HLM Architects

HLM Architects Completes Leadership Transition. We’re proud to announce the successful completion of our leadership transition, marking the next phase in our evolution as an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This decade-long journey has seen Philip Watson step into the role of Chair, michael scherdel become Managing Director, and Lorraine Robertson take on the position of Operations Director. They continue to be supported by Marcus Earnshaw, Simon Chenery, Claire Wakelin, and Simon Bell on the Board of Directors, with Mark Staniland continuing in his role as Finance Director, ensuring financial sustainability and strategic growth. Each member of the board has served in key leadership roles over the years and brings a wealth of experience, along with a deep understanding of HLM’s values and long-term vision. As Philip Watson says, “HLM’s influence has never been stronger, but we’re not stopping here. We are committed to fostering an even more inclusive and nurturing workplace, advancing regenerative design, and pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation.” Read what each board director is looking forward to as we embark on this next chapter—and discover the areas of focus for our Strategic Directors Richard O'Neil, Karen Mosley, David Cafferty and Christopher Liddle as they continue to guide the business with their expertise. https://lnkd.in/eXmJpKYB #HLMArchitects #LeadershipTransition #EmployeeOwnership #EOT #Architecture #StrategicLeadership #FutureFocused #PeopleFirst

Fantastic to see the progress being made on site at Ysgol Cynefin, Cardiff. The groundbreaking Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Primary schools are evolving from the existing Court School. The project sees the relocating and expanding of The Court school across two new sites to accommodate increased demand for Primary-age specialist provision in the City. Constructed in Cross-laminated timber (CLT) the schools will be the first of their kind in Cardiff. The timber panels allow for building efficiency and sustainability. They also allow for a natural, aesthetic finish which further strengthens the school’s ethos of forming connections with nature and highlighting the relationship between individuals and their environment. Part II Architectural Assistant, Ang Sheppard said “It’s great to work on this exciting, transformative additional learning needs project in Cardiff. We have created an inclusive, supportive environment where all pupils will be able to thrive. The neighbouring communities will also benefit from outdoor enhancements near to the schools, such as play spaces and forest school areas” Ysgol Cynefin is on track for completion by the end of the 2025-26 academic year. You can read more here: https://brnw.ch/21wSa8t Project Team: Cardiff Council | Kier Construction | MCCANN & PARTNERS LTD | EURBAN Limited | AECOM | Cambria Consulting Ltd #clt #thoughtfuldesign #cardiffschools #ALNdesign

We're delighted to share that Thames Christian School & Battersea Chapel has been Highly Commended at the 2025 CIVIC TRUST AWARDS! Co-located in the heart of Wandsworth’s York Gardens regeneration area, the independent secondary school and Baptist chapel stands as a testament to thoughtful, inclusive design and the power of collaboration. Judges praised the scheme for “responding to environmental and spatial constraints to successfully create a dual-use development in an urban context.” A huge congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this inspiring project to life. Read more here: https://brnw.ch/21wS8sW #CivicTrustAwards25 #HighlyCommended #EducationArchitects

This year, for our second fundraiser, the Sheffield Studio hosted an Easter-themed ‘Guess how many goodies are in the jar’ challenge, in support of our charity of the year — Bright Young Dreams! 🎉 Congratulations to Jessica Vernon and Stuart Beaumont for guessing correctly! Can anyone guess the exact number in the comments? We also had a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny! This morning, everyone was rushing around the studio hunting for hidden Easter eggs... some had more luck than others in the challenge! 🥚👀 Wishing everyone a wonderful long weekend — and to those celebrating, an egg-xcellent Easter! 💐🐣🌞 #Easter #Spring #Sheffield

Delighted to say we have another newly qualified Architect in our Glasgow study – very well done to András Berze for passing your Part III qualification. Having studied at the Mackintosh School of Architecture he then went on to work in London and Dublin. Finally moving back to Glasgow to complete his studies and join our Glasgow team. Recently he has worked as technical advisor on two impactful healthcare projects. In addition to Healthcare he has worked on several defence projects across the UK. HLM’s extensive experience in managing large, complex briefs in this sector provided him with valuable insight. Adam McAvoy in our Glasgow Studio has been mentoring Andras and said “The great experience Andras has gained on several defence projects, mainly the Imjin project, has given him the skillset and knowledge base for undertaking and passing his Part III exam. Andras has shown a commitment and dedication to the exam process and can use the title of Architect proudly!” You can read more abut what Andras had to say here: https://brnw.ch/21wS3i9 Congratulations and a huge well done! #youngarchitects #RIBA #architectsinglasgow

Our Belfast studio is taking part in the The Royal Society of Ulster Architects Professional Insights Programme 2024/25, supporting architecture students from Ulster University and Queen's University Belfast as they prepare for their future careers. Through a series of sessions, our team has been providing hands-on insights into the profession, This has included an introduction to the practice by Micheal Murphy, followed by a series of insightful activities: 🏗️ Site Visits – Richard Williams, Adela Vagova and Micheal, and four students, led a visit to Newbridge Integrated College, currently under construction with Ganson Group. 📊 Resourcing & Business Administration – Led by Nicola McKay, sharing valuable knowledge on practice operations. 📑 Winning Work & Procurement – Kathryn Dowse-McCreanor provided an overview of the tender process and procurement routes. 🛠️ Material Selection & Design Thinking – Andrew Abraham and Kevin O'Neill facilitated a design forum on the Dromore Place Plan, presented by Chris McNabb. We believe in nurturing future talent by offering real-world experience and insight into the many facets of architectural practice. A huge thank you to RSUA for organising this fantastic initiative, we look forward to continuing our involvement! Read more here: https://brnw.ch/21wS00L #RSUA #FutureDesigners #EducatingArchitects

Delighted to say Yik Hei (Hayes) Chan has recently passed his Part III qualification. Based in our Glasgow studio, the newly qualified Architect undertook his undergraduate degree at De Montfort University School of Architecture, Leicester. After studying at Leicester, Hayes worked in Hong Kong for two years before returning to the UK to complete his post graduate degree at the University of Sheffield. Since joining HLM Architects, Hayes has worked on projects such as the Manufacturing Skills Academy at NMIS and the Ingliston Hotel, Glasgow. He then joined our Education team and is currently working on the Fairwater Campus project in Cardiff, Ysgol Y Deri Expansion and St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School. Peter McLaughlan said “In my role as mentor for Hayes I have helped ensure he was gaining the correct experience at HLM and acting as a point of contact within the business. Since starting with us, Hayes has primarily been working alongside the Cardiff studio on a number of Education projects, including the flagship Fairwater Campus where he was an integral part of the team from the outset. He has been involved throughout the development of Fairwater, and this has allowed Hayes to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to successfully pass his Part III. Huge congratulations Hayes.” https://brnw.ch/21wRVBJ A huge well-done Hayes, your hard work and commitment has paid off, congratulations! #congratulations #youngarchitects #thefutureisbright

Last night, we were delighted to host a #NewToNetworking session at our Sheffield Studio, organised by Rider Levett Bucknall RLB and AJ Taylor — an evening dedicated to welcoming and connecting the next generation of industry professionals 🤝. It was fantastic to see so many aspiring professionals come together to share conversations and ideas over a few drinks and an incredible Mexican spread 🥑🌶️. Habeebah Usman spoke to the group and told them about the new future professionals table at the upcoming Sheffield Charity Construction Ball! 🎉 Events like these are all about building relationships, exchanging experiences, and creating a stronger, more supportive community for those just starting out in our industry 🏗️. Thanks to everyone who joined us — we’re already looking forward to the next one! 🙌 #Networking #YoungProfessionals #ConstructionBall

We’re delighted to share that Alethea Ottewell Head of Landscape and Noor Itrakjy Associate Landscape Architect featured in last month’s Architects’ Journal The article focuses on Biodiversity Net Gain legislation a year on and looks at how architects and design teams are finding incorporating the new scheme into projects. Alethea Ottewell said “BNG is already helping to retain many of the benefits which ‘often get value-engineered out’ of projects, which, she adds, makes schemes ‘a lot more interesting”. A great insight into how design teams are working hard to weave the new legislation into projects. We are passionate about putting biodiversity at the forefront of our design decisions. We carefully collaborate with clients to help them navigate through BNG challenges and opportunities. Read the full article here: https://brnw.ch/21wRU8k #landscapearchitects #thoughtfuldesign #BNG #ArchitectsJournal

We’re thrilled to share that we have been named as finalists in three categories at the Education Property Awards 2025 – a fantastic recognition of the passion, creativity, and dedication that goes into every one of our education projects. The shortlisting's include: • Architectural Practice of the Year • Higher Education Project of the Year – The Wave, The University of Sheffield • Exterior Project of the Year - The Wave, University of Sheffield A huge thank you to our incredible teams, clients, and collaborators. This recognition reflects over two decades of sector-leading work that continues to redefine how educational spaces inspire, support and transform lives. Read more here:https://brnw.ch/21wRStY We look forward to celebrating with our fellow finalists at the awards ceremony at UKREiiF in Leeds on the 20th of May. #EducationPropertyAwards25 #UKREiiF2025 #Shortlisted