Building Freedom by Design

Real world examples of how my frameworks have changed outcomes for Business Owners.

Case Study 1: Implementing the Design OPS Framework into a London Architects Practice

Client Profile
A London based architectural practice with a growing team of Architects and Technologists. The owner wanted to strengthen leadership, gain clarity on financial performance, and prepare the practice for future growth.

Challenges

• Lack of clear financial reporting made it difficult for the owner to understand the true performance of the business.

• Timesheets and project profitability tracking were inconsistent and time consuming.

• Leadership accountability needed strengthening so directors could focus on strategy.

• The technical department was stretched and needed additional support.

• Long-term growth and succession planning were not clearly defined.

The Approach
Using the Design OPS Framework, we created a structured plan that aligned leadership, finance, and operations. This system provided the framework to move from reactive decision making to a proactive and accountable business model.

Solutions Implemented

1. Enhanced financial reporting introduced on a weekly and monthly basis.

2. New project management software deployed for visibility and accountability.

3. Automated timesheet system integrated with project-specific profitability reporting.

4. Recruitment process initiated for a new technical team member.

5. Leadership responsibilities clarified and succession planning introduced.

Results

• The owner gained clear visibility of the firm’s key financial KPIs.

• Operations became more efficient with reduced manual reporting.

• Within three months, the business was in a position to extract a six-figure sum, demonstrating the financial strength unlocked through these changes.

• Directors were freed to focus on strategy rather than firefighting.

• The practice moved onto a defined pathway for growth and succession.

Conclusion
The Design OPS Framework proved to be the catalyst for meaningful change, transforming the way the practice operated and enabling the owner to realise tangible financial rewards in a short timeframe while positioning the business for long term stability and success.

Case Study 2: Exploring an Acquisition Strategy in the Architecture Sector with an Established UK Public Company

Client Profile
An established UK public company with a diverse portfolio across multiple sectors. The board was seeking to evaluate opportunities for growth within professional services, with a particular interest in the architecture sector.

Challenges

• Limited sector-specific knowledge within the group regarding architecture and design businesses.

• A need to balance growth ambition with risk management.

• Identifying acquisition targets that could align with existing portfolio companies.

• Creating a framework that could be repeated and scaled across the sector.

The Approach
As a Board Advisor, Andrew applied his specialist knowledge of the architecture and design industry to support the group’s strategic direction. Central to this was the application of his Acquisition Architecture Framework, a structured system for identifying, assessing, and integrating acquisition opportunities. This involved:

1. Mapping the sector to identify attractive sub-markets and potential acquisition targets.

2. Assessing opportunities for scale, consolidation, and long-term value creation.

3. Designing an acquisition framework that balanced ambition with integration discipline.

4. Advising on risk factors specific to professional services and architectural practices.

Results

• The board gained a clear picture of the architecture sector, its opportunities, and its risks.

• Using the Acquisition Architecture Framework, a structured acquisition strategy was created, positioning the company to move forward with confidence.

• New deal flow opportunities were identified and assessed against the framework, accelerating the company’s ability to evaluate investments.

• The process added measurable value to the company’s wider portfolio planning and strategic options.

Conclusion
Through Andrew’s insight and the application of the Acquisition Architecture Framework, the company was able to explore acquisitions in a new sector with clarity and confidence. The engagement provided both strategic direction and a repeatable system that can be applied to future opportunities across the professional services landscape.

Case Study 3: Supporting exit planning for a Nottingham based Architects practice

Client Profile
A long-established Architectural practice in Nottingham with a team of 18 whose directors were approaching retirement. They wanted to ensure an orderly exit while protecting the value of their business.

Challenges

• The directors had limited experience with business sales and exit planning.

• They had spent a number of years working with business brokers to try and sell the practice but without success.

• Identifying the right buyer that would value the practice and its client base.

• Ensuring the process was efficient and not disruptive to day-to-day operations.

• Balancing financial outcomes with the directors’ personal exit goals.

The Approach
Andrew applied his Designed for Legacy framework to guide the directors through every stage of their exit. This framework is specifically designed to prepare businesses for succession and ensure owners leave on their own terms. Key steps included:

1. Assessing the practice’s position and preparing it for market.

2. Identifying and approaching suitable larger companies with acquisition appetite.

3. Managing negotiations and structuring the deal to protect the directors’ interests.

4. Providing clarity and reassurance throughout what can often be an emotional journey.

Results

• After years of unsuccessful attempts with business brokers, the practice was successfully sold to a larger firm.

• The transaction aligned with the directors’ exit planning objectives.

• The sale allowed the owners to step back with confidence, knowing they had achieved a successful transition.

Conclusion
By using the Designed for Legacy framework, Andrew enabled the directors to achieve the exit they had been seeking for years. The process turned uncertainty into a clear and structured outcome, ensuring the value of the practice was protected and the directors could retire with peace of mind.

Case Study 4: Advising a Leading London Architects Practice with UK Expansion Through Acquisition

Client Profile
One of the largest architectural practices in London, well established in delivering high-profile projects across the capital. The leadership team wanted to expand their geographic presence across the UK through strategic acquisition.

Challenges

• Identifying suitable acquisition targets that aligned with the firm’s culture, reputation, and growth ambitions.
• Assessing opportunities quickly in a competitive market where attractive practices were in high demand.
• Managing negotiations to ensure the right balance of price, terms, and integration potential.
• Providing a structure that would allow expansion while protecting the firm’s existing reputation and financial stability.

The Approach
Andrew applied his Acquisition Architecture Framework to create a clear pathway for growth:

1. Analysed the UK architecture landscape to identify practices with strong reputations and complementary skills.
2. Shortlisted and approached potential acquisition targets, opening direct conversations with owners.
3. Evaluated cultural, operational, and financial fit to ensure strategic alignment.
4. Began negotiations and structured the deal to support smooth integration and mitigate risk.

Results

• A target practice was successfully identified and acquired, enabling the firm to establish a presence beyond London.
• The acquisition added both new revenue and regional expertise, strengthening the firm’s national position.
• The deal provided a blueprint for future acquisitions, giving the leadership confidence in repeating the process as part of their wider growth strategy.

Conclusion
Through Andrew’s application of the Acquisition Architecture Framework, one of London’s largest architectural practices was able to expand across the UK with confidence. The process created not just a successful deal, but a repeatable system for ongoing growth and sector leadership.