Dedication across three decades: Nick Gregory reflects on 30 years at CPMG

Nick progressed through his Part 2 studies, achieving his professional qualifications and rising through the ranks to become a board director and business owner. With three decades of experience, Nick has been instrumental in shaping major projects across education, healthcare, residential, industrial, and master planning. His expertise in concept design and project delivery has helped define the way we approach architecture today.

In our latest Q&A, Nick reflects on his career, shares key highlights and offers advice to the next generation of architects.

What made you want to work in the world of architecture?

Art was always my favourite subject at school, and as I continued my studies, I wanted to channel that creativity into something tangible. Following a year at art school, architecture offered the perfect balance, an opportunity to design and create in a way that could make a real impact.

Thirty years on, I can confidently say it was the right choice.

What has your journey been like at CPMG?

My early career was spent in London, where I had the opportunity to work on large-scale projects and develop my design ethos. When I moved to Nottingham in 1995 to join what was then James McArtney, I had six years of fantastic practical experience but had only completed my Part 1 studies. I’m very grateful that, from the outset, the then-directors, Jack Gant and Tim McArtney, provided me with opportunities to grow - trusting me to develop my skills and encouraging me to take on meaningful responsibilities.

A major milestone came in 2011 when a group of us acquired the business through an MBO. It brings significant responsibility, but it has been incredibly satisfying and well worth the occasional worry.

As a group of directors and business owners, we are committed to creating opportunities for our team to thrive, develop their careers and progress within the business. It has been wonderful to see so many members of the CPMG team who joined as students and young professionals grasp those opportunities - many are now in senior positions within the team, and some are even part of the ownership.

What does your day to day look like?

The short answer is that no two days are ever the same.

Throughout my career, I’ve been involved in a wide range of projects across multiple sectors, which has kept things dynamic and interesting. Today, my role also involves looking at how we can continue our growth as a business and how we can positively shape the future of our industry.

One thing I’m particularly grateful for is the strength of our brilliant team. Working as a tight-knit unit allows me, and my fellow directors, to dedicate time to strategic planning, knowing that our projects are in expert hands.

I still relish getting out the felt pens and tracing paper during the early stages of a project—that’s where I feel most at home.

Are there any industry trends in architecture and design that you think have become more prominent?

Our role as architects has evolved significantly during my career. One of the most noticeable shifts is the increased collaboration between the design consultants and construction teams - this integrated approach is a huge positive.

What does people, purpose, place mean to you?

For me, it’s about recognising that buildings are more than just structures. Every space we design has a direct impact on people, whether they’re living, working or learning there. Our focus is always on understanding the end user. What do they need? How can we create an environment that enhances their experience and wellbeing? It's about designing with purpose and ensuring that every space plays a meaningful role in people's lives.

It's a wonderful feeling to see people's reactions when they enter their new facilities - and even better when they still love them years later.

Do you have an all-time favourite project?

One of my favourite projects was Bilborough College Sixth Form, located not too far from our Nottingham HQ. Won in competition, the project opened a number of doors for us. It’s now approaching its 20th anniversary and over that time we’ve encountered numerous professionals who studied there.

However, I think top spot would go to the Vijay Patel building at De Montfort University – I think it stands out as a career highlight. It was one of the biggest projects we had taken on at the time, and it marked a pivotal time for us as a business. Many of the team that designed and delivered the project are still with CPMG today, continuing to grow in their own careers. I visit quite often, and feeling the buzz of all those creative students benefiting from the building gives me a real thrill - that’s what it’s all about.

What advice can you give to budding architects coming into the industry?

In an increasingly technological world, don’t underestimate the value of human relationships, don’t pass up the opportunity to generate, create and maintain relationships with people, especially in person. The connections you build early in your career can prove invaluable over time – it’s a small world. Some of the partnerships I established decades ago still play a key role in my work today, and I’m very fortunate to have many incredible friends in the industry.

And never stop drawing. The ability to sketch by hand remains a powerful tool, it can set you apart and bring ideas to life in a way that technology sometimes can’t. Seeing well-crafted drawings in a portfolio is a real winner for me.

What do you get up to when you’re not working?

I love the outdoors and enjoy walking, usually accompanied by my dog - whether it’s a quick weekday walk or a long weekend hike in the countryside. It’s a great way to unwind. I used to play rugby when I was younger and still enjoy watching it. And, at the risk of alienating people, I confess to being a lifelong Leeds United supporter – it’s not always easy, but they were my local team growing up. I’ve also been getting into gardening recently – not entirely by choice, I admit.