Ownership change at architects practice as founders stand down

Bauman Lyons Architects is embarking on a new era as it announces Irena Bauman and Maurice Lyons are standing down from the Leeds practice they founded almost 30 years ago.

Living up to the company’s principles of collaboration, the practice has been transferred over to the existing long-term team via an Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) agreement.

It sees two thirds of the ownership now in the hands of employees.

Director Guy Smith, who has been with Bauman Lyons for 17 years, will be joined by newly-promoted Tom Vigar who also becomes a director.

Smith said: “These are exciting times for the team who are really engaged and ready to take the business forward as we continue to challenge and broaden our horizons.

“We will still collaborate closely with Irena and Maurice on future projects and we will continue to build upon the principles and ethos that have made the practice what it is today.

“It is a very special place to work and those values will remain the touchstones in the next chapter of the business.

“The employee ownership model was an important part of the transition for Bauman Lyons and it means the team now has full ownership of its future direction and ambitions.

“There is a lot of energy and passion in the business and that is being channelled into the new generation of architects that are coming through the practice.

“We have two architects that qualified during lockdown so even the present situation hasn’t dampened our enthusiasm or stopped progression in any way.”

Bauman added: “We have been planning succession for the firm for over ten years when we first set up the EBT.

“The Bauman Lyons team is strong with a good portfolio of work so now is a good time to entrust the leadership of the practice to remaining directors and for Maurice and I to focus on developing our two new companies Bauman Lyons Developments and MassBespoke in close collaboration with Bauman Lyons Architects.”

Amongst other projects, Bauman Lyons is currently in the latter stages of delivering a £16m refurbishment and extension project for the Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill.

Over the years, the practice has worked with many collaborators across public, private, civic and academic sectors on projects including housing, individual homes, workplaces, public realm, schools, museums, urban design and regeneration frameworks.

It continues to maintain links and collaborate on live research projects with regional academic institutions.

Vigar added: “As we move into the next chapter of the practice we hope to continue working with many of the fantastic clients and collaborators that we have worked with to date, as well as starting new conversations and fresh relationships.”