Best Companies | HLM Architects Company Profile

HLM Architects is a design organisation operating across six studios in Glasgow, Belfast, Sheffield, Cardiff, Dublin, and London. The organisation offers a diverse range of services including architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, masterplanning and urban design, sustainable design, modern methods of construction, and heritage consultancy.

Central to HLM’s success is its people-first philosophy. The organisation believes that its employees are at the heart of everything it does, and this belief shapes its culture and operational model. The “One Team” ethos encourages collaboration, shared purpose, and mutual respect across all studios. This inclusive and supportive environment played a vital role in HLM’s transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in early 2021, a move that further empowered its people.

Transparency is a core value at HLM. The organisation places a strong emphasis on listening to its people, welcoming ideas from all levels, and shaping solutions collaboratively. Innovation is another key driver, with all team members encouraged to think creatively about how to improve processes, enhance outcomes, and challenge conventional thinking. By fostering a culture of openness and approachability, HLM ensures that every voice is heard and valued.

Support and wellbeing are integral to life at HLM. The organisation invests in training across all levels to help manage challenges effectively.

HLM’s mantra, “Everything is connected,” underpins its dynamic and interconnected culture. The organisation actively promotes cross-studio collaboration and celebrates collective achievements. By working together and celebrating success as one, HLM continues to grow as a unified organisation driven by purpose and people.

My Manager

83% of staff agreed

My manager cares about how satisfied I am in my job

All managers have received mental health training and stress management training, enabling them to recognise the signs of stress and burnout. This additional level of support recognises that managers may require extra support for their teams and guidance on how to manage difficult conversations, while giving employees the opportunity to have confidential and supportive conversations.

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My Team

84% of staff agreed

My team is fun to work with

The organisation holds social events, quizzes, drawing classes, dinners, desk yoga, netwalking, and inclusive-tea breaks and it has hosted family events including colouring competitions, shed building, and garden design. It has also introduced Walk Out Wednesdays where employees leave their desks and go on a walk together.

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Personal Growth

84% of staff agreed

This job is good for my own personal growth

The HLM Academy is designed to enhance progression through a variety of channels to suit different learning preferences. All employees are enrolled from day one. The Academy is uses two frameworks. The Skills framework outlines emotional and technical skills needed. The Behaviour framework sets out core behaviours and how colleagues should engage with each other.

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My Manager

83% of staff agreed

My manager cares about how satisfied I am in my job

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My Manager

Best Practice

My Team

84% of staff agreed

My team is fun to work with

See and search more examples of

My Team

Best Practice

My Manager

83% of staff agreed

My manager cares about how satisfied I am in my job

See and search more examples of

My Manager

Best Practice

Quote from the top...

Being awarded the highest standard for workplace engagement and wellbeing is a huge honour and a well-deserved accolade for our entire team. The level of connectivity and support we’ve seen displayed by everyone, at every level, every day has never been greater. The pandemic has reinforced our view that if you create an environment where everyone feels empowered and supported to achieve their best, wherever they may be, and there is an unquestionable level of trust and respect for each other; you can achieve great things together. As we plan our way back to our studios, we’re hugely excited about our future smart-working plans, which will bring greater opportunities and wellbeing for everyone.

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