AYA 2024 shortlists: Best Architect Employer of the Year

Earlier this year BD announced all the architects who made it on to the shortlists for our prestigious annual Architect of the Year Awards.

Now we are shining the spotlight on each category in turn and publishing a selection of the images that impressed the judges.

This year’s judges include: Yẹmí Aládérun, head of development, Meridian Water, Enfield Council; Alexandra Andone, associate director, PRP; Amr Assaad, board director, Buckley Gray Yeoman; Lee Bennett, partner, design chair and school lead, Sheppard Robson; Sarah Cary, chief development officer Imperial College, White City Campus; Irene Craik, director, Levitt Bernstein; Alex Ely, founding director, Mae; Martyn Evans, creative director, LandsecU+I; Gavin Hale-Brown, director, Henley Halebrown; Tanvir Hasan, director emeritus, Donald Insall Associates; Lee Higson, board director, Eric Parry Architects; Nigel Hugill, chief executive, Urban & Civic; Kirsten Lees, managing partner, Grimshaw; Oliver Lowrie, director and founder, Ackroyd Lowrie; Anna Mansfield, director, Publica; Michelle McDowell, non-executive director, Civic; Ian McKnight, founding partner, Hall McKnight; John McRae, director and trustee, Orms; David Partridge, chairman, Related Argent; Sarah Robinson, asociate director, The King’s Foundation; Philippa Simpson, director for buildings and renewal, Barbican Centre; Kevin Singh, head, Manchester School of Architecture; Karl Singporewala, founder, Karl Singporewala Design Bureau; Jonathan Smales, founder and CEO, Human Nature; Elizabeth Smith, chairman and regional director, Purcell; Alan Stanton, principal director, Stanton Williams; Amin Taha, chairperson, Groupwork; Magali Thomson, project lead for placemaking, Great Ormond Street Hospital; Tatiana von Preussen, co-founder and director, vPPR; Jo Wright, director, Perkins&Will.

Today’s shortlist is for Best Architect Employer of the Year.

Bond Bryan

According to the practice, work-life balance is ‘a fundamental principle deeply ingrained in our organisational culture’. Bond Bryan offers flexible work hours, remote work options and an inclusive DDI-compliant working environment with gender-neutral facilities and a dedicated wellbeing room. Individuals can enhance their skills through individual training plans, and the practice has created new, knowledge-sharing roles of sustainability lead and change and innovation lead.

BPTW

In the past year, the Greenwich-based practice has launched a senior management training programme and awarded 17 promotions. It is committed to supporting more accessible routes into architecture, and is currently supporting 16 students through apprentices, T Levels and placements through the London School of Architecture. BPTW has also reviewed its recruitment processes to be more inclusive, and has formed a new wellbeing team.

Broadway Malyan

Broadway Malyan has been an Employee Owned Trust (EOT) since 2016, and describes itself as ‘creating a culture of communication and transparency’ through its EOT representatives. The practice encourages an inclusive culture, and recently launched a ‘Queers and Allies’ group as a safe, supportive space. In a recent staff survey, 93% reported a sense of belonging. Broadway Malyan has a clear developmental pathway - many of the senior leadership began at the practice as students.

Formation Architects

In 2023, the employee-owned practice was awarded the Mayor’s Good Work Standard for employment best practice. It is currently in the process of applying for B Corp accreditation. Formation has agile working arrangements, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, and various activities promoting work-life balance. More than 50% of staff regularly engage in the employee-led Formation Community, which organises fundraising activities, pro-bono work, volunteering and wellbeing sessions.

Haworth Tompkins

The practice aims to create a working environment that is ‘enjoyable, inspirational and fulfilling’. Its diverse demographic reflects its commitment to supporting diversity at all levels – 47% are female, 2% identify as non-binary, 24% are from ethnic minority backgrounds, 15% are from the LGBTQ+ community and 7% identify as disabled. Employees are offered flexible working, including two days working from home each week, and long working hours are discouraged.

HTA Design LLP

HTA considers the health, wellbeing, and professional development of every practice member to be critical to its success. Over the past year, the housing specialist has expanded its flexible working policies, launched a new career map and salary guide, established an internal mentoring programme, and achieved B Corp status. The practice keeps overtime hours below 1.5% and is considered a great place to work by 98% of its staff.

JTP

The practice has introduced a new leadership tier as part of ongoing succession planning, leading to the promotion of its first six associate directors. Other changes include an overhaul of associate responsibilities and the introduction of bespoke leadership coaching to support individuals in their personal growth. JTP’s already-generous benefits package now includes additional parent-friendly benefits. Overtime has been reduced to 2.5% of total working hours.

We Made That

The practice, which works exclusively for the public sector and charities, is committed to both delivering public good and being the best employer it can.

A certified B Corp since 2021, it co-founded the RE-SET-GO work experience and mentoring programme to help widen access to working in the built environment for those from under-represented backgrounds. In 2023, the practice became a Mayor of London’s Good Work Standard employer.