The board of directors at multi-disciplinary design practice, rg+p Ltd has increased as the firm confirms it has promoted design director, Ben Walton.
Ben joins rg+p’s existing board members; James Badley, Alex Briars, Mitch Dale, Grant Giblett, Chris Lindley and Rob Woolston in setting strategy and long-term goals for the business,which has three studios in Leicester, London and Birmingham.
Ben retains his role as design director, where he is currently leading on a mix of later living, PBSA and affordable housing schemes including the award-winning Bishops Avenue later living community in Hampstead; 16 and 19-storey PBSA schemes in Bristol and Southwark respectively; and 220 affordable homes in Moulsecoomb with Wates and Brighton & Hove Council
“I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity and new challenge this promotion brings,” says Ben. “Having been part of the practice for more than a decade, it feels meaningful to step into a role where I can build on what we’ve developed together in the past ten years as well as help shape the future.”
Part of Ben’s new role will see him focus on studio culture, design values, mentoring and staff development.
Ben continues:
“We already have a strong mentoring framework in place so my intention is to build on this rather than change for the sake of it. I’m keen to create more opportunities for people to talk about their work, test ideas, and learn from one another. Specifically, I want to encourage more cross-collaboration so colleagues in different disciplines can share knowledge and ways of working.
“This may be achieved through short-term mentoring relationships, informal conversations, open discussions, or regular internal design reviews. I’m confident this variety will nurture curiosity, connectivity, and individual growth across our studios,” adds Ben.
Rob Woolston, rg+p’s architectural director concludes:
“Since joining in 2015, Ben has progressed quickly, demonstrating a thoughtful and considered approach to design alongside a proactive role in driving a positive culture across our studios. This combination of design intelligence and leadership insight made him a natural choice to join the board and contribute to the long-term direction of rg+p.”
In addition to his role at rg+p, Ben is also a visiting lecturer Architecture at the University of Wolverhampton.