We have appointed Stephen McGuckin to our Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) Board as Independent Chair, effective January this year. In this role, Steve brings more than 30 years of industry leadership to provide impartial guidance and strategic support to our employee-owned international architecture practice.

Steve is widely recognised for his tenure as Global Managing Director for Real Estate at Turner & Townsend. His career includes senior positions such as Development Director and Head of Projects at Land Sec and Director of Consultancy at Mace. Originally trained as an architect at Grimshaw, he has built a distinguished career spanning architecture, property development, investment, project and cost management, and construction. He is also a respected figure within the UK property development community and an experienced advisor and trustee. He served as a Trustee at the Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum for nine years and is currently a Trustee of the Architectural Association Foundation and a member of The British Museum’s Masterplanning Committee.

His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for our practice, as we mark five years since Scott Brownrigg transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) at the end of 2021 - an important milestone in our 115-year history. The move from an Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) to an EOT reflected our commitment to robust succession planning, empowering our people to share in the value they help create, establishing a sustainable platform for future leadership, and safeguarding the long-term legacy of the practice.

The Employee Ownership Trust Board ensures the Trust operates as intended - managing the company for the benefit of its employee-owners. As Independent Chair, Stephen McGuckin will oversee governance and provide impartial guidance to ensure the Trust acts in the best interests of all employees, bringing a strong record of innovation, results in complex markets, and significant strategic insight to the Board.

Of the appointment, CEO Darren Comber said: “Steve’s wealth of experience and commitment to integrity will complement and strengthen the Trust Board and help us continue building a culture where every employee feels valued and empowered. We look forward to working closely with Steve as we continue to grow and evolve as an employee-owned business.”

Reflecting on his appointment, Stephen McGuckin said: “Integrity is the most important aspect of this role. An Employee Owned Trust isn’t just about senior management - it’s about creating visibility and opportunity for everyone in the business. People want to know there’s a pathway forward, regardless of background and discipline. A Trust rewards merit and fosters a sense of belonging. I’m excited to take on this role and to work with the Scott Brownrigg family.”