Architects firm switches to staff ownership
A firm of architects behind a host of high-profile projects in Edinburgh, including the forthcoming St James Quarter development, has announced its move into employee ownership.
Allan Murray Architects (AMA) claims to have played a bigger role in Edinburgh’s recent architectural renaissance than any other firm – with its other famous pro - jects including The Tun, the new Borough muir High School, Missoni Hotel and the Edinburgh Bioquar ter masterplan.
The Edinburgh business, which was founded in 1992, has entered into an employee ownership trust (EOT), with directors Conor Pittman and Kenny Mcnally to continue to lead the practice, enabling Allan Murray to fully retire.
MD Mr Pittman said: “Unlike many firms entering employee ownership, for us it is all about continuity and showing the market that–while we are evolving – we are as well placed as ever before to deliver the cutting-edge and landmark projects we’re known for. This includes exciting schemes like Abbey Lane– where we’ve been granted planning approval to accommodate 298 students.
“We have Allan’s incredible legacy an date am that has absorbed so much knowledge and acclaim over the last few decades – and now we want to knit together and come out of the challenges that the entire sector has experienced over the last year. Employee ownership will help us grow and develop.”
With 100 per cent of AMA’S shares transferred to the EOT, the business will annually split an agreed share of any profits between employees, regardless of their position.
MrMcN ally, who is overseeing the masterplan of the £1 billion St James Quarter, said: “Employee ownership is a natural route for us... The business is now mature and responsibility for con ti nuing to grow our reputation is shared between all of us, the beginning of a new era that we are all looking forward to.”
Office manager Ellen Wilson, who has been with the practice more than 20 years, was elected by the team to become trustee, helping to ensure that the company is run in the best interests of the employees.
She said: “I’m fascinated to see the impact employee ownership has, though I’m certain it will give us all an increased drive to come out of the current difficult climate as well prepared as possible–and ready to take on new challenges .”
AMA joins Scottish firms Page\park, Collective Architecture, Anderson Bell Christie and Archetype in the growing number of architectural practices choosing employee ownership.
Ownership Associates, founded by Carole Leslie, guided AMA through the process. It said that with demand for the succession model growing year on year, she has now helped more than 60 businesses achieve their goal.
Ms Leslie said: “Few firms can match AMA’S impact on the fabric of Edinburgh – though that is not to take away from the team’s projects throughout the country and further afield. It’s been personally rewarding to see them make that step into employee ownership and choose a route that works in the interest of its team.”
Anderson Strathern provided legal support.