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Our story

Our practice, established in 2007 in the charming market town of Stamford, Lincolnshire, has recently expanded to Nottingham with the opening of our second office. The recent move to Nottingham was an opportunity to have a presence near the universities so we were accessible for future talent. Over the last 18 years our business has gone from strength to strength with many key achievements under our belt, this is down to the people we employ. Attracting new talent is a major focus for our business and our future growth.

Since 2007, we’ve collaborated with global developers and funds to curate a diverse portfolio of projects across various sectors, including industrial, retail, later living, residential and leisure. Notably, we’ve designed and delivered several net-zero carbon retirement living communities for Inspired Villages, one of the UK’s largest integrated retirement community operators. The first of these communities was completed in 2023. We seek to lead the way in sustainable design and construction and guide our clients towards healthier prospects with the implementation of energy saving products creating a brighter, cleaner future, whilst understanding the budget constraints involved.

A new chapter – Celebrating Employee Ownership

December 2024 was another key milestone for Urban Edge with the announcement of us becoming 100% Employee Owned, benefitting all employees equally. Succession planning has always been a long-term goal and after reflecting and considering how we plan for future growth this felt like the right time to pursue this exciting new chapter.

Why Employee Ownership?

  • After extensive research and reflection, the Management Team decided an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) was the right model for the future success of Urban Edge as it benefits both the employees and the business


  • Aligning to our company values is something we are passionate about and protecting our values and engaged employees was key to our decision making


  • We are proud of our people, and they are fundamental to the success of the business, the EOT fosters a culture of responsibility of ownership and its rewards, leading to increased productivity and improved morale for long term sustainability


  • Although the ownership has changed, the Management Team remains the same and our founders Russell Gay and Tom McNamara remain actively involved in the running of the business and the next phase of growth for Urban Edge

Our values

Our practice is built on six core values that guide everything we do. These values are the foundation of our commitment to providing exceptional care and service to our clients.

Our Story - Client Focused

Client focused

We listen carefully to our clients and take pride in the strong relationships we build. This shared understanding enables us to respond quickly, thoughtfully and with genuine insight.
Our Story - Creativity

Creativity

We are naturally creative, applying this mindset far beyond aesthetics. Our innovative approach allows us to navigate constraints confidently and uncover effective, well-considered solutions.
Our Story - Teamwork

Teamwork

Collaboration underpins the way we operate. We foster a supportive studio culture, encouraging shared learning and ongoing development so our team can deliver at its best.
Our Story - Sustainability

Sustainability

We act with integrity, honesty and respect in everything we do. We care about people and the wider environment, ensuring our decisions reflect a responsible and considerate approach.
Our Story - Philosophy

Philosophy

We embed sustainable design and construction principles into every scheme. We believe our industry plays a vital role in shaping a cleaner, more resilient and future-focused built environment.
Our Story - Results Orientated

Results orientated

We deliver on our promises and consistently add value. Our experience and understanding of client needs ensure we achieve strong outcomes and create meaningful impact on every project.

Nurturing talent, celebrating success

As passionate architects, we are united by our belief in the transformative power of collective effort and shared triumphs. Our dedication lies in collaboratively crafting innovative, sustainable designs that fulfil the unique requirements of our clients. We understand that the bedrock of an effective team is trust, respect and cooperation. To this end, we regularly engage in exciting team-building activities, ranging from exhilarating go-kart races to casual staff BBQs and competitive Mario Kart tournaments. These events are more than just great fun; they strengthen our bonds and enhance our collaborative efficiency.

But we don’t just focus on ourselves – we also believe in giving back to the community. That’s why we keep charity close to our hearts by organising a series of fundraising events throughout the year. These events not only help us to raise money for important causes, but they also give us an opportunity to work together towards a common goal. We are committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. If you’re looking for an architectural practice that values a shared vision, teamwork, innovation and sustainability, then look no further!

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