Our marketing and social value associate Lydie Plancke highlights some of our recent social value initiatives.
“One of the reasons I joined ADP is because the company truly lives its values, ethos, and commitments. It’s a practice that continually evolves, improves, and strives to do better in everything it undertakes, for its users, the community, and beyond.
With a spirit of curiosity and a commitment to doing good, ADP takes on challenges without ego, bringing joy in a world where these values aren’t always prioritised. To me, caring genuinely matters.
A shining example of this ethos is Evelina London Children’s Cancer Service – Principal Treatment Centre which reflects the inspiration, care, and commitment of everyone involved; from the design team led by Hannah Brewster, our Healthcare Director, to our many partners, staff, patients, and their families.
The relocation of people and services to a new location is a monumental task; ensuring that everyone feels listened to and cared for is at the heart of our approach. Understanding what makes a vital difference during the most challenging times, and translating that understanding into thoughtful design, is crucial.
The result is remarkable.
In the last few months, several office initiatives have also brought me joy:
- As part of our B Corp renewal, our Practice Manager, Hannah Houldsworth, has gone above and beyond to review our entire supply chain, ensuring we operate as ethically and sustainably as possible.
- Our Birmingham, London, and Manchester studios—led by Kat McMillan, Anya Tineva, Sadiyah Tijani, Marina Georgieva, Milly Simpson and Jack Cheung—welcomed an inspiring cohort of secondary school students through the RIBA Social Mobility Initiative for a week-long, design-focused work experience.
- In Oxford, directors Craig Cullimore and Wayne Dobbins continue our annual commitment to mentor six architectural students from Oxford Brookes University through the RIBA mentoring program.
- In Cyprus, our director, Natalie Stylianou, advanced our mission to inspire the next generation of architects and designers by participating in the Petrakis Kyprianou Secondary School Career Fair and leading a 10-day workshop for the Sesam Identity/Young Architects Group.
- In London, Lily Ward and Nicola Murphy welcomed students from Eastbrook Secondary School as part of Open City’s Accelerate Studio scheme, offering a behind-the-scenes look at our architectural
practice and the diverse sectors and projects we work on.
- Also in London, my wonderful colleague, Jemima Osborne, dedicates her weekly lunch break to care for elderly people.
- In April, our Edinburgh team rolled up their sleeves for a volunteering day at Maggie’s Centre, preparing the beautiful garden for its spring bloom. This effort contributed to the Centre’s vital mission of providing a calm, welcoming space where people can regain control when cancer turns life upside down.
- Looking ahead, our spring and summer work placement students will soon join us, and we’ll continue supporting charities that align with our values.”
