Our Culture

Studio Culture

We are Associated Architects. As our name suggests, we believe that the best architecture comes from collaboration and shared expertise, rather than any single person in our practice. Ever since we were founded in 1968, the key to our unique approach has been bringing people together from both inside and outside our business, across varied fields of expertise, and at all levels.

We are a friendly, inclusive and welcoming place to work. We believe in the people in our practice and encourage fresh thinking, drawing upon their energy for exploring new ideas and innovations.

The practice is owned by an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) and is governed by a board of trustees, with representatives from the company’s directors, employees and an independent trustee. We have a dedicated working group that represents the voices of our employees, with a direct link to the Trust board, helping to shape our practice culture and support the wellbeing of our employees.

We believe that the best architecture comes from collaboration and shared expertise, rather than any single person in our practice.

Social Culture

Our social calendar aims to celebrate the diverse range of interests and personalities within our practice, as well as sharing knowledge and finding and sharing inspiration. We plan a range of activities including gallery visits, sporting activities, a run club and ‘Tea Break Tuesdays’, and we actively encourage people to suggest activities and share their passions.

Our monthly breakfast mornings and annual study trips bring together all three of our studios to celebrate the varied work across the practice and build social bonds.

Key to our unique approach is bringing people together from both inside and outside our business, across varied fields of expertise, and at all levels.

Social Value

We believe in running our business in a way that reflects our philosophy of being people-orientated. The practice’s social value activities are led by the CREAATE working group and focus on making a positive contribution to the practice itself and the wider community.

Activities include:

Providing pro bono or discounted architectural services to good causes
Community projects and volunteering
Charitable giving
Nurturing the next generation of talent
Supporting the promotion of excellence in the built environment
Reducing our carbon impact
Maintaining responsible business practices
Supporting the health and wellbeing of our employees

Our Values

We work
together

The most exciting and meaningful buildings come a collaborative approach. We’re a team of equals who embrace the range of expertise from inside and outside of our practice.

We think
creatively

Real creativity is about more than ‘great design’. We believe in the people in our practice and encourage fresh thinking, and energy for exploring new ideas and innovations.

We understand
our clients

Looking beyond our studios inspires us. Our practice reflects the diverse communities it serves, helping us ‘create places that are in tune with people’.

We connect with our community

Looking beyond our studios inspires us. Our practice reflects the diverse communities it serves, helping us ‘create places that are in tune with people’.