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APPOINTMENTS & NEWS
PRACTICE PROFILE Holmes Miller
ADF’s Kim Neville traces the evolution of multi-award winning Glasgow practice Holmes Miller, from its modest origins 70 years ago to overcoming a series of challenges which equipped it to deliver further future growth
H
olmes Miller was established in 2011 following the merger of Holmes Partnership and The Miller Partnership, but its origins can be traced back more than 70 years. The firm was initially founded in 1951 in Glasgow by Jack Holmes, who graduated from the Royal Technical College in 1940 before serving with distinction in the Highland Division of the Royal Engineers during World War II. After the war, Holmes oversaw the Hamburg City Architects Office for the army for two years before returning to Scotland to start his own practice. In 1955, after Jack married architect and planner Kirsteen Borland they extended their relationship into their work, forming Jack Holmes & Partners, with Kirsteen as a partner. The firm became Holmes Partnership in 1981 with the introduction of a second generation of owners. The firm’s headquarters are still in Glasgow but the business has continued to grow, broadening its reach by adding UK and international studios. “We have experienced significant growth since our humble beginnings,” reflects Callum Houston. Holmes Miller has an expanding presence in its St Albans studio, bringing the UK staff total to more than 70, and it has a studio in Guangzhou, China, increasing the overall headcount to nearly 100. Aligned to its continued growth plans, the practice has also recently established a base in Leeds from where it will service clients and opportunities in the North of England. Reflecting on the past seven decades, Houston identifies some of the key challenges the firm has addressed. “Technological advancements, like the transition from manual drafting to CAD and the adoption of BIM, have completely transformed project design and management.” Holmes Miller, like many practices, has also navigated the complexities of fluctuating economic conditions and an ever- evolving regulatory landscape.
A significant focus for the company has been aligning its aims with the UK’s 2050 net zero ambitions, but investing in being ahead of the curve. “As the country moves towards net zero, designing sustainability has become increasingly crucial. However, by continuously learning and staying ahead of industry trends, we have consistently adapted and thrived.” The firm’s culture has also evolved to foster greater collaboration
PAISLEY TOWN HALL
The refurbishment was an example of how the practice can blend heritage with modern functionality, to create a “vibrant civic hub”
and openness among its team. “Our management culture is characterised by openness and collaboration,” Houston asserts; “many senior team members have progressed through the ranks.” The design studios have been transformed from traditional private offices to a range of informal breakout spaces, actively promoting interaction and the exchange of ideas amongst members of staff.
Ethos in practice
Their ethos is to create an environment based on mutual respect, where “everyone is valued and actively encouraged to use their voice to help shape the most productive and supportive workplace.” Their sector-specific teams (Holmes Miller has a strong track record in sport and leisure, health and wellbeing, justice, public
Insights_ Practice Profile - Holmes
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10/10/2024 10:30
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