Architype named industry's top employer

Architectural practice Architype has been named as the best employer this year in Building’s Good Employers Guide.

Cullinan Studio took second place, as four architects made this year’s top five.

Architype was praised by judges for taking flexible working to the “next level” by letting staff choose a working pattern to fit their individual needs and attain an “ideal work-life balance”.

The practice demonstrated a strong record on diversity, with women making up 58% of staff numbers, up from just under 50% the previous year.

Judges also highlighted Architype’s generous approach to new and temporary staff, who get the same core benefits as other employees.

Overall, the judges said the firm “puts a lot of thought and effort into making the working environment a fun and engaging place to be.”

Commenting on Cullinan Studio’s achievements, the judges said its parental benefits were “very progressive”, and noted in particular that fathers who opt for shared parental leave receive the equivalent enhanced payment as maternity leave.

All employees at Cullinan are actively encouraged to contribute to the business plan and develop management experience, while the firm also has strong sustainability credentials, collaborating on industry-wide green initiatives as well as working to reduce its own carbon footprint by 40% by 2020 on 2008 levels.

New to the guide this year, architect JTP shot to number three on the list. Last year’s winner Assael Architecture came fourth.

Cost consultant Alinea rounds out the top five. The judges noted the firm has a focus on wellbeing with careful monitoring of workloads and a policy of discouraging a long hours culture.