After 44 years in architecture, co-founder Steve Gee is swapping the drawing board for the golf course, and two new Directors are stepping up to help lead OSG into its next chapter.
After 44 years in architecture, 15 of them as a Director of OSG Architecture, our co-founder Steve Gee is hanging up his scale rule. But fear not, the practice is in excellent hands: we’re delighted to announce the promotion of Tracey Gough and Brad Hadaway from Team Leaders to salaried Directors to join the board alongside Keith, Jason and Dan.
Every new chapter starts with the one before it, so let’s begin with Steve’s.
From a drawing board at 18 to a practice working on multi-million pound projects
Steve was inspired to embark on a career in architecture based on a keen interest in drawing, having been gifted a drawing set at 15 by local Canterbury architect Colin Tomlin. Steve’s career began at 18, the start of a lifelong love of architecture. He went on to build his experience at a number of local practices before teaming up with Keith Owen and Douglas Sheppard in 2011 to form Owen Sheppard Gee LLP. The practice was incorporated in 2013 as OSG Architecture Limited, and has since grown from a team of three to a team of 25 working on multi-million pound projects.
Hundreds of projects, and a lot of friends
Over four decades, Steve has worked on hundreds of projects in Kent and beyond. Long-standing clients include Dogs Trust, for whom OSG has delivered projects at sites across the UK, Valley Invicta Academies Trust and The Canterbury Academy, each a relationship built over many years and many successful projects.
There’s no secret to that kind of loyalty. Steve has always believed in excellent service and strong relationships, and he’s applied the same approach to the contractors and consultants who help bring our projects to life.
“I started out with a pencil, a drawing board and a lot of curiosity. I’m proud of the practice we’ve built, but most of all of the people in it and the clients who’ve become friends along the way.” Steve Gee
Keeping pace with change
When Steve started out, drawings were produced by hand, and a rogue coffee cup could undo a week’s work. Digital technology has since transformed the profession, and keeping pace with that change (and embracing it) has been central to the practice’s success. We’re pleased to report that nobody is spilling coffee on anything important any more.
A seamless handover
Steve’s clients are already well known to other senior members of the OSG team, and live projects have been handed over steadily, so everything stays on track. Clients can expect the same people, the same standards and the same commitment to service.
And what’s next for Steve?
Plenty of golf, plenty of relaxation and, if his partner Lorna has her way, a significant number of jobs around the house. Lorna will continue to manage the accounts for OSG, so she’ll be keeping a close eye on the books.
Steve would like to thank all of his clients for their support and friendship over the years. He remains very much available for a game of golf and a pint.
“Steve has given 15 years of guidance and leadership to OSG, and a lifetime of commitment to the profession. We’re enormously grateful and wish him a very happy, very well-deserved retirement.” Keith Owen, Co-founder and Director
Welcoming our new Directors
As one chapter ends, another starts, and we are delighted to announce two new appointments to the board.
Tracey Gough joined OSG in 2019, bringing a strong architectural career built at various architectural practices in and around Kent. A key member of the senior team since day one, she is highly valued by clients for her architectural and planning expertise, strong work ethic and attention to detail (the kind that spots the one wrong dimension on drawing 47). Tracey plays a pivotal role in keeping projects on track and in helping less experienced team members grow into confident, capable contributors.
Brad Hadaway joined OSG as a junior straight from school in 2014 and has worked his way up to become a key member of the senior team. Today he leads teams and complex projects with calmness and authority. Brad is an excellent technician with an in-depth knowledge of the building regulations. If you’ve ever wanted a colleague who stays calm while everyone else is panicking about a deadline, Brad is your person. He’s also proof that a great career can begin on day one, as a junior.
Tracey: “I’m proud to be joining the board of a practice that puts clients and people first. I’m looking forward to building on the strong foundations Steve, Keith, Jason and Dan and the team have laid.”
Brad: “I joined OSG straight from school, so this is a very special moment. I’m excited to help shape the next chapter of the practice.”
Tracey and Brad join current Directors Keith Owen, Jason Chandler and Dan Town. They’ll bring fresh energy and different perspectives to the leadership team as we move into our next phase.
One team, one direction
Steve’s legacy is in the practice he helped build, the relationships he nurtured and the people he supported along the way. With Tracey and Brad stepping up alongside our existing Directors, OSG is well placed to carry those values into the future.
Thank you, Steve, for everything. Enjoy the fairways, mind the bunkers, and give our regards to Lorna’s list.