“ I joined BB Partnership shortly after finishing my Part 3 exam. Although I stayed for only 3.5 years, I still consider this to be the one job where I progressed my career most significantly. I was given autonomy to take the lead on my own projects, safe in the knowledge that there was an excellent mentoring set-up in place amongst the more experienced senior staff, so that I never felt unsupported or overwhelmed in my day-to-day work.
From preparing feasibility studies to overseeing construction on site, BB Partnership provided me with the most valuable skills and knowledge I could have wished for. Working on refurbishments of listed properties in central London, to high-end new build properties in the outer zones; I got a taste for everything that London had to offer a young architect. It was genuinely the best career move I could have made at the time. It also opened up new doors for me – I am in no doubt that it set me well on my way in my current career on the client-side. ”
– Mark Cairns
“ I am grateful for the inspiration and guidance I received from the directors and staff at BB Partnership, which motivated me to pursue the completion of my Part 3 qualification at Westminster University.
The exceptional leadership at BB Partnership played a pivotal role in mentoring me through PEDR reviews and providing valuable insights into all RIBA work stages. I am particularly appreciative of the opportunities I was given to contribute to residential projects. This hands-on experience allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of planning, construction procedures, and contract processes. The supportive environment at BB Partnership has been instrumental in my professional growth, and I am fortunate to have had such dedicated mentors. ”
– Saman Gamouri
“ My year-out placement as an architectural assistant at BB Partnership was a transformative experience for me as a student. I had the opportunity to work on engaging projects from diverse sectors, where I gained an understanding of the relationship between architects and external consultants. Through proactive engagement with supportive colleagues, I gained valuable knowledge of the various RIBA stages in architecture projects as well as software training. My experience working at the practice challenged me to grow my skills preparing me for a future career in architecture. ”
– Tonita Garffus Associate
“ During my placement year at university, I had the opportunity to work at BB Partnership. The team’s warm welcome immediately made me feel like a valued part of the group. I was able to get involved in a variety of projects, working on initial concept designs, 3D modelling and shadowing on a number of site visits. It was an invaluable experience for my future studies and career. Working on high-quality architectural projects in London alongside this wonderful team was a great opportunity for an architecture student. ”
– Ellie Pile
“ I joined the team at BB Partnership in 2019, very shortly after fully qualifying as an architect. From the outset, I was given a great range of projects to work on, all at different design stages, enabling me to develop various skills, especially as an independent job runner. This experience provided a great sounding board for my career. I very much enjoyed my time there alongside a friendly and collaborative team. ”
– Ben Monsey
“ I worked at BB Partnership for just over 5 years, during which I gained skills and experience that have proved invaluable in my professional career since. Julian and the team were fantastic mentors and allowed me to develop my skills knowing there was always someone on hand to offer advice and guidance. This also extends to the office culture, and I now regard my old workmates as friends. I feel lucky to have been a part of BBP and would fully recommend them to anybody looking to work in architecture. ”
– Joe McGowan
“ The three years I worked for and with Julian at BB Partnership were instrumental to what I was able to go and achieve in my career.
At BB Partnership he provided me opportunities to work on challenging and exciting projects while providing the right balance between support and autonomy.
Being responsible for all aspects of the project from client engagement through to technical detailing made it a fully rounded experience, the type that is hard to find in the way design and construction is delivered today. ”
– Ramesh Pari
“ I had the most formative years of my career while working at BB Partnership. I left university, and worked in a small practice for a year which I decided wasn’t for me, and then found an opportunity at BB Partnership. I started with a March (arch) but at the time didn’t realise I had very little working knowledge.
The practice was very patient and laid back. The management were engaging and patient all through my time there. The practice had a wide circle of clients, build over decades which brought in a wide variety of exciting projects and gave me opportunities which enabled me to complete my part 3.
I was lucky to work on a range of projects, and also work with a close network of experienced architects that gave me the time to carefully run me though the many situations encountered and support me while under pressure.
I was lucky enough to work there for 5 years and are still in contact with directors and colleagues now. I was given so many opportunities, not only to develop as an architect but also work on such great projects and be privileged to work in such a great team. ”
– James Coad
“ I was fortunate enough to work at BB Partnership from February 2007, to March 2010. During this time, I reported directly to Julian Williams, the youngest of the directors, while also working closely with Charlie and Henry, the company’s founders.
Having qualified as an architect outside of the UK, there was a considerable amount of information that I needed to familiarise myself with to ensure correctness in my documentation. BB Partnership offered the perfect learning environment for this with great guidance, while still being afforded the freedom to develop and learn as a professional.
During my employment at BB Partnership, I was involved in many different projects from residential through to commercial and in some cases, work stages one through six. This offered great exposure to design, technical detailing and documentation, contract administration and project management.
I have subsequently advanced in my career to become a successful property developer and regularly fall back on lessons learnt early on in my career. BB Partnership offered a fundamental foundation to my career, and I would encourage any young professionals seeking to learn, to take up a position to work with this great firm. ”
– Martin Lange
“ I worked at BB Partnership for over 10 years joining soon after completion of my Architecture postgraduate (part II) studies. At BB Partnership, I found the opportunity to have ownership over projects surrounded by experienced and technically gifted architects. The ability to take control of all aspects of a project from client management to consultant coordination; planning through technical design and contract administration made my transition from aspiring architect to fully qualified architect seem-less. They supported my development; solidified my architectural interest and facilitated the progression of my career.
A key draw is that BB partnership tend to build what they design. This means that quality, accuracy and a complete technical understanding is pervasive within the company. Access to site is plentiful and an opportunity to see construction in reality beyond a computer leads to a robust understanding of detailing and explains why a design is as it needs to be.
BB are a traditional and “proper” architect providing a full architectural service and they fulfilled my idealised perception of what an architect’s role is and should be. I would recommend BB partnership to anyone wanting to develop, learn, create considered and quality architecture or indeed anyone requiring an expert and reliable architectural service. ”
– Thomas McCaughan
