Buttress becomes employee-owned
All of the shares in the architectural practice are now in an employee ownership trust, a move that aligns with the group’s B Corporation status.
Buttress Architects has offices in Manchester and Leeds. As a certified B Corporation, it has a proven commitment to transparency, accountability, and positive social impact. Buttress’s mantra is “architecture for an equitable tomorrow”. Transitioning to an employee ownership model sees that slogan put into practice.
“Becoming employee-owned is a natural extension of our purpose,” said Gavin Sorby, the firm’s managing director.
“It empowers our team, strengthens our independence, and ensures that our mission of designing for equity is reflected in our structure,” he continued.
Buttress joins a robust roster of employee-owned companies in the North West, including Planit, DAY Architectural, TSK, Conlon, and Place Media Group.
“We’re proud to be part of a growing movement in architecture that’s rethinking ownership and leadership,” Sorby said.
“This is about creating a practice that’s built to last—creatively, ethically, and structurally. We believe that how we work should reflect what we design. This change is about fairness, shared responsibility, and building a practice that truly lives its values.”
In other news at Buttress, the firm bid farewell to director Andy Avery, who has retired after 13 years with the company.
Recent Buttress projects in the North West include This City’s No1 Ancoats Green, One Manchester’s Grey Mare Lane regeneration, Salix Homes’ Willohaus, and the new welcome centre at Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King.
