About Paul Weston
I am an architect with over 45 years’ experience. I developed a specialism in the sports and leisure sector and have continued this since setting up my own company, Paul Weston Architect, in 2011. I have worked on many interesting projects in the UK, including the redevelopment of Nunns Mill and Whisstocks Boatyard in Woodbridge.
We asked Paul to look back and reflect on his younger self…
Q&As
How would you describe yourself at 18?
I was apprehensive and excited to go to Manchester to study architecture. Coming from a working-class background in Leicester, this was certainly not the norm.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I suppose I have had two businesses in my career. The first was as Partner/Director/Chairman of a 120 strong architectural company with five offices. I worked all hours managing it, while still squeezing in architectural design which I love. I became totally stressed after 30 years so left to set up my own consultancy. There was just me and that was my USP!
If you could go back knowing what you know now, what three things would you tell yourself to do when you first became a business owner?
- It’s not easy to achieve a work/life balance when you are a business owner and staff depend on you to generate projects. I never really got it right.
- It can be lonely being a business owner and especially Chairman. It might have been a good idea to have a non-exec Chairman who could act as a sounding board in difficult times.
- There will always be a recession round the corner – be prepared to act when it happens!
What are the biggest lessons you have learnt professionally?
- Go with your gut feeling when interviewing staff. If you have any doubts whatsoever, DO NOT employ the person, however much you are snowed under. It always ends in tears!
- ALWAYS check the travel distance to a client and project before you bid for it. I recall winning a large project in Plymouth and regretting it for about two years.
- DO NOT give away your services too cheaply. There will always be a company that will undercut you on price, but you need to stand firm. You need to make a profit.
How did you deal with a big mistake, and what did you learn from the experience?
A trusted senior architect realised he had made a major design error – he was mortified of course. There was only one way to resolve it, which was to confess the error to the client, take it on the chin and sort it out, while not blaming my architect. The project was a great success with great references from the client afterwards.
What are your ambitions for the future?
Although I have other projects in progress, I would love to be involved in a significant sports and leisure scheme again.
What does the future have in store for you personally?
I have a wife, two children and three lovely grandchildren whom I adore. I play keyboard in several charity bands – which is great fun – and I’m heavily involved in our local community, running our village hall, events and art club. I am also sadly a supporter of Leicester City FC which has its highs and many lows!
