April 14 2021

CSY Architects have established an employee ownership trust to act as a majority shareholder of the business, to the collective benefit of all 24 staff.

The management arrangement was supported by a loan from Triodos Bank and support from Co-operative Development Scotland, handing employees across Edinburgh, Dalkeith, Berwick and Galashiels a controlling stake in the business.

Formed from a recent merger between Camerons Architects, Douglas Strachan Architects and Bain Swan Architects the latest change will enable the practice to enshrine a values-driven approach to local design.

Douglas Strachan, joint managing director at CSY Architects, said: “By transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust, we’re ensuring that our values remain at the heart of everything we do. This enables the whole team to pursue a positive ethos of shared endeavour, valuing everyone’s contribution and sharing in the success of the practice.”

Rob Keegan, regional manager for Scotland at Triodos Bank UK, added: “As a bank focused on supporting sustainable business models, we see employee ownership as a tool to empower those within a company and to support their wellbeing. In addition, because employee-owned organisations are inherently transparent, they have a strong commitment to positive impact and an active involvement in the communities in which they operate."

CSY Architects specialise in working with community groups, housing associations and local authorities. 

2 Comments

#1 Posted by E=mc2 on 14 Apr 2021 at 13:30 PM

While these kept being spun as largely positive steps, and no doubt for some people they are, I can’t help be cynical and think this is just another mechanism by which equity directors release their financial share from within the practice to give themselves an exit strategy while placing the burden of repaying the loans to those they leave behind, and accepting there may be lock in periods although those are usually there to ensure the departing directors get what they they are entitled too, normally badges as “ consultants”

#2 Posted by Alex on 15 Apr 2021 at 12:30 PM

Very clever photo merging photos of two different architects standing in two different places - one beside a townhouse in ? and one beside Melrose Abbey. A clever way to do a photo representing different practices, during this time of Covid 19 restrictions on movement.

Post your comments