We are thrilled to announce the well-deserved promotions of four exceptional individuals within our company. As an organization committed to nurturing talent and fostering professional development, we take immense pride in recognising the achievements of our team members. Craig Wall, Chris Kent, Luke Ellis, and Alex Palmer have demonstrated and embodied the values that define our firm, worked diligently and have been excellent assets to their teams.
We asked each of them some questions to help give us some insights into their new roles and their time working at Roberts Limbrick.
Craig's journey with Roberts Limbrick started over 10 years ago coming in as an already experienced qualified architect and urban designer. During his time in our residential team in Gloucester, Craig has exhibited outstanding leadership qualities and a deep understanding of architectural intricacies. Craig has worked with a variety of clients and project sizes while at Roberts Limbrick, most notably the Practices’ biggest Reserved Matters application at Newbury Racecourse (Eastern Site) for over 700 homes, and the ex-police station site on Lansdown Road in collaboration with Cala Homes.
Craig’s experience and ability to navigate these complex projects have earned him the promotion to Associate Director.
Q: What are you most excited about in your new role?
A: I am looking forward to further enhancing and raising the profile of the Practice in terms of our commitment to high-quality and creative design through deliverable solutions that won't cost (us) the earth.
Q: As an Associate Director, are you excited to help shape the future of Roberts Limbrick?
A: Absolutely, the forward-looking nature of the Practice means that we are well set to adapt to an ever-changing market in a variety of different sectors.
Q: Do you have any advice for someone striving to progress within architecture?
A: Get yourself a hard hat! Keep your focus on your goals and grow from your mistakes.
Chris’ passion for design and his talent for delivery has been instrumental in contributing to the success of our sports and leisure team. During his time at Roberts Limbrick, Chris has showcased remarkable creativity and consistency, delivering projects of national significance and exceptional quality such as Sandwell Aquatics Centre.
His promotion to Senior Associate is a reflection of his dedication and expertise, as well as a recognition of his pivotal role within the firm.
Q: In the 15 years you have been at Roberts Limbrick, how have you seen your career progress?
A: I started as a junior at Roberts Limbrick where I joined the sport and leisure team, and I have remained a part of this team since. Working with other experienced and senior members of the team during this time has allowed me to gain considerable experience within this sector, both from a technical and planning perspective. This has allowed me to progress in my career to where I am now.
Q: What has been your favourite project you've worked on so far?
A: I am fortunate to have been involved in a lot of amazing projects during my time at RL. Hinckley Leisure Centre is a fantastic building, but having the opportunity to lead the design and delivery of Sandwell Aquatics Centre will always mean it is a favourite of mine. The build was phased to allow for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and certainly isn’t the type of high-profile project you get to work on all the time.
Q: Do you have any advice for someone striving to progress within architecture?
A: One piece of advice I have given before to people who have thought about working in architecture but are put off by university and long architecture courses, is that there is always a different route. I started as a junior technician with RL, completed my HNC at college and am working on my chartered status with CIAT. Becoming a qualified Architect isn’t the only route into the industry, especially if you think you may be interested in technical design and construction detailing.
Luke's time at Roberts Limbrick serves as a great example of his commitment to excellence and his determination to provide a great service to all clients. As a member of our sports and leisure team in Gloucester, Luke has consistently demonstrated his ability to problem-solve and his eye for detail.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about your new role?
A: I am most looking forward to being more involved in more up-and-coming Projects and having more of a pivotal role in the delivery of Projects. It will be good to be able to be more responsible with the day-to-day managing of projects within my team and ensuring that the project deliverables are met. Having watched how my colleagues have previously managed similar projects in the past, I am confident that I can take what I have learned and successfully manage Projects in my own way.
Q: What has been your favourite part of working in architecture?
A: As much as I enjoy working in the 3D environment and developing designs using 3D software, my favourite part of working in architecture has to be getting on-site and looking at how details that I have helped produce, work in reality. It's always good to physically see what you have spent so much time helping design and see it come to fruition. You get the feeling that you have done your job properly. It is always good to discuss any detailing issues that materialise on-site and resolve the issues there and then discuss it with the people who are building your designs.
Q: Do you have any advice for someone striving to progress within architecture?
A: My advice for anyone striving to progress within architecture, would be to speak to as many architectural professionals as possible to gain their insights and experiences to give yourself the best chance at being successful and learn from other's experiences as well as your own. In my opinion, this may be just as valuable as anything that can be taught in education. Also, do not assume that you should know everything and need to know everything about architecture to have a career in architecture. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure about anything, as despite everyone being super busy (or looking like they are super busy), people are still willing to help others who ask for it.
Alex's journey with Roberts Limbrick started when he obtained his HNC qualification in 2018 while working at Roberts Limbrick. He has developed into a dynamic architectural technician with a comprehensive knowledge of technical and planning procedures. Alex specialises in the residential sector of the construction industry.
Q: What have you learnt going through your career so far?
A: I've learnt a lot over the years in my career, but one of the key takeaways for me is how crucial it is in this industry to build good relationships and to be able to have good communication with clients and other individuals. I've found that building these relationships makes working on a project far easier and also much more enjoyable.
Q: How did you find the apprenticeship scheme over the traditional route?
A: For those starting out and looking to become a Technician/ Technologist, I'd suggest enquiring about apprenticeship schemes with Architecture firms. I've found on the job learning combined with a part-time college course is much more beneficial when compared to undertaking a full-time degree. I personally don't have an Architectural degree and I feel like I've progressed far quicker than I would have in having one, and also you don't need to pay back any student loans!
Q: Do you have any advice for someone striving to progress within architecture?
A: My advice would be to not be afraid of making use of the experience around you, when I first started in this industry, I was told that no question was a stupid question. It is always better to ask and make sure rather than assume and get it wrong, but in the same way, you need to make sure you do your research beforehand.
At Roberts Limbrick, we believe our greatest asset lies in the talent and dedication of our team members. As we celebrate these well-deserved promotions, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a culture of growth, innovation, and excellence. We are immensely proud of Craig, Chris, Luke, and Alex and are excited to see them continue to thrive and make invaluable contributions to our firm's success.
To learn more about Roberts Limbrick click here to Meet the Team
