Challenge
Page\Park is a Glasgow-based architectural practice. They have worked on a large number of iconic projects, including the Eden Court Theatre, The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Rosslyn Chapel and now the Glasgow School of Art. Over a number of years the practice had developed a powerful culture and ethos that valued a collective approach with limited hierarchy and emphasised transparency and clear communication among all employees. However, their ownership model remained that of a traditional partnership which no longer aligned with the organisational ethos as a whole.
Solution and outcome
A broader employee owned structure seemed the right fit for the practice, but it was not clear what form it should take. Baxendale facilitated an extensive consultation exercise, involving employees from all areas of the organisation. Through this process, the design of the ownership and related governance structures took shape. This included a special trust with a specific remit to safeguard the ethos and values of the practice that they had worked so hard to establish. The transition was implemented in December 2013 and the practice has gone from strength to strength since then; growing by more than 30% within the first two years.