Architecture puts clients first via close working relationships and a delicate balance of architectural creativity and practical, precise project delivery.
Stroll through London, and you’ll see new monuments everywhere, and we’re not talking about statues of historical figures.
New architectural creations dominate the London skyline and its various neighbourhoods. For the untrained, they seem to appear overnight, but for those on the inside, like Daragh McLoughney, Managing Director of MCL Architecture, he knows it takes precision, technical knowledge, as well as creativity to deliver first-class architectural projects.
“Our approach focuses on creating value for developers, ensuring that every project not only meets but exceeds expectations,” he begins.
Working Closely With Developers
One of MCL Architecture’s unique selling propositions is its close working relationships with developers to maximise site potential, a founding vision for the business which endures.
Just under a decade since it launched, growth has been ongoing, with over 150 apartments designed and delivered per year, a testament to its successful developer-focused relationships.
Other key milestones include a new office move, an expanding team and the fact that turnover has doubled in the last two years. “These accomplishments have laid a strong foundation for future growth,” McLoughney says. “As we continue to grow, we’re committed to maintaining a personal, hands-on approach with each project, no matter how large.”
Based in South-West London, MCL Architecture applies its interdisciplinary knowledge, spanning elite architectural design with a practical awareness of developer needs to create dynamic builds out of often complicated projects. “I wanted to bridge the gap between creative architectural solutions and the real-world needs of property developers,” confirms McLoughney.
A Mix Of Creativity And Technical Knowledge
MCL Architecture is proud of its reputation for creating spaces that combine great design and function. One example is Abbey Wall Works, a 66 luxury apartment complex in Wimbledon. Completed in 2020, the site had an unusual shape, sat among low-density housing and was on the grounds of a medieval abbey, which meant it required a careful and considered design approach to bring the complex project to life, including honouring its artisanal origins.
MCL’s projects, like Abbey Wall Works, which fuse design creativity with practical delivery, are exemplary of the firm’s dynamic business model, which, in McLoughney’s words, offers “a seamless transition from design to construction.”
Over the past year, MCL Architecture has improved its client services even more via a new design-build contracting arm, allowing the firm to manage both the design and construction phases of a project. “This ensures great consistency and control, which leads to better outcomes for our clients,” McLoughney adds.
Weathering Challenges And Ambitious Plans
The importance of maintaining strong client relationships has, in McLoughney’s view, helped the firm remain strong in the face of regulatory changes, market fluctuations and skilled worker shortages. “Overcoming these required us to stay adaptable and proactive,” he adds.
While these issues continue to affect the architectural and development landscape, McLoughney believes diversification of offerings and continuing to prioritise client relationships will help MCL Architecture remain a leader in its space.
Like all inspirational business leaders, McLoughney is manifesting an ambitious five-year plan for MCL Architecture. This includes a vision for the firm to double in size and work on international as well as domestic projects.
However, client consistency as well as growth features in this long-term plan, including “maintaining our client-focused service and continuing to deliver exceptional value.”
McLoughney may be at the helm of MCL Architecture, helping to lead the business forward via a growing client list, but he’s also committed to being a good leader for his team. “A leader’s role isn’t just to direct but to inspire and empower others,” he states.
A lesson for the entire business over the last few years has been “the value of adaptability,” including “the ability to pivot and innovate in response to changing market conditions.” This adaptability has been why MCL Architecture has grown despite external challenges.
Heading rapidly towards its tenth anniversary, MCL’s ongoing goal is to become “the go-to firm for developers seeking a seamless, comprehensive design and build service,” including those after “impactful projects that resonate in both the design and construction phases.”
Well, considering MCL Architecture’s high yearly project delivery rate plus its impressive increase in turnover, it looks well on the way to becoming the ‘go-to’ firm it’s destined to be.
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