Maber 2026 Spotlight

maber are an AJ100 business; one of the top 100 architectural practices in the United Kingdom. Established over 40 years ago, we have worked across all sectors, including high-tech industrial projects, schools and universities, multi storey residential projects, museums and stadiums.

We are 100% employee-owned, a certified B Corporation and Investors in People Gold accredited. We work to make a lasting and positive impact in our projects and communities by working inclusively and sustainably. As a product of our Employee Ownership success, our staff numbers have increased to over 80, strengthening our mission of being “Great to work with, Great to work for.”

We were delighted to see Beckton House officially open in September. maber provided architectural design on the 419-bed purpose-built student accommodation on Station Road in the heart of Beeston, Nottingham.

Beckton became the first Gateway 2 approval in the country last year, taking just 24 weeks to complete the process. Ultimately, the project has not been built as a High-Risk Building, but it is now completed and open to students.

Conveniently situated alongside Nottingham’s tram network, the development offers an ideal living space for students attending both Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham, with easy access to campuses and the city centre.

The Gateway 2 process for Beckton has equipped us with the framework and experience for other projects and we have achieved several more consents, with many more projects awaiting approval.

The £59m large-scale 556-bed development that supports the growth and demand of the Loughborough University is now on-site.

We are transforming the university’s accommodation offer: from existing blocks that require high maintenance and offer poor accessibility, to attractive and distinctive high-quality living spaces. This is paired with our urban realm design and landscape that provides increased connectivity and enhances the university’s vision of an ‘active campus’.

The Loughborough University Student Accommodation project is set to be completed in the summer of 2027.

How many projects do you know where the name has been changed halfway through construction because the Pope makes a new saint?

St. John Henry Newman Catholic School - formerly known as Cardinal Newman - is a coeducational DfE secondary school and sixth form for over 1300 pupils, located in Coventry. Over the summer, the project reached a significant milestone with the first phase being completed.

The project integrates practical learning, socialising, sports, activity and faith spaces. Sustainability has been prioritised throughout the design of the school by committing to net-zero carbon in operation and renewable energy on-site.

The Pencil Works in Stapleford, Nottingham, is a newly completed three-storey enterprise hub. Designed to support entrepreneurs, business startups, and independent merchants, it offers a flexible makers’ space alongside versatile office accommodations.

The project pays homage to Stapleford’s historic F. Chambers & Company Limited Pencil Works factory, which operated in the town until 1973. By integrating historical references with a contemporary design, The Pencil Works will create a unique and engaging destination that supports local businesses, fosters creativity, and enhances the character of the town.

In a new initiative for this year, we decided to set the focus of our voluntary work and fundraising efforts on one charity, Alzheimer’s Research UK, to achieve maximum impact.

A more concentrated effort allows us to build deeper involvement with the charity, promoting their cause and understanding their work. The choice of charity was a result of staff nominations, personal stories and a company-wide vote.

In recognition of a cause deeply valued by many members of our team, we are committed to donating 1% of our annual profits to our chosen charity.

Our Digital and BIM Team are constantly innovating and unlocking Industrial and Logistics (I&L) manufacturing projects through their pioneering approach.

One of our unique selling points is the Operational Simulation offering.

Operation Simulation allows us to model specific aspects of our client’s workflows in a VR game-like environment. In turn, client teams are able to rehearse predictive maintenance, check designs for “fit”, test for explosion or heat risk or model logistics solutions - all before the building is built. Testing the suitability of the building before construction means more efficiency, better value, higher confidence and long term suitability. 

One of our Associates, Bryony Gerrard, is a WELL Accredited Professional, demonstrating her expertise in evidence-based building and organisational strategies that can improve the health and wellbeing of building users. Bryony adopts a holistic design approach to wellbeing by implementing small interventions for positive collective impact.

This is a service we can offer to enhance living and working spaces, maximise quality of life in the buildings we design.