Accountants for Architects

Our architecture clients rely on us to help them navigate complex issues around tax planning and structuring. They rely on us for support with securing funding and they seek us out to discuss growth and succession.

Owning and running an architecture practice is about so much more than creating high quality designs and delivering projects in on time and budget.

It’s about managing talent, harnessing technology so that your business is more efficient and your people more productive.
It’s about having a keen understanding of how to motivate and reward your people
It’s about understanding what the numbers tell you about the performance of your business.
It’s also about building lasting value that will enable you to realise your financial and personal goals.

Regardless of the particular business or industry challenges you are grappling with, we have the experience and understanding to help you formulate the best solutions for you and your practice to achieve your business goals.

Read our articles & opinions for professional practices here

Services for architect practices and their owners

In addition to routine audit, accounting, tax compliance and research and development services, we offer a range of commercially focused solutions to help architects build profitable practices.

Tax structuring and tax planning for architects

Tax efficient structuring of overseas operations and projects
Tax efficient remuneration planning
Claiming research and development tax credits
Ensuring you make use of capital allowances
Ensuring your recognise fee income at the right point in a projects life cycle and appropriate timing of tax payments
Inheritance tax planning
Retirement planning and wealth preservation strategies

VAT planning and compliance for architects

Advising on the VAT implications of projects
VAT planning and structuring for global projects and operations
Support with HM Revenue and Customs VAT investigations
VAT registration and submissions

Systems and efficiencies for architect practices

Managing staffing levels
Reviewing pay scales
Review job profitability
Establishing the right fee structure for different types of assignments
Ensure practice management systems are working effectively
Review cloud accounting packages and advise on implementation and training

Management support for architects

Preparation of management accounts
Reviewing management structures
Support with managing working capital
Succession planning

Talent Management for architecture practices

Support with developing talent management strategies
Implement and review employee incentive schemes
Flexible outsourced payroll service

Meet the team

Alex Shall

Alex acts for established owner-managed businesses principally in the creative sector which include architecture, consulting, design, new media and software development. He has supported international groups with connections to the USA, Italy, France, Cyprus, Hong Kong and China and is well versed in the complexities of supporting business owners with global interests. His work has included raising finance and acquisition advice, succession planning, tax structuring and evaluating and implementing accounting and reporting systems, including cloud solutions.

I like being there to help clients though each phase of their businesses’ life cycle. Working with so many professional practices means that at any one time I am simultaneously helping some start their first business, helping others manage steady growth, working with others to overcome the inevitable bumps in the road and finally helping plan profitable successions or sales.

If I wasn't doing this I'd be: a lawyer. They seem to have more fun.

Favourite Book: 1984

Dream Location: on a boat in the Aegean.

Meet the team

Christopher Blunn

Christopher has worked with owner managed businesses for over 10 years, providing both financial compliance and business advisory services.

He specialises in working with high-growth startups and entrepreneurs across a wide range of sectors, with a particular focus on fintech, AI, and the media and creative sectors.

I love the pace of working with fast growth businesses and ambitious entrepreneurs. Working daily with business owners allows me to bring my own passion for all things technology to help them achieve their goals.

If I wasn't doing this I'd be: following the summer around the world.

Favourite book: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

Dream Location: London in the summer.

What our clients say

I’ve spent a good amount of time with the Haines Watts People Services team and my experience has been outstanding. They’re so knowledgeable and are helping me massively with our business. I keep asking their advice and how to deal with things that are occurring and they’re guiding me through them like true professionals.

Sue Jones, Churches Fire Security Limited

I’ve worked with the Haines Watts team over the past year. They really understand our business and the type and calibre of people we’re looking for. They provide us with excellent support in understanding our recruitment needs, our company culture and how we wish to be positioned, as an employer of choice.

Dan Hancocks, Concredo Limited

Haines Watts skilfully tailored a program and an approach to suit our requirements and abilities of our company. This created a comfortable atmosphere for us to follow the Haines Watts process. Through this process we built the blue print that we are now using to grow the company. The workshops Haines Watts ran with us proved to be excellent value. We now have a clear vision of the future, with the tools and confidence to achieve it.

Dave Pennock, Eclipse Sprayers

Haines Watts opened my mind to looking at my business in a different way. Although successful I was at the stage where I was looking to shape my business better – I needed a little support. They gave me an informal framework for seeing how my business was performing and enabled me to talk to other owner managed businesses who have similar challenges.

Rob Quinn, Purity Productions

Haines Watts has acted as a useful mirror to our business. We’ve looked at how we operate, our strengths, and how we perceive ourselves. Whenever I ask a question, I know Haines Watts will present us with a range of scenarios and a view of the bigger picture, so we can make fully informed decisions. All information is given in plain English. As a result of Haines Watts’ support, we are heading into the next year with a renewed focus.

James Broady, Central Roofing

One of our most influential partners, Haines Watts, works closely with us, not only providing valuable financial advice, but also offering support in more complex commercial and strategic decision making. Extensive financial systems development, accounts preparation, and strategic development are only some of the services Haines Watts has provided. Recently we have worked on a new product and Haines Watts is helping us to identify the most appropriate way to commercially develop this product.

Victoria Browning, Probe Industries Limited

What’s impressed us most with Haines Watts is that, in addition to covering the usual compliance stuff, they got involved with us right from the beginning and have provided added value in terms of top quality business advice. Our regular contact and meetings generate a constant flow of communication and their personal approach has been a welcome change from the ‘big firm’ mentality we had before.

Gareth Ratcliffe, Nunwood Consulting Ltd

We have been involved with Haines Watts for some years now. They have always taken a close interest in the development and success of our business, not just in producing accounts, but also in respect of strategy and development. The Haines Watts team have a thorough understanding of our business needs. They deliver commercial and pragmatic advice in a timely, supportive and unobtrusive manner. I would have no hesitation in recommending Haines Watts.

Damien Maguire, TC Autos

Haines Watts have been our accountants for a number of years, and I find them very different from other firms of accountants I have dealt with in the past. They have a younger outlook, are much more dynamic and each member of the team combines a can-do attitude with professionalism and competency … and a sense of humour, which makes them a pleasure to work with.

Iain Holliday, Standard Engineering Ltd

We look at Haines Watts not just as simple accountants but as our business partner. We wanted an accountant who could support our growth plans and they’ve done exactly that. Our Haines Watts partner is all but our Finance Director, reviewing our performance and strategy, enabling me to focus on developing my business. I would recommend Haines Watts to any business owner who is looking for a firm who will support them strategically in their business.

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