Case Study, Munro Architects

Member of ABiC Community Support Programme and pilot group for Community Bronze Award. David McCall is a member of the Ayrshire Business in the Community Steering Group.

Munro Architects have taken an active part in the community by supporting local causes. David McCall states in the Company Bronze Award that ‘to those who are active in the community, it is understood that they gain immensely from their efforts, not only by direct work referrals, but by many indirect word of mouth referrals’.

Over the years, the partners and staff of Munro Architects have, by their voluntary efforts become known in many business and non-business circles. This improves self-esteem and makes for a happier workforce. Munro Architects have just completed some interior design work free of charge for the Samaritans and First Stop Builders Merchants have donated the materials to carry out the work. Staff at Munro Architects are encouraged to participate in voluntary activities and no request for time off to undertake these activities is ever refused. Current community activities include:

Mothers against Drugs – greatly reduced fee for applying for Council consents. Also free consultations regarding alternative premises.

Business Dynamics talk to local school

• Partner is vice chairman of Executive Committee of Kilmarnock Abbeyfield Society
• Partner is Chairman of Loanhead Primary School Board
• Partner is on Grange Academy School Board
• Partner is director of Ayrshire Architectural Heritage Society

With Mothers against Drugs, Munro Architects helped a group of women to convert a former shop into their advice centre by doing the architectural work at a nominal fee. Mothers against Drugs are still trying to obtain funding to convert other premises. The Samaritans referral came via the chief reporter of the Kilmarnock Standard who had heard of Munro Architects willingness to help charities. For the past 4 years, Munro Architects have helped the students of Garnock Academy in Kilbirnie reach the Scottish finals of the YES programme.

Local Suppliers - Munro Architects believe in ‘keeping it local’. They always use other local consultants on design teams and use local firms for their supplies if at all possible. They believe that ‘a community can only survive if it is supported by those living and working in it’.

Honesty & Fairness in relationships with customers and employees

At the outset of a commission, Munro Architects write to clients with details of the service being provided, what the fees will be, and when they are due. The client signs this, and both parties keep a copy. All employees have a written contract.

Munro Architects
23 Portland Road
Kilmarnock
East Ayrshire
KA1 2BT

t: 01563 524040
f: 01563 571688
e: munro-architects@dsl.pipex.com

NB: All case studies are based on the Organisation’s Bronze Award submission.