“We need to continue to move towards a more socially aware development world”

Graham Edward is the MD of Edward Architecture, a role he has done for 15 successful years.  With over 36 years’ experience in the sector his stewardship has seen the company show steady consistent growth and now has a talented, 10 strong team.

 

 


Making a client happy is the best thing about my job. Whether it’s through a really good design, overachieving on their expectations in terms of density or just being really helpful and reactive, nothing gives the same satisfaction.

Beds and sheds remain a big opportunity for the business and a focus of the market. Which I guess isn’t surprising considering the current climate where people are spending more time in their homes and more and more retail transactions moving online. These two markets continue to perform well and remain the core of our expertise at both masterplanning and delivery level.

We need to continue to move towards a more socially aware development world. It’s clear from local and central government as well as our clients that monetary value is only a small part of the design and that community, social and environmental are only going to continue to grow in importance. To reflect this, we have invested in the Social Value Engine.

The increase in desire and availability for offsite construction methods or Modular Building has been transformative over the last five years or so. We have worked on a number of projects over the past few years that show how far modular construction has come. Whilst the industry is still learning and evolving, I think the advantages of it will shine through in the long run and those advantages are quality of build, price certainty, speed and zero site waste, as well as a range of environmental benefits with the finished product, with some builders offering improved heat and sound insulation and more.

Changing people’s lives. Understanding the end user is so important in the design process. We aim to make our buildings life changing in terms of comfort, feel, use and general wellbeing, which means that mantra is something we truly try to live by. And I’m proud to say all of our Court of Protection projects which are houses for the disabled have genuinely changed people’s lives.

Delivering a project/task.  I realised early in my career that colleagues, managers and clients appreciate a good job done. Once a project is delivered you can move on to the next one, which means more experience, more learning and more contracts.

My bosses earlier in my career really shaped me and my career. I have learned so much from them, not just in terms of ability but how to deal with people, situations and business.

Out of the office, it’s the great outdoors and sport. Whether it’s cycling and running, supporting Leeds United or walking  I like to be outside. But you may also find me surfing big waves in Cornwall – which is incredibly exhilarating!


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