London Studio hosted the Architects Benevolent Society's annual Chicken Run
Inspiring
Encouraging young people to consider careers in architecture and design is a core commitment. We host visits from schools and universities, organising project tours, talks and workshops. We are closely involved with several of the UK’s leading schools of architecture and sponsor annual student awards based on our CLEAN approach to design.
Each year we run a Summer School in Birmingham for students aged 15–17, demonstrating how creative and rewarding a career in architecture can be. Many participants go on to pursue careers in design and return to us during their studies for placements and guidance.
Summer School: Modelmaking workshop
Summer School: Crit day presentations
Sharing
Sharing knowledge is central to our culture and shapes how we collaborate.
Beyond the studio, we contribute to talks, events and public programmes. For the last 10 years we have participated in the London Festival of Architecture, organising tours and talks at our projects. Our Open Studio event showcases our work and provides opportunities for conversation and career advice.
We regularly contribute to conferences and events with organisations including Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Growth Company, RIBA, TEDx, Open City, Academy of Urbanism, UKREiiF, MIPIM, New London Architecture, British Council of Offices, Insider and Building Brum.
Partner David Henderson, leads a tour of London City Island for the London Festival of Architecture.
Our ‘Growing Pains’ event for LFA’s Open Studio
Welcoming
We are proud of the diversity of our team, reflecting the communities of London and Birmingham. Our EDI statement sets out our commitment to equality and inclusion. We have signed the NLA Diverse Leaders Pledge and the Future of London Speakers’ Pledge to reinforce this commitment.
Internal design workshop
Engagement
Active and constructive engagement is fundamental to our projects. Alongside clients, we work closely with communities and stakeholders from the outset. We collaborate with local businesses, artists and residents, enabling them to help shape the buildings and places they care about.
A workshop with pupils from Edgware Primary School on regeneration of Edgware Town Centre.