Name: Ben Walton
Job title: Design director, rg+p
What I do: I’m responsible for shaping the design ethos of our practice and leading major pre-planning projects. My role focuses on setting the creative direction, ensuring quality and clarity of vision, and bringing teams together to deliver thoughtful, well-resolved schemes.
Why I got into the property industry: I’ve always loved drawing and communicating ideas to people. Property also offers a lot of variety; no two projects are ever the same. That diversity of challenge and opportunity is something architecture gives in abundance.
How I did it: I was fortunate to work in a few local practices before university, so this gave me early insight into the profession. That exposure was invaluable. It confirmed I was on the right path and allowed me to fully commit to my studies because I could clearly see the reward at the end.
My first proper job: Working at Allies and Morrison as a Part 1 architectural assistant.
My first big break: Working on the multi-award-winning Abode scheme at Great Kneighton while at Proctor & Matthews Architects. This transformed a former clay farm site in Cambridgeshire into a major new housing and mixed-use development. It was an incredible early-career opportunity to be involved in such a design-led project with a clear vision and ambition right the way through to the individual brick details. I learned a huge amount and still look back on that experience very fondly.
My inspiration(s): I’m continually inspired by the brilliant, people-focused attitude of my former boss, Matthew Allchurch. His attitude and supportive leadership style is something I seek to emulate now in my role.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Balancing commercial realities with design ambition. Ensuring projects remain viable while protecting the integrity and quality of the design is always a challenge, but it’s one that ultimately makes the outcome stronger.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Seeing projects I’ve worked on referenced within conservation area statements as examples of good modern design. It feels like genuine recognition of the care, effort and collaborative work that went into them. Plus it’s high praise that the schemes are contributing positively to their wider context.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That it’s driven by lone, heroic designers. In reality, it’s a team sport. Successful projects rely on collaboration across disciplines, they need architects, planners, consultants, contractors and clients all working together to deliver something greater than any individual could alone.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: The short-term thinking that can sometimes dominate decision-making. Good design requires a long-term perspective so it benefits socially, environmentally and economically.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: If you don’t embrace it, you miss out on so much. Different skillsets, life experiences and viewpoints bring depth and originality to projects. We’re all different and that’s exactly what makes great design possible. If everyone approached things the same way, the world would be a much duller place.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: Continuing to build on my journey with rg+p, leading major design projects and strengthening our creative identity. I’d also like to do more teaching to reinforce the link between university and practice. Supporting the next generation of architects is crucial, particularly as economic pressures and the growing adoption of AI reshape the profession. The genie is out of the bottle now! Our challenge is using AI responsibly and how we train graduates to work alongside it.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: The journalist and broadcaster, Amol Rajan. I’m sure his stories would add to any diner party conversation.
What I do in my downtime: I’m really into sport and fitness, particularly running and cycling. I love challenging myself physically and I find it a great way to switch off and socialise. With two young children who are now getting into sport as well, I’m really enjoying supporting and encouraging them.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Archaeologist. I’ve always loved history and understanding how and why things happened which, in many ways, isn’t that different from architecture.
My advice for someone just starting out: What you put in is what you get out. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and take opportunities when they come, whatever they may be. The worst thing you can do is limit yourself because you’re worried about ‘what if?’
My motto/mantra: I don’t really have one and if I do, it probably changes weekly.
