As we celebrate a decade of CROE Architects, I’ve been reflecting less on the numbers and more on the sheer variety of what Craig and I have built. Architecture is a long game, and looking back over the last 10 years, the journey has been incredibly rewarding.
Like any business, we’ve navigated our share of industry cycles, but the overriding feeling is immense pride in the diverse portfolio we’ve established. CROE actually entered the world at the exact same time my wife and I were expecting our first son. Balancing late-night design work outside of our day jobs with the demands of a newborn was a masterclass in time management, but it gave me a firsthand appreciation for how spaces need to adapt to growing families.
Over the last decade, our work has evolved from modest residential extensions into large-scale housing developments, commercial spaces, and industrial schemes. On any given year, we guide between 50 to 100 projects through various stages of design and planning.
For me, the stand-out projects aren’t necessarily the biggest budgets; they are the ones defined by true collaboration. There is nothing better than working with a client who is fully engaged in the design process—someone who brings their own ideas to the table but respects our technical expertise to make them a reality. Striking that perfect balance between client ambition, strict budgets, and architectural integrity is what keeps this job completely addictive.
Having lived in Letchworth Garden City for the majority of my life, practicing architecture here is a unique privilege—and a brilliant challenge. Letchworth has a fiercely protected identity. The local Heritage Foundation works hard to maintain the original early 20th-century character and historic charm of the world’s first Garden City.
Over the years, I’ve developed a fantastic working relationship with the Foundation. Navigating their design criteria requires a deep respect for architectural history, ensuring that modern living standards can be seamlessly woven into a 100-year-old streetscape without diluting its character. Preserving what makes Letchworth unique while allowing it to evolve is a balancing act I genuinely love being a part of.
Closer to home in the studio, one of the most fulfilling aspects of the last decade has been mentorship. We’ve seen several brilliant young designers come through our doors. In a compact practice, studio culture is everything; you have to enjoy the people you sit opposite every day, and I’m proud that we’ve cultivated an environment where younger professionals can truly progress their careers.
Looking ahead to the next ten years, a bit of economic predictability would be a welcome change for the construction sector as a whole! But whatever the future holds, Craig and I have proven that we can operate successfully across different corners of the country. I’m excited to welcome new clients into the studio, tackle fresh design challenges, and see where the next decade takes us.