Architectural
and planning
LSI Architects named amongst best employers in construction industry
Norwich and London-based LSI Architects has
today been named as one of the top 50 employers in the UK
construction industry, according to a survey conducted by the
leading construction magazine Building. The 'Good Employers
Guide', published today 19th October 2007, was open to all
construction companies in the UK with over 30
'non-administrative' staff.
In an online questionnaire, submitted anonymously and in
complete confidentiality, employees were asked to respond to 40
statements (30 positive, 10 negative), indicating the extent to
which they agree or disagree, using a 5-point response scale
(from 'strongly agree' to 'strongly disagree'). Their feedback
reflects the 'strength of feeling' within the six categories of
'Social Responsibility', 'Smarter Working', 'Feel GoodFactor',
'Leadership', 'Inspiration' and 'Ability to Contribute'.
Each company's total score was then calculated by the average
employee scores in each category added together, enabling all
participating companies to be ranked accordingly. The top 50 of
these were selected and their individual category scores were
checked. Any company which failed to reach a score of 15 in any
category was eliminated from the list and the next ranking
company was then added to the bottom until only 50 eligible
firms remained.
And it would appear that LSI Architects does tick all the right
boxes. M. Gudat, architect at LSI, said: "I have worked with LSI
for 7 years and the practice maintains a friendly, family
atmosphere, offering support and encouragement both
professionally and personally. I am pleased to see this
recognised by a top 50 ranking."
David Andrews, Principal Member of LSI Architects, commented:
"We want to ensure that all our staff are respected, rewarded
and recognised for the contribution they make to the success of
the practice and we are naturally delighted to be named amongst
the best employers in the UK construction industry. We are
currently looking to recruit further staff to join our 50 strong
practice, particularly architectural students undertaking their
Part II assessment."
This latest recognition for the practice follows twelve awards
already this year, the most recent of which include winning a
regional BCO (British Council for Offices) Award 2007 for the
interiors of Norwich Union's Willow House and Reed House on
Broadland Business Park in the 'Fit-Out of
Workplace' Category, and the 'Architecture for Business Award'
in the RIBA East Spirit of Ingenuity Awards 2007 for Norwich
Union's Surrey House Marble Hall and Atrium, as well as two
commendations for the sustainable Cley Marshes Visitor Centre
for the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
In June this year, LSI Architects was also named as the "Best
East of England Small Company" in the Business in The Community
(BITC) Awards for Excellence. These recognise good, responsible
business practice and are the most prestigious UK awards for
companies integrating responsible business practice into all
aspects of their business.
As a member of BITC, the LSI team has a strong commitment to
corporate social responsibility work and is heavily involved in
community activities. Through BITC, LSI Architects participates
in a national network of like-minded organisations, with a role
in Regional Leadership Team activities.
The team is also involved in an education and business
partnership, providing external tuition and assessment to
students on an interior design course at Easton College,
Norfolk. The practice gives regular work placements to students
from local schools, sponsors local events such as the Norfolk &
Norwich Festival 2007, participates in public-orientated
initiatives such as Architecture Week and provides advice and
assistance to organisations such as the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
Other initiatives the practice is involved in include
'Architects in Schools' which gives younger architects an
opportunity to develop their skills, 'Open Christmas' whereby
food and clothes are donated annually by staff to a local
charity, and encouraging Staff Community Roles which involve
participation on committees, boards, charities and talks.
Email:
martin@carismacommunications.co.uk