Open the door to good mental health in the workplace

11.05.2018

Are anxiety and depression taboo or is it best to talk? In light of Mental Health Awareness Week we share our recent experience of supporting employees’ mental health at Churchill Hui.

Read full article here →

Why refurbishment matters

26.02.2018

Ian Manley is one of Churchill Hui’s most experienced Building Surveyors and Contract Administrators specialising in the refurbishment and major repairs of older housing stock and listed buildings. In this opinion piece, Ian outlines why he considers refurbishment of older properties to be an important and relevant consideration for housing providers today.

Read full article here →

“10 things I’ve learned” – Claire Crook

25.01.2018

Director Claire Crook recently contributed to our regular “10 things” column. As more and more females are succeeding in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) professions, Claire chose to share 10 things she’s learned about being a woman in the construction industry today.

Read full article here →

Deptford Foundry: Looking back to move forward

05.01.2018

Churchill Hui is the Employer’s Agent for Moat on an exciting London housing scheme, inspired by the heritage of its site.

Deptford Foundry in south east London is a 276-home development on the grounds of a former early 19^th century metal foundry, which historically produced everything from propellers to manhole covers. The project is a celebration of creativity led by developer Anthology, and part of the wider regeneration of the area including commercial space that will be available specifically to local artists and artisans through Second Floor Studios and Arts.

Read full article here →

Churchill Hui hosts property developers from Beijing

27.10.2017

Chinese property developers from Beijing Capital Land recently flew into London for a practical briefing on British standard construction and onsite management. Based in five major Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing and Chengdu), Beijing Capital Land is looking to expand overseas, including in the UK.

Churchill Hui architects and project managers Geoff Mules, Alexandra Revell, Paul Tutton and Helen Yuan accompanied the Chinese developers, including women, to show them two London sites that we are currently project managing in Deptford and Bermondsey. Helen Yuan translated conversations between the teams around site management, safety, scope of work for different parties and how budgeting works.

At Deptford Foundry, they explored a regeneration development incorporating 40 affordable housing units for Anthology. The scheme in Bermondsey, Pages Walk, showcased 19 flats – a mix of intermediate rent and affordable rent for client Moat.

Distinction for project manager Alexandra Revell

06.10.2017

Churchill Hui is delighted to share the news that project manager Alexandra Revell (Allie) is now a qualified quantity surveyor, achieving an MSc from the University College of Estate Management with distinction. Studying part-time alongside her full-time role has been challenging but she worked diligently throughout the two-year course that was sponsored by Churchill Hui.

For her 10,000-word dissertation Allie chose to look at the future of historical places of worship by reviewing options for their restoration or conversion. With the UK finding itself suffering from a major housing crisis, churches could be a small step towards providing more homes either through conversion or demolition. Following her research, Allie has plans to volunteer with Historic England to expand their Heritage at Risk Programme which aims to record all the Grade II listed (or higher) buildings across the country.

Allie says “Churchill Hui has given me study leave throughout the last two years when I needed to revise or finish an essay, which has been useful and allowed me to keep on top of my studies without losing all of my free-time. The whole team has been very supportive and everyone has chipped in with essay ideas and moral support. Students on long-distances course can feel isolated so having supportive colleagues has been a great help.”

The Masters in Quantity Surveying will allow Allie to achieve RICS accreditation through the APC next spring, and continue to provide quality work for clients.

Congratulations Allie – we’re all very proud of you!

Look out for the Churchill Hui autumn newsletter with more on Allie’s dissertation findings.

Team Churchill Hui to join Anderson Group for annual charity cycle ride

06.05.2017

Construction company Anderson Group are organising their fourth 55 mile cycle on Sunday 10^th June, in aid of the National Autistic Society. Churchill Hui are funding a dedicated team of four – Andrew Belsey, Kevin Crook, Andrew Moss and Geoff Mules – to join Anderson’s cyclists in completing the challenge. With just a few weeks to go, training is underway!

The route starts and finishes in Chelmsford and even includes a quiz along the way, culminating in a family-friendly party for cyclists and supporters. The combined team is called ‘Spoke & Mirrors’ and captain Andrew Nowosad, Anderson Group, says they hope to exceed the £45,000 raised last year by 170 cyclists.

This is the first year Churchill Hui have joined Anderson’s cycle challenge and are proud to don their padded shorts for the National Autistic Society. Colleague Rita Williams-Hall recently completed the Virgin Money London Marathon for the same charity, and made national headlines when she received an anonymous donation of £800.

virginmoneygiving.com →

Churchill Hui announce management buyout and Geoff Mules’ retirement

03.04.2017

From 1 April, a restructure at Churchill Hui will see the existing senior management team becoming Directors whilst Geoff Mules retires after 30 years’ service. Director Neil Manley will become the MD. Claire Crook, Andrew Belsey, Ian Manley and Kevin Crook will acquire Geoff’s share of the business.

The team of Directors will continue to work from their London and Kent offices managing key business areas of architecture, project management and building surveying.

All enquiries should be directed to Claire Crook claire.crook@churchill-hui.com

Geoff Mules BSc (Hons) BArch (Dist) MSc RIBA MCMI MAPM

Throughout his successful architectural career, Geoff Mules built up over 40 years’ experience in the development and construction industry. He cut his architectural teeth as a graduate in 1973 with Holder and Matheus, leaving his hometown in Wales for the bright city lights of London. He worked in the UK and overseas for Asda, the Co-op, health authorities and managed hundreds of private and affordable housing projects.

He was elected as a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and became a Registered Architect in 1977. He was an early member of the Association for Project Management and was responsible in part for setting the entry qualifications. During his career he also undertook the role of external student visitor for the Welsh School of Architecture and was elected as a Member of the French Order of Architects.

In the 1980s Geoff travelled to Nigeria under Godwin and Hopwood who established the Nigerian Institute of Architects. He designed university buildings in Maiduguri and Kaduna before moving to the Middle East to create hospitals and housing in Saudi Arabia.

Geoff returned to London in the late 1980s to start a family with wife Alison where he became a senior lecturer and course director for London Southbank University’s MSc degree in Property Development (Project Management).

Upon joining Churchill Hui he opened an office in France, managing a waste transfer and housing projects for several years. He initiated one of the first ‘design and build’ services and remained at the firm until 2017. As a Partner, he took responsibility for strategic management, new business development, employee training, mentoring and external training seminars.

Although retiring from his full time position at Churchill Hui, Geoff plans to continue working as a consultant architect, mentor and tutor – perhaps focussing on his keen interest in historic buildings and churches. He’ll be dedicating more time to extra-curricular interests including rugby, travelling, fine wine and cycling, plus a family trip down under in Sydney.

Geoff says he feels now is the right time for a new generation of architects, project managers and surveyors to take Churchill Hui onwards and upwards. His colleagues wish him well and thank him for his outstanding service to the company.

26.2 miles for The National Autistic Society

30.03.2017

Churchill Hui’s Rita Williams-Hall is running the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon this April for charity. With around a month to go, her training is in full swing, donations are building and she already has three half-marathons under her running belt. Rita deferred her marathon place for 2016 due to injury but is back on track to arrive at the start line (and the finish line!) this year on Sunday 23rd April. Her chosen charity is the National Autistic Society, a cause close to her heart. Donations will help raise awareness and fund research to enable people with autism to thrive in a world that seems strange.

If you’d like to sponsor Rita to run 26.2 miles around the capital – “one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever undertaken, physically and mentally!” – please follow the link below to her secure fundraising page.

virginmoneygiving.com →

We wish Rita all the best and will be looking out for her on the big day!

The Virgin Money London Marathon is the largest annual fundraising event on the planet. Runners have raised over £770 million for good causes since the race began in 1981.

Churchill Hui use pedal power to ‘chainge’ the lives of disadvantaged girls in South Asia

19.11.2016

On a chilly November day, Churchill Hui and colleagues donned their cycling shorts to tackle eight hours’ peddling for charity at the Olympic Park Velodrome for the inaugural Chainge16 event.

The target, besides claiming the Yellow Jersey, was to raise £3,000 for the British Asian Trust’s appeal ‘Give a Girl a Future’, transforming the lives of 100 disadvantaged young women in South Asia by improving access to education, jobs and equal rights to turn their lives around – for good.

During the challenge on static bikes, the teams endured hill climbs, sprints, long distance and slick rider changeovers. They also enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime freewheel on the Velodrome itself, following in the tracks of Olympic legends Sir Bradley Wiggins and Victoria Pendleton. With participants from age 10–60+, they used pedal power to whiz up refreshing smoothies and race Scalextric!

After eight hours in the saddle, the two teams from Churchill Hui (or should that be Hoy?), Anderson Construction, Viridian, Clarion, Bugler, Countryside, Jenner Contractors and AHM collectively generated an amazing £4,170 for the British Asian Trust – with not a puncture in sight.

HRH The Prince of Wales founded The British Asian Trust in 2007 to tackle the widespread poverty and hardship that he saw in South Asia. The charity is committed to bringing long-term, sustainable change to millions of people by working with local partners across the region.

britishasiantrust.org →

Station Road development provides affordable homes in Godalming

07.11.2016

Churchill Hui’s award-winning scheme of 14 high quality flats, maisonettes and houses with private and communal gardens has been well received by all stakeholders.

Previously a council-owned car park, the site sits deep in the heart of Godalming’s historic town centre conservation area, adjacent to the station and against a landmark church spire backdrop. The finished scheme compliments the town’s character and provides affordable housing close to transports link and amenities.

View case study →

Affordable Surrey housing development designed and project managed by Churchill Hui wins Civic Design Award

15.09.2016

The scheme, built by W. Stirland Ltd., offers 14 attractive homes in the heart of Godalming’s historic town centre and impressed The Godalming Trust with its mix of attractive styles that complement the local area.

Churchill Hui were appointed as Architects after a winning pitch to Waverley Borough Council and Thames Valley Housing Association. The flats are designed to resemble a mill and classical grand house, giving a nod to existing local style, and the roof profiles make it possible to maintain views of the landmark church spire. A successful public consultation preceded a smooth planning approval.

The homes appeal to a range of incomes including local singles, couples and families who can benefit from affordable housing close to transports link and town amenities.

One of the new tenants is Dan Eley who carried the Olympic Torch for Waverley and set up the Dan Eley Foundation in 2012. Dan has been paralysed from the waist down since a life-changing accident so Churchill Hui specially developed a ground floor flat with step-free access, a wet room and wider doorways.

Gareth Munro, member of The Godalming Trust executive committee and chairman of the Civic Design Awards sub-committee, said: “We think the Station Road development is a flagship of how a central historic site in a town should be dealt with. It has been so well designed, incorporating a variety of styles. We spent months looking at these new developments and it was Station Road that was the stand-out winner.”

View case study →

Waldegrave Road development successfully handed over

23.05.2016

Churchill Hui have successfully handed over a development of 10 affordable rent flats in a desirable location near Teddington, Greater London.

The primary objective was the reintegration of a previously industrial site into a predominantly residential area. As Employer’s Agent, Churchill Hui carried out weekly site investigations to ensure that the construction of the units was executed to a high standard, led the snagging/de-snagging and liaised with all parties to ensure an optimum investment for their client, Paragon Community Housing Ltd.

The residents benefit from landscaped communal green spaces, attention to privacy and an underground car park.

View case study →

Churchill Hui get in gear for the Stroke Association London Bridges Bike Ride

19.05.2014

For the third year running (er…make that pedalling), a team of Churchill Hui stalwarts took to the saddle and entered the Stroke Association London Bridges Bike Ride.

Now in its 21^st year, this annual event raises much needed funds to support stroke survivors. Starting in Southwark Park and finishing in Hurst Park, the route takes in 16 bridges over the Thames and covers 33 miles. That’s from Tower Bridge to Hampton Court Bridge.

Needless to say, the team was fresh, energetic and enthusiastic at the start. But having battled the mileage and the elements, this was not quite the case at the finish! Fortunately, that photograph seems to have gone missing!

But finish they did, raising a substantial amount of money to help support the Stroke Association, which is the leading UK charity dealing with both prevention and the aftermath of stroke.

If you would like to add to our contribution you still can, without even putting on your Lycra. Just send us your donation and we will happily pass it on to the Stroke Association.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas from Churchill Hui

16.12.2013

Churchill Hui wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Penns Yard, Pembury
Affordable Housing scheme in Greenbelt Planning appeal win

02.12.2013

Churchill Hui have secured a Planning appeal win for a scheme of 27 affordable rent units in the Kent countryside. The brief has always been to address a local housing need, on land identified by the Local Authority as being appropriate for development, for the provision of affordable housing.

The scheme took a long three years of design development prior to being submitted for Planning submission, and another year to finally secure a Planning approval via the Appeal route. The design adopts the typical Kent vernacular, and is connected to the town off the existing Penns Yard development.

The provision of affordable housing was never an issue, but recent changes in National Policy, to allow all people the right to home ownership, meant that these houses which would normally be classed as ‘rural exception housing’could not meet the Local Policy of maintaining these homes in perpetuity for local people requiring affordable housing.

The site’s location in affluent Kent meant that the Inspector recognised that although there was a conflict in policies, the likelihood of the houses being sold off was minimal, as also demonstrated by the Viability statement submitted as part of the application.

Although the development site is in the Greenbelt, all of the potentially available sites identified by the Local Authority, within their Strategic housing land availability assessment (SHLAA) in, and surrounding Pembury are. This particular site was the smallest of those identified by the Local Authority, therefore it would cause the least harm to the greenbelt. As the site has a direct link to the High Street, and its local services, this further reinforces the site’s suitability for development.

Churchill Hui have assisted our client, Town and Country Housing to fulfil their commitment to delivering high quality, affordable housing within Kent.

Top Accolade for Churchill Hui staff member

15.11.2013

Churchill Hui’s commitment to encouraging their staff to fulfil their Continued Professional Development is taken seriously.

So seriously in fact, that our Practice Manager Claire Crook rose to the challenge, and enrolled herself in the MSc Corporate Governance course at LSBU last year. Part of the course criteria involved a rather lengthy dissertation. Claire chose to explore ‘Gender Diversity in Housing Association Boards: Does the glass ceiling exist and if so have women broken through it?’. This is a relevant topic not only in the corporate world, but also in the realm of many of our clients, namely Registered Providers (Housing Associations).

Claire’s dedication, and sacrifices over the last year paid off, as not only did she graduate with a distinction but was also awarded the ICSA Best Student 2012/2013 award.

It will be a hard act to follow for other members of Churchill Hui – well done Claire for setting such an outstanding example!

Read more academic papers by members of our team here →

Churchill Hui work to fund Marie Curie Nursing time

15.11.2013

Churchill Hui have contributed approximately £7,500 to Marie Curie over the last couple of years enabling their nurses to give free hands on care to people with all terminal illnesses in their own homes. The sad fact is that for every one person they can help, there are four who aren’t getting the care they desperately need.

Churchill Hui’s support has meant that they have covered a nurse’s nine hour shift, everyday, for a total of almost six weeks. Something to be very proud of.

Churchill Hui look forward to continuing to support Marie Curie Cancer Care in 2014.

mariecurie.org.uk →

Framework success

15.11.2013

Churchill Hui are proud to announce several Framework successes during 2013, Orbit South (EA), Viridian (EA and Architect, Chelmer Housing Partnerships (EA) and most recently Moat Homes Ltd (EA). We look forward to working with all our clients during and beyond the framework duration.

Six cycle to Spain (with a bit of luck)

21.08.2013

If you wonder why life at 5 Old Lodge Place is a bit quieter than normal – then it’s because Geoff Mules has taken to the highways and byways – to cycle from West London to Spain for the next four weeks. From far and wide (including New Zealand) the group of six friends hatched the plot back earlier in the year. ‘I decided to do it whilst I still can’ declared Geoff.

Known as the ‘Great Grape Ride’, they plan to take plenty of stops – for refreshment – and what looks like much-needed rest (see photos!)

The middle aged (plus!) group hope also to raise money for Prostate Cancer (with one member of the group having a vested interest) to make their trip extra worthwhile. So if you would like to donate just follow the link below:

everydayhero.co.nz/great_grape_ride →
Follow the team’s progress on their blog →

Dalby Square receives Top 50 Affordable Housing Development Award

10.05.2013

Churchill Hui are pleased to announce the latest award for this 20 unit scheme in Margate.

Owned by Town and Country Housing Group and constructed by Croudace Partnerships Ltd., Churchill Hui were appointed as Architects from feasibility to completion and also acted as Employer’s Agent from our Canterbury office for TCHG.

The scheme has been featured on the BBC ‘Empty Homes’ series and as a case study on the No Use Empty website. It has also won Margate Civic Society’s Pride of Margate Award as well as being one of Inside Housing magazine’s Top 50 UK Affordable Housing Developments of 2013.

We are proud to have been part of the team in bringing this neglected previous hotel back to life and providing accommodation for 20 new Margate residents.

Inside Housing Top 50 UK Affordable Housing Developments of 2013 →
Town and Country Housing Group →
Croudace Partnerships Ltd. →

On Yer Bike!

10.05.2013

Shares in Lycra and gel saddles would seem to be a good buy at the moment judging by the activity at Churchill Hui at the moment.

Paul, Kevin, Jon and Niall undertake the London Bridges Bike Ride on Sunday 12th May in aid of the Stroke Association, whilst Niall and Kevin are veterans of this particular ride they are hoping that the experience cyclist Paul, who is treating this as a training ride for London to Brighton, will let them slip stream behind him. So if you are in and around the Thames on Sunday look out for the Churchill Hui branded shirts as they whizz (hopefully) past you.

Not content with this another team consisting of Ian, Andrew, Geoff, Sheryll from Raven Housing Trust and Amarbir from Collier Contracts will be cycling the London to Brighton on 16th June 2013 in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

Not content with this Geoff starts an epic 4 week ride from London to Valencia in August – we are reliably told he will be making updates on his blog and a link will be available on our website to follow his progress.

Rumours abound about other staff members taking on 10k runs, triathlons and Tough Mudder courses. Watch this space…

Marie Curie Cancer Care six-a-side touch rugby

10.05.2013

Have you heard the one about the Welshman, the Irishman and the Englishman – not to mention the South African? It’s no joke – from across the land and the Commonwealth – the Churchillians bring a truly diverse team with ladies (we’ve promised the bride-to-be that her bruises will have faded by the wedding) and an over 50 – but ex army and Welsh – squaddie.

Being Twickenham based, we’re looking forward to playing rather than just providing the parking. We are proud to be raising funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Our name shall therefore be our banner – and in true Churchill (no relation) tradition – we shall not flag or fail, we shall go onto the end. This then will be our finest hour.