Laurie Cottam, creating a place of belonging

Laurie Cottam is director and owner of Race Cottam Architects (RCA). Before he was an architect he toured the world singing with Oxford a capella singing group 'Out of the Blue.' A comparatively young leader in terms of his profession he is learning his trade alongside running the practice.

He worked in London for a number of years before moving north to work alongside his father, Dave, one of the two founders of the practice. He describes how the narrowing window of opportunity for him to work alongside his father was a catalyst in making the move.

He talks of his pride in both building a significant new secondary school in Sheffield and also in co-creating a new office for RCA with his colleagues. They worked hard to deliver something to which everyone felt they had contributed.

His model for business is his own family, a place of belonging and a place where everyone is looking out for each other. One of the highlights of his last year was cooking Christmas dinner for the entire office. Everyone went out to pub and then when they returned, the office had been transformed into a winter wonderland!

Balance is the key to his self-care regime, and social networks and exercise play a key role. He plans them into his week intentionally.

He wants to be remembered as someone who saw the best in people and brought out the best in people.