Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, London: Quality, Integrity, Responsibility.

It is ten years since Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, the practice set up more than forty years ago by Richard Rogers, officially changed its name to recognise the design work of Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour. The anniversary comes two years after another major change for the firm with it moving from its Hammersmith home to the 14th floor of The Leadenhall Building. 

“It was a massive move for us to come to this building. We were in Thames Wharf for 30 years and it was a much-loved home,” says Partner Tracy Meller. “We have tried to bring the best elements of the practice and the way we worked there to The Leadenhall Building but obviously, it is completely different. Being in a building which we have built is absolutely amazing. The pride that people have coming into this building is fantastic. It makes us proud of what we do,” she adds. 

For the 220 people now working at RSHP, there have been some changes to get used to – from the adjustment to an open-plan space to not having meals cooked for them by the in-house chef every day. After a brief spell without a chef, they brought back the shared lunches. 

“We decided quite quickly that we needed that. It was very much at the heart and the ethos of the practice. It was so important to Richard that we worked and ate together. Food is such a leveller – you eat with whoever is there whether it is a partner or a student,” says Meller. At the heart of the practice’s culture is people and it looks after its staff well. From festival-like weekends on the Essex island of Osea to benefits such as language classes, a year’s maternity leave, knowledge-sharing lunchtime talks and a share in the profits.

Meller concludes: “Our culture is about being a family. It comes from when the practice was a lot smaller but it is still true.”