A Decade of Success
CK Architectural Ltd proudly celebrates its 10th year in business this year. Only 10% of businesses in the architecture and construction sector survive this long, making this milestone even more remarkable. It’s an incredible achievement, especially given the challenges of the past decade.
With long-term team members being promoted to directors, managers, and shareholders, the company continues to grow and evolve year on year.
We first stepped into Ron Storey’s motorcycle garage in January 2015 with nothing but a drive to improve the industry, and even after 10 years, some of which have been the most turbulent in history, our vision and mission have remained solid throughout.
Our Achievements
Development of our bespoke Business Management System (BMS), thanks to having a skilled software and web developer on the team. This ensures all project details are meticulously captured.
Award winners in 2021, recognized for our dedication and innovation.
Published in The New York Times and countless more publications for visionary work beyond our planet.
Established a strong reputation across Yorkshire.
Developed a unique ‘Design to Build’ service, guiding clients through each stage, preventing wasted money or time, and protecting them from bad build contracts.
Built a diverse and talented team capable of delivering results across all architectural fields.
Currently expanding into new regions, including the Midlands and the South West.
Growth, Challenges, and Pivots
Running a business is a constant learning curve. Chris Lawson’s early approach of “giving everything to everyone at a price they can afford” proved unsustainable. We’ve since refined our strategy to ensure both client satisfaction and business longevity, refining our processes to give the very best to our clients, whilst still offering industry leading pricing.
We started in a small Hull office, targeting the Yorkshire region through our website marketing, initially focused on design, planning, and building regulations drawings for residential homeowners, and we have continued to refine and improve this right through to 2025.
Over the years, we employed several architects, but it wasn’t until Stephen Gale joined in 2018 that we found the perfect fit for our client-focused and practicality-led designs. Stephen, a trained and qualified architect, introduced new ways of thinking. After six years, he was promoted to Director.
Shortly after, Graham Carr joined, bringing 30 years of experience as a qualified technician/technologist.
With Stephen’s architectural expertise and Graham’s technical detailing skills, we enhanced our systemized approach, leading to these improved services.
This led to the Leeds office opening in 2018, increasing our reach and expanding our recruitment pool, and by 2020, we were offering services across Yorkshire and gaining recognition in neighboring regions.
And then, it happened. COVID-19 hit, rocking the world and the industry, and really testing our dynamic approach. Despite the challenges, our durable company and loyal, talented staff adapted quickly. We redefined how we interacted with clients, offering remote services and more detailed advice. This streamlined our approach, reduced wastage, and often provided better client information before commitment.
After a turbulent two to three years, CK Architectural not only maintained growth but also improved client satisfaction ratings. We refined our approach, mastering the delivery of residential design through to build.
2025 marks the opening of our new Birmingham office, bringing the CKA Way to the Midlands.
Key Milestones
- 10 years in business
- First office in Hull
- Second office in Leeds
- Expansion into a major city
- Employed our first architect
- Industry awards
- Published in The New York Times
- First electric company car
- Perfected our service delivery system
Overcoming Adversity
COVID-19 pandemic
We lost our entire order book in just two days. However, by adapting quickly, we continued to serve clients with remote consultations and enhanced services.
Declining local authority planning services
With less proactive help, inexperienced officers, and higher costs, our advice has evolved to keep up with these changes. We continuously update our guidance to navigate the challenges posed by these departments.
Building control issues
While the private sector offers commercial advantages, council-led services focus more on quality control. We balance both perspectives to ensure compliance and high standards.
Rising building costs
Inflation has driven construction prices far beyond expected levels. To prevent clients from pursuing unaffordable projects, we prioritize cost assessments before committing to lengthy applications and contracts.
Increased responsibility for compliance
Building control has shifted more accountability to builders and architects, even when they lack the resources or knowledge. We take responsibility for guiding clients and ensuring compliance, despite these industry-wide challenges.
The Next Decade
As we step into the next decade, CK Architectural remains committed to innovation, client satisfaction, and continuous growth.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey, and we look forward to many more years of success helping our clients to transform their properties and make their dreams come true!
