Introducing Nick Armitage

Nick Armitage joined the HLW London team recently as Client Relations Director.  The interview below gives an insight into his personality and his thoughts on the current market.

• What drew you to HLW?

The projects and people. It’s exciting working with a wide variety of clients and building relationships within the industry.

• How did you start in this industry?

I started my career in architecture at Zaha Hadid Architects in 2005. I was immersed in many aspects of the studio early on and helped to establish the new business team.

• What is your favourite piece of design?

An Ammassalik wooden map I once saw on display at the British Museum – ingenious, beautiful and purposeful. There was something immediate yet unfamiliar about its form.

• Where would you most like to live?

A stone’s throw from the beach.

• Do you have any pets?

A mini sausage dog called Rolo. He runs a lot faster than you would think!

• Who do you look up to?

My grandfather.

• What is your best life advice?

Look for the best in people.

• On a serious note, what are your impressions of the current market?

Reflecting on recent conversations at this year’s LREF the current market for the UK is uncertain. Chris Giles, Economics Editor from the FT noted the various outcomes for GDP growth as forecast by the BOE for the period 2017-2020. These ranged between +5% and -2% (based on market interest rate expectations and other policy measures as announced). The general consensus was that investment deals and development decisions would be affected as a result, compounded by the political situation we currently face with Brexit.

On a more positive note I think the current climate is forcing the market to re-invent itself and innovate. This is encouraging the emergence of fresh ideas and with it developers supported by a supply chain in-tune with the needs of our time. The flexible co-working and co-living sectors being two prominent examples. In particular I think co-working will continue to flourish and diversify with an increasing number of providers. This will be driven by occupier demand, advancements in technology and changes to financial regulations that will favour shorter leases in the long term.