Case Studies

ark architecture + design – Brian Taylor - Director

ark architecture + design – Brian Taylor - DirectorBrian Taylor and Tom Walker set up ark architecture + design in September 2000 after 13 years working together in another architectural practice.

In 2004 the business went through some fairly radical changes. In just a couple of years Brian and Tom had gone from running the business between them to having to manage 5 staff, and the challenges that can bring while also managing the continuing growth of the business. They also had to find and move into larger premises. The business grew, largely from repeat work from a selection of clients in the house building industry but also because of the hard work, long hours and their excellent reputation for quality in terms of design and delivery of information.

Neither Brian nor Tom had previously had any management training and they both realised that if they were to improve the business further they needed to develop their skills to enable them to do this. They decided that Brian would take the lead on this.

It was with some trepidation that Brian attended the Residential Weekend “ice breaker” with his fellow participants but it became apparent very quickly that this was to be an invaluable experience. “Over the course of the next four months, the small group became a source of inspiration, knowledge and sound advice generated by the diverse backgrounds of those involved”.

Brian was looking to The Business Map to provide some of the answers to help him manage the business and free up time to allow him to work on the business rather than in it. “In this short 5 month period the mystique has been removed from subjects such as accounting and strategy and the need for proper time allocation to ‘managing the business’ has been made crystal clear”.

Brian also found the practical knowledge and experience of The Business Map experts and coaches was hugely beneficial to help him apply the learning. For Brian, it was the interaction with the other group members that was by far the greatest benefit of participating. “Never have I experienced an environment with such a positive attitude. There was nothing that couldn’t be discussed and the responses from the group were often illuminating, always positive although not always what you were expecting”.

“The Business Map has equipped us with the knowledge and understanding to take our business forward to a more stable and sustainable future. It is for us to discipline ourselves to implement what has been learned. Furthermore, the group has agreed to meet on a regular basis to exchange ideas – an ongoing testament to the commonality of purpose generated by the course.”

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