Festive focus: Bdaily chats with Haxton Koyander MD Alistair Haxton

Can you introduce yourself and your business to our readers?

“Alistair Haxton, MD of Haxton Koyander Architecture, based in Sheffield and Chesterfield. The practise specialises in heritage architecture, bespoke new properties and commercial schemes.”

What was your company’s biggest achievement of the year?

“Our biggest achievement was successfully bringing a very complex project – the remodelling of a church in Tideswell – from drawings to site just after losing HKA’s lead architect, who was responsible for that project.

“We turned things around with reduced staff; I took over the project myself and everything has gone smoothly.”

How would you approach 2018 differently, given the chance?

“In a small business, it feels like a scary moment when a key member of the team departs for pastures new. But on reflection I should not have been worried.

“Change is a very positive thing if you handle it the right way. I discovered that bringing in new people has brought us a new energy and examining our working practices as a result of that enabled us to dramatically improve workflow.”

What are your company’s plans for the new year?

“We will be aiming to increase the growth we’ve seen in 2018 by strengthening further the links we have forged with really great construction specialists and developers, and will be looking for more to work with.”

What’s your favourite Christmas song?

“Different ones for different reasons. Bing Crosby’s White Christmas – it brings back fond memories of staying with my grandparents in the 70s. And the Pogues’ Fairytale Of New York – a great song with the added bonus of Kirsty MacColl in the mix.”