Camden-based HLM Architects and its subsidiary Llewelyn Davies have transferred to employee-owned status with immediate effect, following the firm's successful transition to an employee ownership trust (EOT).
The business, which was last year named Architecture Practice of the Year in the Building Awards 2020, now has 100% of its shareholding held in the EOT in recognition of employees' contributions to its success.
Commenting on the move, HLM Architects chair Richard O’Neil, said: “Our people-centric practice has a special culture fostering our heritage and focusing on our future. So, it is a natural progression to transfer ownership for the benefit of the people who are committed to our success – our staff.”
According to O’Neil, being put into a trust will mean staff will be able to play a “bigger role in shaping the future of the practice".
He added: “Our employee ownership is far more than just a business model. It’s about creating a place where we can continue to channel ideas, be truly innovative and find solutions to ensure that we don’t just do well, but that we also do good – for the benefit of each other, our clients and the communities we work with, as well as our environment.”
Steve Featherstone, director, Llewelyn Davies, added: “Over the last few decades, we have been on a remarkable journey that now comes together as part of our evolution to an employee-owned trust, which will provide a platform for further growth and development.
“This people-centric approach is a natural next step that is exciting to see, and will no doubt result in a stronger, more resilient practice built around teamwork.”
Llewelyn Davies recently scooped the International African and Arabia Best Public Service Architecture Award for New Terminal West, Aeroport d’Alger, Algiers.
It has also recently been appointed as the lead architect for the design of a brand new hospital in Jersey.
