Philip Waddy Recognised as Leader of the Year

We are delighted to announce that Philip Waddy, Chairman of WWA, has been named Leader of the Year at the 2025 OxProp Awards. This award recognises individuals who have demonstrated sustained leadership, vision, and commitment to Oxfordshire’s property sector, qualities that have defined Philip’s career.

Philip has been central to WWA’s success for more than 30 years. After acquiring the practice of retiring architect Duncan West in 1986, he joined forces with a planning consultancy to form West Waddy ADP. In 2014, spotting opportunities in a growth area, he diversified into mass housing by adding urban design and masterplanning services. He masterminded the acquisition of The Archadia Practice in London, and rather than seeing Covid as a disaster, undertook a formal merger with the London office, rebranding as WWA. By streamlining processes and uniting everyone under one identity, Philip created efficiencies that strengthened the business and supported its clients’ aspirations.

OxProp Awards Ceremony – Philip on stage

The impact of this leadership has been remarkable. Philip has overseen masterplans for Carterton and Woodstock, delivering over 2,500 houses and community facilities, as well as regeneration schemes such as Westbury Court in Bicester and Faringdon Urban Regeneration, revitalising key Oxfordshire towns. He has led healthcare projects, including new surgeries in Abingdon and Long Hanborough, designed with patient well-being in mind. His passion for conservation has seen him undertake sensitive restoration and energy upgrades to many of Oxford University’s listed college buildings, helping ensure their legacy for the 21st century. Few historic churches across Oxfordshire have not benefited from his expertise.

Philip’s leadership has also been about people. One of his strengths is his passion for nurturing talent and ensuring high levels of staff satisfaction. With 75% of the team remaining at WWA for over five years, his mentoring and guidance have shaped countless careers. His pragmatic and positive approach has helped colleagues navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

Sustainability and social impact have also been priorities. Philip has led WWA’s commitment to the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, achieving significant reductions in energy use, carbon footprint, and water consumption. Under his guidance, the practice has reduced its carbon footprint by over 20%. He has also encouraged volunteering, charity events, mentoring, and wider engagement with Oxfordshire’s community and built environment networks.

Reflecting on his win, Philip said:

“Absolutely thrilled to have received the Oxfordshire Leader of the Year Award at the 2025 OxProp Awards dinner at Keble College in Oxford. It was a fantastic evening with over 300 in attendance and to reach the shortlist let alone win this prestigious award, was a real delight. Thank you to team WWA for all your support and for nominating me for the award.”

As Philip moves into retirement, he leaves behind big shoes to fill. His energy, enthusiasm, and vision have shaped WWA for more than three decades, and his contribution to Oxfordshire’s built environment will be felt for many years to come.

Perhaps the best way to sum up his leadership is in the words of a client:

“From the first point of contact on the telephone, West Waddy Archadia came over as professional, showed understanding, advised the way forward and are undertaking our planning project with excellent leadership, clear direction and inspiring confidence in their ability to do the best possible job.” – Gordon Patterson

Congratulations again to Philip and to the other exceptional nominees, Darren Arekion (Kingerlee Ltd), David Williams (ARC | Advanced Research Clusters), and Paul Silver (Dorchester Regeneration ) for their inspiring contributions.

View the full gallery here – All the best images from OxProp Awards 2025