The History That Made PF+A
PF+A is a long-established architecture practice based within the Channel Islands, but we owe our reputation (and name) to the lifetime’s work of Peter Falla. Beginning the PF+A journey 30 years ago, it has been full of many amazing staff and clients along the way that has been central to our success. Looking back at the last three decades, we can see what happened to get us here: a family of like-minded people creating architecture to passionately enrich your life.
Moving back to Guernsey from the UK in 1985 as a site manager for the construction of the Novotel, Peter Falla soon fell back in love with the charm of the island (and his wife!) which saw the start of his architectural career and the first generation of PF+A. In 1990, working in a tiny office Pete started taking on small design projects as PB Falla Architectural and Project and with an expanding client base, soon took on his very first employee, Kenny Leadbeater. Throughout the years, Pete has remained loyal to his two fundamental laws of business:
“Money is not important”
“Don’t try and control everything”
From then it was only upwards, merging with David Closs to become Closs Falla & Associates and moving to a new office on Kings Court for a couple of years before finally settling in Guelles Court where PF+A remains today. For many years the company enjoyed growth and was soon joined by John Hibbs and Alex Whitmore in the 1990s - Peter Falla’s right-hand-men. By 1997 the company was a competent and busy office, now under the name of Peter Falla + Associates with a growing portfolio and contacts with developers.
“I stumbled along a bit like Forrest Gump but always seemed to land on my feet. However, the arrival of Alex Whitmore and John Hibbs modernised and transformed the company into the efficient and professional practice it is today.”
From owning all of PF+A, Pete recognised the worth of both John and Alex and gave them the opportunity to acquire a shareholding in the company. As a trio each with skills that complemented one another, the practice thrived under their leadership and later expanded to Jersey in 2016. Over the last year, PF+A have seen huge changes and welcomed many new and exciting faces to the team with a wealth of international experience. Setting our expectations high, we have recently stretched our architectural wings overseas to complete some exciting new projects.
As we look back and see the many notable projects that have been achieved, we are grateful to our talented team, without whom we could not have reached this point. As Peter Falla takes on his role as Founder, he remains integral to the major decisions and direction of the office, leaving all the everyday decisions to the CEO John Hibbs. Pete will always be at the heart of everything PF+A and we can’t wait to see what he’s going to do next.
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