Gareth Stapleton

My thesis investigates the intersection of adaptive leadership and creativity within architectural firms, examining how these leadership practices navigate complexity and foster innovation. By integrating theories of adaptive and distributed leadership, the research explores their role in shaping collaborative environments that enable creative problem-solving. Through a quantitative approach the study analyses the dynamic relationship between leadership styles and factors that facilitate innovation among staff. It highlights the critical interplay of leadership, ideation, collaboration, and innovation, offering insights into how architectural firms can thrive in rapidly changing contexts. The findings aim to contribute to both leadership theory and architectural practice, providing a framework for enhancing creative output while addressing organisational and environmental complexities. Professionally, my career includes global commissions and award-winning projects for Oxford University, Apple, Amazon, The Queen’s Green Canopy, the Royal Academy of Music, and the Royal Opera House. In 2023, I was named among the UK’s top 100 most influential people.

Supervisors:
Prof Bernd Vogel & Dr Fabio Oliveira

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ga...