The AJ100 practice marks a decade of growth and people-first design

2026 marks a major milestone for GT3 Architects as the practice celebrates its tenth year in business. What began in 2016 as the merger of two like-minded studios – GT Architects and +3 Architecture – has grown into a national, multi-skilled practice, now 65-strong, with studios in Newcastle, Nottingham, London and Belfast.

Guided by a people-first approach since day one, GT3 has spent the past decade designing places with purpose – balancing social value and commercial viability to deliver real, long-lasting impact for clients, communities and end users alike.

“We’ve always believed in doing things differently – putting people, purpose and performance on an equal footing,” said Mark Gowdridge, co-founder and director. “As we’ve grown, we’ve worked hard to stay grounded in that thinking. Today, our role is not just to design great spaces – it’s to help clients navigate complexity, create viable briefs, and deliver sustainable, successful projects in what remains a challenging marketplace.”

The practice’s tenth year also sees the evolution of the GT3 brand, with a refreshed identity launching later this year.

The practice also continues to invest in its people, with a number of recent promotions, strategic hires, and long-term studio development – including the recent opening of its Belfast studio, led by senior architects Darren Breslin and Damien Graham. True to GT3’s ethos, the decision to grow into Northern Ireland wasn’t driven by footprint alone, but by people – recognising the strength and synergy of the team already embedded in the region.

“We set out to build a practice where people and purpose come first. Ten years on, we’re proud of the culture we’ve created, the people we’ve brought into the business, and the projects we’ve delivered together,” says Simon Dunstan, co-founder and director. “This milestone is an opportunity to recognise our journey so far, and to look ahead. We’ve expanded our reach, grown our team, welcomed five new directors, and continued to strengthen our design approach – always focused on real impact and long-term value for our clients and communities.”

As GT3 enters its second decade, the message is clear: the work may have evolved, but the ambition remains the same – to create places that work harder for the people who use them, the communities they serve, and the clients who invest in them.