Butcher Bayley Architects

What is Butcher Bayley Architects?

Butcher Bayley Architects (BBA) is a RIBA Chartered architecture and design practice launched in 2016 by Tim Butcher and Ross Bayley. The practice specialises in designing homes and places, working with private clients, developers, and housing associations across the UK.

BBA has been a pioneer of the 4-day working week in the architecture sector, achieving 4 Day Week Foundation Gold accreditation as early as 2020 — making it one of the first architecture practices in the country to formally adopt the model. The practice demonstrates that high-quality design work and reduced working hours are not only compatible but mutually reinforcing.

Where will I work?

BBA is headquartered at 1 London Road, Yaxley, Cambridgeshire PE7 3NG, near the market town of Oundle. The practice also has a studio in Manchester, providing a presence in the North West. The working model is hybrid, allowing the small team to split time between the studio and remote working.

The Cambridgeshire location offers a high quality of life with excellent access to the countryside, while the Manchester studio provides connectivity to a wider range of projects and clients in the North of England.

What is the team like?

With approximately 4 team members, BBA is a very small, close-knit practice where every person plays a significant role in the design process. Founded by Tim Butcher and Ross Bayley, the practice has a collaborative and hands-on culture. The founders are directly involved in every project, ensuring a high standard of design quality and personal client service.

The small size means there is no bureaucracy — team members have genuine input into design decisions and are exposed to every stage of a project from concept through to completion.

Work-Life Balance

BBA operates a genuine 4-day working week at 32 hours per week with full pay. The practice has held 4 Day Week Foundation Gold accreditation since 2020, making it one of the earliest adopters of the model in the UK architecture industry.

For a creative profession where long hours and weekend working have traditionally been the norm, BBA's commitment to a 4-day week is particularly notable. The practice has demonstrated over several years that high-quality architectural design can be delivered within a reduced working week, offering a sustainable alternative to the burnout culture that plagues much of the industry.

Perks and Benefits

• 4-day working week at full pay (32 hours)
• 4 Day Week Foundation Gold accredited since 2020
• Hybrid working model
• Studios in Cambridgeshire and Manchester
• Very small team with direct involvement in all projects
• Professional development opportunities
• RIBA Chartered practice