黑洞社区

Architectural practice Architype has been named as the best employer this year in 黑洞社区鈥檚 Good Employers Guide.

Cullinan Studio took second place, as four architects made this year鈥檚 top five.

Architype was praised by judges for taking flexible working to the 鈥渘ext level鈥� by letting staff choose a working pattern to fit their individual needs and attain an 鈥渋deal work-life balance鈥�.

The practice demonstrated a strong record on diversity, with women making up 58% of staff numbers, up from just under 50% the previous year.

Judges also highlighted Architype鈥檚 generous approach to new and temporary staff, who get the same core benefits as other employees.

Overall, the judges said the firm 鈥減uts a lot of thought and effort into making the working environment a fun and engaging place to be.鈥�

Commenting on Cullinan Studio鈥檚 achievements, the judges said its parental benefits were 鈥渧ery progressive鈥�, and noted in particular that fathers who opt for shared parental leave receive the equivalent enhanced payment as maternity leave.

All employees at Cullinan are actively encouraged to contribute to the business plan and develop management experience, while the firm also has strong sustainability credentials, collaborating on industry-wide green initiatives as well as working to reduce its own carbon footprint by 40% by 2020 on 2008 levels.

New to the guide this year, architect JTP shot to number three on the list. Last year鈥檚 winner Assael Architecture came fourth.

Cost consultant Alinea rounds out the top five. The judges noted the firm has a focus on wellbeing with careful monitoring of workloads and a policy of discouraging a long hours culture.