
A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence
1919
Through their dedication to high-quality design, Webb Gray Architects became a respected name in their field, leaving a lasting influence on the architectural landscape.


1926
One notable example of Webb Gray's church designs is the Providence Methodist Chapel in Cradley. This building, which still stands today, is a testament to the firm's ability to create timeless architecture. The chapel features intricate detailing and a solid, enduring design, ensuring its longevity as a community landmark.

1927
Located in the heart of the Black Country, the Pensnett War Memorial was designed to honor those who lost their lives during World War I and later conflicts.

1930
One of their most notable projects from this era was the Stourbridge Grammar School. Designed by Webb Gray, the school embodied the firm’s expertise in creating educational facilities that were not only practical but also inspiring for students.

1935
Webb Gray’s design for the factory reflected the practical needs of an industrial building while incorporating elements of the architectural style of the time. The structure was designed with efficiency in mind, facilitating the factory's operations, while also ensuring a strong and lasting build.
This year, sadly, marked the passing of David Gray, who tragically died in an accident. David's vision, leadership, and dedication played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of Webb Gray.

1939

1950
Webb Gray's post-war work helped shape the architectural landscape of the Black Country and beyond. Their versatility in working across various sectors allowed them to remain relevant and influential during a time of rapid change in both society and architecture.

1955
Sledmere School stands as one of the final examples of Webb Gray's educational architecture. It encapsulates the firm's ability to design buildings that were both functional and thoughtful, responding to the changing needs of society.

1962

1965
In light of these changes, Webb Gray was restructured around a partnership consisting of Tony Winwood, Tony Hodder, and Tom Bray, who took on the responsibility of continuing the firm’s long-standing legacy. This shift marked the dawn of a new era for the practice, with fresh leadership while maintaining the firm’s commitment to quality design, functionality, and community-focused architecture.

1966

1971
Nick Cox and Tony Shenton joined the firm, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to Webb Gray. These two individuals would become not only valuable members of the team but also significant contributors to the firm’s continued success and growth in the decades that followed.

1973
The Beeston store in Nottingham was the first of many successful projects for Sainsbury's, and the firm’s expertise in retail design helped the supermarket chain expand its footprint across the UK. This collaboration not only solidified Webb Gray's reputation in the retail sector but also helped the firm diversify and grow, cementing Sainsbury’s as one of their most important and long-term clients.

1978
The series of buildings designed by Webb Gray for Oldswinford Hospital School stands as one of the firm’s most enduring and significant projects. Spanning several years, this collaboration not only enhanced the school’s infrastructure but also contributed to its growth and success.

1983

1987

1992

1997
In 1997, Nick Cox a long-standing member of the firm along with David Colough, took over as Directors as Directors of Webb Gray. Both Cox and Colclough had been with the firm for many years, having contributed to various key projects during their tenure. Their elevation to leadership roles was a natural progression, as they had gained significant experience and insight into the firm’s operations, philosophy, and client relationships.

1998

1999

2000
The Global Switch Data Centre, one of the largest of its kind in Europe at the time, required a unique blend of technical expertise, cutting-edge design, and meticulous project management. Webb Gray’s team worked closely with engineers, architects, and contractors to deliver a state-of-the-art facility capable of meeting the growing demands of global connectivity and data storage. The project highlighted the firm’s capacity to tackle intricate design and construction challenges, with a focus on energy efficiency, scalability, and security.

2005
With a deep commitment to preserving architectural heritage while embracing modern development, Webb Gray took on the ambitious challenge of restoring and updating the Banking Hall on Bennetts Hill. This historic building, which had served as the first bank in Birmingham, was a Grade II listed structure, rich in character and significance. The restoration project required a delicate balance of maintaining the building’s historic charm while introducing modern amenities and design elements to meet the needs of a contemporary office environment.

2010
Spanning an impressive 215,000 square feet, the Severn Trent Centre served as the new operational headquarters for Severn Trent Water, a leading utility provider. The building was designed to house a diverse range of functions and staff, while also prioritizing functionality, efficiency, and employee well-being. Its design seamlessly integrated modern office space with state-of-the-art facilities, creating an environment that fostered collaboration and productivity.

2015
One of the most notable developments during this period was the firm's relocation to Colmore Row, one of the most prestigious and prominent areas in Birmingham. This move to the heart of the city’s business district reflected Webb Gray's growing influence and ambitions within the architectural and development sectors. The decision to settle in such a high-profile location symbolized the firm's confidence and commitment to its long-term growth.

2018
This year also saw the retirement of Tony Shenton, the longest-serving member of the Webb Gray staff, who retired after an outstanding 47 years of dedicated service. Tony's contributions have played a pivotal role in the company's growth and success over the years.

2020
Despite the global disruption, Webb Gray successfully delivered one of their most notable projects during the pandemic: the THG Campus at Manchester Airport. This expansive development was a major undertaking, comprising 100,000 square feet of office space, a 250,000 square foot studio, and a 300-space multi-storey car park (MSCP).

2025
Impressive Past, Exciting Future
The evolution of Webb Gray from its early days in the 1920s through to the late 20th century illustrates as a practice we have consistently adapted and grew to meet the changing demands of architecture. From our roots in designing churches and houses, to becoming a significant player in retail, commercial, and industrial architecture, highlights our ability to diversify and evolve in response to shifts in societal, technological, and economic trends. As we move forward, Webb Gray remains committed to growth and innovation with an enduring focus on sustainability, design excellence, and client satisfaction, with many of our current staff having served over 10 years, the core beliefs and values that Webb Gray was founded on in 1925 continue to serve as the guiding principles of our practice. These enduring values have not only shaped our rich history but also position us to face any challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
