Zaha Hadid Architects, founded by the late namesake architectural genius, has announced its transition to an employee-owned firm in a surprising move. The latest decision is speculated to have some effect on large firms across the industry.
The announcement was made on Tuesday (December 7, 2021) on Zaha Hadid Architect’s website and talks about the firm’s commitment to recognising the source of their success – a collaboration between diverse team members.
Zaha Hadid Architects’ new structure for business:
The primary thought process behind the newly established Employee Benefit Trust is that it will have no external shareholders and will be able to reinvest all profits back into the business, equipment and facilities to benefit the employees – who will be the stakeholders.
“This will allow us to prioritize our work with visionary clients, communities and industry experts around the world to advance the quality of the built environment,” as per the group statement.
“Younger generations of architects are demanding our profession become more accessible and egalitarian,” the statement continued. “Supported by independent and transparent organizational systems and structures, employee ownership of ZHA will cultivate the skills and diversity that drives our decision-making and give every member of our team a voice in shaping our future.”
The reorganisation is looking to do away with the hierarchical structures of larger firms and give the onus onto the employees, seeing them as the preliminary resource and stakeholder. This form of democratic sharing of power is projected by the firm to allow for more diverse ideas and experimentation, both of which were crucial to the firm’s late founder.”
The statement also speaks extensively about the firm’s growth during the pandemic to a company of more than 500 employees.
Some of the key designs in the UAE such as Sheikh Zayed Bridge – Abu Dhabi, The Opus by Zaha Hadid and Bee’ah Headquarter – Sharjah are the brainchild of the ingenious founder.
