ABSTRACT

The period in which one has been practising architecture has corresponded with huge changes to the profession: abolition of fixed fees; market competition; allowing advertising; upsurge in design and build; elimination of public sector architects; and decline in the traditional partnership/ownership structures. While it had resulted in a limited dispersal of ownership, it was short of the stated objective of reducing the shareholding to 51 per cent by 2018. The transition to employee ownership is irrevocable so it is important that future staff can understand the principles which guided the practice to the decision. A Statement of Values was developed which captured the aspects considered fundamental to the practice – architectural excellence, collaboration, empowerment, humanitarian leadership, hierarchy, professionalism, financial prudence, thoughtful relationships, and ethical architecture. In the subsequent period the practice has continued to develop the opportunities for engagement that are afforded by the ownership model. Management has embraced the discipline of regularly reporting to the trust and staff.