Nicholas Jacobs Architects becomes an LLP

NJ Architects has operated as a partnership of sorts – driven by vision, passion and ambition of its principal and founder Nick Jacob and lead associate Shaun Soanes. Now, with exciting plans for the future, it is set to make that partnership official.

This day marks a significant point in the business development of NJ Architects.

From April 1 2017, have officially become a Limited Liability Partnership – something that will support the company’s growth and allow new partners Nick and Shaun to make operational decisions with more agility.

In addition to this, it will bolster expansion plans, helping us to attract new talent for the team as well as provide fantastic opportunities for existing staff.

What does this mean?

When two people work together to build a business, partnerships are common. An LLP creates a structure for any company that operates with a small number of members who make comparable contributions. This type of structure – no directors, shares or shareholders – allows for better flexibility than any other.

Why switch?

Since 2000, LLPs have existed in the UK and are designed to promote the growth of partnerships by providing separate legal identity and limited liability, while maintaining the tax treatment received by partnerships. Other key benefits include having a sense of ownership in the business and flexibility in management and pay schemes.

So, why switch now?

Well, our practice has actually been a partnership of sorts for years now. While Nick Jacob founded the company in 1996, he has worked with Shaun Soanes, who provides expert advice on historic buildings and conservation, challenging larger projects and contemporary builds, throughout.

They have both worked together to grow the company from humble beginnings to a multi-award winning firm of professionals, putting it as a leader in the industry. The main driver for the LLP has been the ability to grow the ownership of the practice in a structured way, whilst creating the opportunity for individuals in the team to take initiative. This should lead to new areas of growth.

The future is bright

Becoming an LLP requires vision. But it is also about supporting people with passion and drive to grow the business.

Nick Jacob says: “We are extremely excited about the future and are in a robust position to support our clients through our growth.

“This is our 20^th year in business and in the last 12 months we have received industry recognitions for different projects, which is very rewarding.”

NJ Architects received a ‘Highly Commended’ award for its work on The Avenue Theatre at the RICS East of England awards, and a commendation for the St Lawrence Church in Ipswich from the SJCC Awards.

They were also commended by the Georgian Group, a charity for the appreciation and protection of British architecture of the period, for their work on a Grade II* listed country house.

Shaun Soanes says: “We plan to continue delivering work at the highest of standards, with the support of our brilliant team and clients.”