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Working at PTE

Talented people come to Pollard Thomas Edwards from all kinds of places and backgrounds (around 22 different languages are spoken here), inspired by an exciting portfolio of projects and a working environment founded upon genuine equality and allyship.

We have a long tradition of supporting women in the workplace and fostering a supportive community of LGBT+ colleagues. Diversity underpins our professional outlook, providing us with the insight to create truly inclusive places and communities.

Many of our colleagues stay with us throughout their careers and a significant number return after gaining experience elsewhere. This is down to the work we do and how we do it, as well as the friendly environment at our beautiful canal-side studios in Angel, Islington.

Our staff can work at home too, and we offer a wide range of flexible working options for all at PTE. The studio, however, is central to our identity: we acquired and converted the Victorian timber mill in the ‘90s and won a Civic Trust commendation in 2000 for its restoration. Our garden too has won many prizes over the years.

The design process is inclusive and we are all encouraged to have an input. Everyone’s opinion is valid and listened to, and this applies to all aspects of the practice. Staff are encouraged to think about how we operate as a business and contribute towards PTE’s success on many levels.”
Rebecca Lee, Senior Architect, PTE

History

The practice was founded in 1974 by Roger Pollard, Bill Thomas and John Edwards and from the start, offered a challenge to post-war modernist design. This meant focusing on what the people who use our buildings really want, transforming redundant sites and buildings, and creating an architecture respectful of its surroundings. This approach still informs the core values of the practice today, with its belief that good design, coupled with intelligent use of money and a commitment to social and environmental change, makes property development a force for good.

How we work

With more than 100 design, technical and support staff we are able to handle a wide range of projects with demanding programmes. We really value the close client relationships we forge - around 60 per cent of our work is repeat business – and ensure all partners engage closely with our projects.

Our creative output and our business strategy, including how we deliver services, is shaped by partners Patrick Devlin, Dominique Oliver, Kaye Stout, Carl Vann and Justin Laskin. They lead three design workshops which cover our residential and mixed-use work and incorporate teams specialising in BTR projects and Later Living housing.

Our Knowledge Hub provides information, guidance and quality control for the whole practice, covering the creative, technical, planning and procedural challenges and solutions which shape our sectors of work. It is headed by partner Roger Holdsworth, supported by our heads of sustainability, BIM and technical audit.

The practice is supported by our finance partner Mary McDonnell and senior managers, whose teams cover all our business functions: information systems, finance, human resources, premises and administration.

Our Communications Group, which includes writers and graphic designers, produce professional reports, submissions and consultation material as well as bespoke publishing and branding services for the practice and our clients.

I enjoy the working environment at PTE. Despite being a busy practice, it is not a stressful place nor do I feel the pressure of having to take work home at the end of the day. I enjoy coming into work because there is a healthy work life balance here. The office is in a fantastic location, right by the canal, with plenty of places to enjoy a good lunch.”
Danny Ceurvels, Senior Architect, PTE

Collaborations

Collaborating with others lies at the heart of architectural professionalism. Usually this means clients, contractors and end-users, but at PTE we also take pride in our ability to work with other skilled architects and designers on projects that require a multi-faceted approach. We recognise being part of a thoughtfully curated design team to work on large-scale, wide-ranging briefs can yield great results. Indeed, we thrive on the possibilities that arise when talented architectural teams collaborate, as evidenced by projects including Knights Park, Eddington, North West Cambridge and Silvertown Quays.

Corporate social responsibly

PTE has an annual programme and budget for charitable works, ranging from local community schemes to international aid appeals. We have a commitment to youth projects, particularly in our own neighbourhood and, working with specialist organisations, mentor young people from diverse backgrounds pursuing careers in architecture.

Affiliations

PTE is affiliated with a number of organisations, campaigns and charities that regularly enable our people to participate and attend networking opportunities throughout the year.

If you would like to find out more about what it's like to work at PTE check out our practice brochure.

Please see our vacancies page for current positions. We are always on the look out for talent. If you would like to work for Pollard Thomas Edwards please get in touch at careers@ptea.co.uk

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Get excited by the potential of unloved places