OUR POLICIES

Last updated June 2026

Complaints Handling Procedure

Marsh:Grochowski LLP recognises that on occasions misunderstandings and disputes may arise with clients, co professionals and third parties through our professional work; where these cannot be resolved in a mutually satisfactory manner and a complaint arises, the following procedure will be followed:

Marsh:Grchowski LLP reputation is underpinned by our commitment to delivering an excellent service to our clients. If you have a complaint to make, this note sets out the procedure to be followed in respect of our architectural services.

Most complaints are the result of misunderstandings. In the event of a complaint relating to an architectural matter, the first step is to contact a Partner at our office responsible for the project, at 37a Sneinton Hermitage, Sneinton Nottingham NG2 4BT. Where the complaint is initially made orally, you will be asked to send a written summary of your complaint.

Once the written summary has been received, we will acknowledge any complaint as soon as possible, giving an indication of how long we need to investigate the matter. We aim to provide this acknowledgement within a maximum of 3 working days. We may need to contact the person raising the complaint or the supplier of particular services to the contract for further details or to investigate further

Once the written summary of the complaint has been reviewed, we will contact you in writing within fourteen days to inform you of our understanding of the circumstances leading to your complaint. You will be invited to make any comments that you may have in relation to this. Within a further twenty-one days we will advise you of the outcome of our investigation and inform you what actions have been or will be taken.

If you are still dissatisfied, please write to the Partners at Marsh:Grochowski LLP 37a Sneinton Hermitage, Sneinton Nottingham NG2 4BT, setting out the reasons for your dissatisfaction.

Within twenty-one days, you will be advised of the outcome of their review of your complaint and to let you know what further actions have been or will be taken.

If you remain dissatisfied with any aspect of our handling of your complaint, it may be referred to the Architects Registration Board (8 Weymouth Street, London W1W 5BU, Tel: 020 7580 5861)

Environmental & Sustainability Policy

Introduction

At Marsh:Grochowski Architects, we believe that design should serve both people and the planet. We recognise that environmental responsibility is an essential part of our practice and are committed to integrating sustainability into all aspects of our work - from our internal operations to the buildings we design.

We aim to continually reduce our environmental impact and have set an ambition to become Net Zero in operational carbon emissions. This policy should be read in conjunction with our Net Zero Carbon strategy.

Our Commitments

We will actively minimise our environmental footprint by:

Leadership Responsibility - All team members, especially those in leadership roles, are expected to consider environmental impacts when making decisions and planning projects.
Staff Engagement - Every member of the team shares responsibility for acting in line with our environmental values and commitments.
Training and Awareness - We incorporate environmental awareness into our ongoing professional development and training programmes.
Health, Safety & Wellbeing - We aim to create safe, healthy, and environmentally conscious workplaces, and comply with all relevant legislation and best practices.
Resource Efficiency - We are committed to reducing waste and promoting the reuse and recycling of materials in our studio and through our projects.
Waste Management - Waste is disposed of responsibly, with full consideration for its environmental impact.
Impact on the Local Environment - We seek to limit noise, emissions, and other environmental effects that could negatively impact the surrounding community.

Scope

This policy defines how Marsh:Grochowski Architects manages the environmental impacts of both its studio operations and project activities. It forms part of our broader Health, Safety and Environmental commitments.

Environmental Aspects & Impacts

We acknowledge that our operations - from design and administration to travel and digital tools - can affect the environment. We are actively working to reduce impacts in areas including:

Implementation & Responsibility

Responsibility for implementing this policy lies with the designated Environmental Lead, supported by the Partners. The policy is reviewed regularly and integrated into daily studio operations, project work, and staff onboarding.

Emergency Preparedness

We maintain a Business Continuity and Emergency Plan that includes environmental considerations and outlines our response to potential environmental risks.

Procedure & Communication

At Marsh:Grochowski Architects, we are committed to integrating sustainability into our operational and design processes through proactive procedures and clear internal and external communication.

We take practical steps to ensure that environmental considerations are embedded at all levels of the practice. This includes:

Assessment and Planning
We assess the potential environmental impacts of all new activities, processes, and projects before implementation. Environmental factors are considered alongside technical and economic decisions to promote sustainable outcomes.

Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
We monitor the environmental performance of our current activities, identifying areas where improvement is possible. Corrective actions are implemented where needed, and best practices are shared across the team to encourage continuous improvement.

Pollution Prevention and Emissions Reduction
Wherever feasible, we take proactive measures to eliminate or reduce pollution and harmful emissions at the source. This includes improving energy efficiency, specifying low-impact materials, and limiting waste generation during both studio operations and project delivery.

Goal Setting and Performance Review
We establish clear and measurable environmental objectives as part of our internal management reviews. These goals are revisited regularly to track progress and inform future initiatives. Objectives may relate to energy use, waste reduction, sustainable procurement, or project-specific outcomes.

Stakeholder Communication
Environmental performance, targets, and achievements are communicated transparently with all members of the team, and where relevant, with clients and collaborators. We believe that open communication fosters shared accountability and encourages innovation in sustainable practice.

Documentation and Compliance
We maintain internal documentation that tracks environmental procedures, outcomes, and responsibilities. This supports compliance with applicable legislation and helps ensure that sustainability remains a visible and auditable part of our operations.

Culture and Engagement
We promote a studio culture that values environmental responsibility. Staff are encouraged to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and actively participate in developing more sustainable ways of working — from design decisions to day-to-day behaviours.

Review & Continuous Improvement

This policy is reviewed annually as part of our internal quality and sustainability review processes. We welcome feedback from staff, clients, and collaborators to strengthen our environmental approach and improve its effectiveness.

Environmental Statement of Intent

We confirm that we are willing to work in accordance with ENGIE Regeneration Environmental and Sustainable Procurement Policy.

This policy will be reviewed annually by Simon Sweet-Smith.

To view the signed Environmental Statement of Intent, click here.

Health and Safety Policy

General background

Marsh:Grochowski LLP takes the safety and welfare of our staff and anyone engaged by, or working with, Marsh:Grochowski LLP ,very seriously.

Our Health and Safety Policy plays an important role in setting and making clear the standards of health and safety that we apply in our business.

It is important that you read and ensure you understand the content of this policy. If you have any questions about it, please direct them in the first instance to Simon Sweet-Smith.

This policy is not part of any employment or any other contract. We Marsh:Grochowski LLP may amend this policy from time to time. in line with the needs and practices of our business.

To view the full Health & Safety Policy, click here.

Modern Slavery Statement

Introduction

This statement sets out Marsh: Grochowski LLP's actions to understand all potential modern slavery risks related to its business and to put in place steps that are aimed at ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in its own business and its supply chains.

As part of Architecture/ Construction, Marsh: Grochowski recognises that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking.

Marsh: Grochowski LLP is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities, and to ensuring that its supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.

To view the full Modern Slavery Statement, click here.

Net Zero Carbon Policy Statement

Background

The UK government have declared their commitment to sustainable growth and the green agenda and have introduced legally binding targets and standards, including the Climate Change Act 2008 (CCA) as one of the most important. The Act mandates an 80% reduction in CO2 from a 1990 baseline level by 2050.

Further to this, the Government’s Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener (October 2021) set out policies and proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy to meet our net zero target by 2050.

In our industry, the overall approach is to build using optimal Fabric Energy Efficiency and utilise on-site low carbon heat and power and additional allowable (technological) solutions to further reduce Carbon impact. At Focus we are committed to supporting our clients in their efforts to meet their internal or external Zero Carbon Targets via our specialist advice in this area, and intend to lead by example.

To view the full Net Zero Carbon Policy Statement, click here.