Q1. Looking back to when you founded the practice 25 years ago, what was your original vision, and how has that evolved over time?

We didn’t have a grand vision, but we had a client who believed in us, and we built a strong partnership that continues today. As a start-up ourselves, we understood their growing business and shared interest in their future. This provided us with a model for our practice, listening to our clients, understanding their needs and supporting their vision. We’ve worked on that basis ever since.
Working with this client and others in the sector over the past 25 years, our practice has grown too; we were lucky to be there at the birth of a new sector, to recognise the opportunity and seize the moment.

Q2. Are there any standout or defining moments from the last quarter-century?

Looking back, the standout moments have been about the people. Working with great teams to win and deliver projects. Defining moments have been the big strategic decisions that have made us who we are as a practice: developing expertise in a few sectors, early adopting tech and software, diversifying the skills within the team to offer a one stop-shop for clients, becoming an EOT and BCorp practice. Developing a vision for the future and enabling a team for a positive succession.

We’ve had some very memorable social events involving, amongst other things, capsizing canoes, ambulances, and roof-top bars and clubs across Europe. For another time…

Q3. How has the architectural landscape changed since you started out, and what challenges or opportunities have stood out most?

Our generation has seen the profession step up to the challenge of climate change, working toward practical solutions, supported by legislation, to improve building design.

On the negative side, there has been an erosion of the importance of the role of the architect within the construction process. The post-Grenfell changes to the system are a welcome step forward and help to redress this balance. Architects should be taking up the Principal Designer role, be recognised for their skill and expertise at the heart of the design process and properly valued for their role. As a company, we have embraced this approach.

Q4. Can you describe the ethos or values that have been most important in shaping the culture of the practice?

We’ve spent some time developing our company values that we publish. It’s good to return to these to inform the practice culture and guide decision-making. From a design perspective, I think we have strived to deliver practical solutions that work for the client and the widest possible stakeholder group.

Q5. As you step away from day-to-day involvement, what are you most proud of leaving behind?

We are leaving a great team with the foundations to continue growing.  We have an excellent reputation in two sectors and opportunities to spread into aligned areas.  With the practice’s commitment to EOT ownership and BCorp, the business will continue to be operated in an ethical and meritocratic way, providing a great opportunity for all staff and excellent service to clients.

Q6. What advice would you offer to younger architects starting out now?

The principles that we followed starting out 25+ years ago remain the same.

Find experienced people that you can learn from, look for mentors, talk to your peers, and talk to your clients. Remain curious in the fields of architecture that interest you and share your thoughts and knowledge with others. Stay true to your values. Support the next generation.

Q7. What excites you about the next generation of leadership within the practice?

We have all worked together for well over two decades to build the practice based on our shared values. The leadership team have the design skills, expertise and enthusiasm and most importantly, they have some great clients; they are more than ready to take the company forward for the next generation.  We wish them every success.

Q8. If you could leave the practice with one message, what would it be?

Keep talking, listening and asking for feedback from your clients, from each other and others in the industry. The design process and outcomes have to work for everyone to be successful.

Q9. And finally, what’s next?

PW: Taking some well-earned time off and organising trips with family – I will still continue to do some Part 3 examining….

AI: I’m looking forward to some downtime with family and friends. We’ve got some nice trips planned.

Thankyou both from the Willmore Iles team… we wish you all the best for your retirement.