Honorary graduates 2017

Peter Lacey BSc BArch(Bath) RIBA (LLD)

Thursday 20 July 2017 3:00pm

Following an undistinguished education at Ilminster Grammar School, Peter was admitted to the School of Architecture of Bristol College of Advanced Technology, almost immediately to become the University of Bath, where he gained the University's first 1st class honours degree in architecture.

After qualifying in 1969 he joined MWT Architects in Plymouth where he was given responsibility for their more prestigious projects. This led to the opportunity four years later to open a new office in Exeter, which quickly became the largest south-west of Bristol. At the age of 31 he became a partner.

Expansion of MWT, incorporation and ultimately listing on the AIMs market, followed by acquisitions, created one of the largest UK architectural practices with over 500 staff. Flotation less than a week after Black Monday (1987) and the subsequent recession took its toll on listed architectural companies and the company went into receivership in 1992.

Peter structured a management buy-out of the south-west offices which he chaired until his retirement in 2005 and was non-exec chair until 2010. It continues today as LHC Architects.

In 2004 he was invited to join the Council of the University of Exeter and in 2007 was elected as a Pro-Chancellor serving until 2016. During his career he has been branch and regional chair of the Royal Institute of British Architects and served on its National Council.

As an active advocate supporting the economic growth of Exeter he has been Chairman of Exeter Initiative, Exeter Business Forum and for 12 years Exeter Vision Partnership. He still serves on the Exeter and Heart of Devon Growth Point Steering Board.