Gerry Hogan of Collective Architecture asks what it means to be a steward rather than an owner, embedding social and environmental responsibility in the practice’s legal structure, succession and everyday culture.

Gerry Hogan at The Briggait, Glasgow. Thanks to an ambitious refurbishment by Collective Architecture, two of thehistoric Merchant City market halls have been restored, rekindling a vital connection to the industrial city’s rurallandscape.

We are redefining what a thriving and holistic architectural practice can be, for society, the planet and each other. And as a 100% employee-owned business and registered cooperative, we’re placing people and planet at the centre of both our projects and practice culture.

This succession plan is also written into our legal structure. The Collective Architecture Employee Trust holds 100% of shares on behalf of current and future colleagues, which ensures ownership is passed between generations rather than concentrated in individuals. All eligible colleagues are beneficiaries who can elect trustees to the EOT. When our directors we reappointed in 2022, they nominated candidates and the interview shortlist was determined by that ballot.

Our Articles of Association require directors to promote positive social and environmental impact and meet the B Corp mission lock standard infull. This embeds our purpose within company law, ensuring future leaders cannot redirect the practice away from its founding values.

We see ourselves as stewards of the practice for future generations, not its owners. Alongside trust ownership, our Pathways Programme develops future leaders from the practice, helping colleagues build the skills andconfidence to take on governance and leadership roles.

We believe our work should transcend generations and respond not only to immediate client priorities, but to the rights of future generations to access nature, thrive locally, and live within healthy climate-resilient communities.

Gerry Hogan
Collective Architecture
Glasgow

All photographs in the Reinventing Practice series will be on show at Regenerative Design 2026,  a month-long programme of exhibitions and events that takes place at the Building Centre throughout October 2026.