Philip Watson

Philip rejoined HLM Architects in 2018 as Director and Head of Design. He became the practice’s Chair in April 2024. While Philip’s main expertise lies in education, he has gained a wealth of experience across many sectors, including workplace, residential and masterplanning. Philip is responsible for driving design culture across our studios and has been instrumental in establishing HLM’s ‘Thoughtful Design’ ethos. He passionately believes that good design can positively impact people and society. This ethos now forms the bedrock of HLM’s portfolio. Philip regularly speaks at conferences and writes articles for industry publications on topics such as design for wellbeing, social value, client engagement, modern methods of construction, and environmental sustainability. He is a member of the University Design Forum Research Group and Design Yorkshire Review Panel. In 2019 he was made Visiting Professor at the University of Leeds and in 2020 a Fellow of the RIBA in recognition of his contribution to architecture and the arts.