Watson Batty Architects announces leadership transition

Watson Batty Architects has announced that managing director Peter White is to retire at the end of February 2026, marking the conclusion of more than 25 years of dedicated service to the Practice.

His retirement coincides with a leadership transition that reflects Watson Batty Architect’s long-standing commitment to continuity, succession planning, and sustainable growth as it enters its 50th anniversary year.

Peter White joined Watson Batty Architects on 15 November 1999 as a project architect, initially working on Royal Mail projects before moving into the Wm Morrison Supermarkets team. Over the course of his career, he has delivered an extensive portfolio of supermarket, manufacturing, logistics, and numerous transport projects, including bus station developments for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. More recently, Peter played a key role in several projects at Leeds Bradford Airport, before securing planning approval for the terminal extension which has recently been completed.

Reflecting on his time at the practice, Peter said: “I have enjoyed a fantastic career at Watson Batty Architects working with a brilliant management, architectural, and administrative team over the years. I am proud of the contribution we have made to the built environment and the solid friendships made along the way. More recently I have focused on the strategic direction of the Practice, bolstering the management team, and I am confident that the firm is well set for another 25 years.”

Under Peter’s leadership the pPractice has strengthened its position, diversified its sector portfolio, and achieved sustained and profitable financial growth. His retirement marks the completion of the fourth generation of senior management at Watson Batty Architects.

To support its strategic growth and succession plan, the practice announced a series of senior promotions last year to guarantee long-term continuity and progression.

Having worked closely with Peter, during a 12-month transition period, Robert Jagger will now assume the role of managing director alongside four co-directors. His appointment reinforces the Practice’s focus on longevity, stability, and continued growth.

Watson Batty Architects has recently reported another strong financial performance, surpassing targets by nearly ten per cent, with particularly strong growth across the commercial and industrial, living, sport and leisure, and learning sectors. With a team of 40 people across its Yorkshire and Midlands studios, the practice continues to deliver major public and private sector projects nationwide.

The Practice is active in supporting the next generation of architects in the UK through the RIBA Student Mentoring Programme in partnership with the Leeds Beckett University, University of Sheffield, De Montfort University, and Loughborough University.