Philip rejoined HLM in 2018 as Director, Head of Design. This is his second stint at HLM and a measure of the attraction of our ‘extended family’ ethos. While Philip’s main expertise lies in education, he has gained a wealth of experience across several sectors, including healthcare, workplace, residential and masterplanning.

Philip is responsible for driving design culture across our studios and has been instrumental in establishing HLM’s ‘Thoughtful Design’ ethos. He passionately believes that good design can positively impact people and society and that this outlook should form the bedrock of HLM’s portfolio.

Philip regularly speaks at conferences and writes articles for industry publications. He also leads HLM’s research and development programme which currently covers design for wellbeing, client engagement, modern methods of construction, and environmental sustainability. In 2019 he was made Visiting Professor at the University of Leeds and in 2020 a Fellow of the RIBA in recognition of his contribution to architecture and the arts.

Did you know?
Philip was a regular contributor to the New Musical Express in the late ‘80s and has at least one entry in the Guinness Book of Hit Records.

Email

Thoughts and Views

National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) designed by HLM Architects
11.05.23 | Rebecca Ball

Innovation Districts: What is the Role of HE Institutions in Maximizing Potential for Growth?

Read more
14.04.23 | Rebecca Ball

Culture, Context, and Campus

Read more
31.05.22 | Rebecca Ball

Mental Health and the Built Environment

Read more
LIHE example of an Innovation District designed by HLM Architects
25.01.22 | Rebecca Ball

Creating Innovation Districts – a new model for economic regeneration

Read more
Philip Watson, Head of Design at HLM Architects discusses Social Value in Design
04.01.22 | Rebecca Ball

We've only scratched the surface of what social value could be

Read more
11.01.21 | Rebecca Ball

Positive trends that will shape procurement in 2021

Read more
Philip Watson MMC Piece Wellingborough HLM Architects
29.07.20 | Rebecca Ball

MMC approach for new build prison at Wellingborough

Read more
AJ Post Occupancy Evaluation piece by Philip Watson from HLM Architects
21.07.20 | Rebecca Ball

The uncomfortable truth about post-occupancy evaluation

Read more
AWRC Parkrun demonstrating the Social Value of HLM Architects design
15.07.20 | Rebecca Ball

Sustainability, Social Value and the Power of Design

Read more
Modern Methods of Construction presentation by Philip Watson from HLM Architects
25.06.20 | Rebecca Ball

We need to talk about Modular

Read more
Philip Watson, Head of Design @ HLM Architects
11.06.20 | Rebecca Ball

Post-occupancy – it should be embedded in every practice and project

Read more
Philip Watson Everything is Connected Article for Building Magazine
27.04.20 | Rebecca Ball

Everything is connected

Read more