Books.
My books explore leadership, governance and decision-making through the lens of lived professional experience.
Drawing on work across architecture, infrastructure, culture and public life, they examine how ideas move from conception to action — and how judgement is formed in complex institutional environments.
The Architects Edge
Unicorn Publishing 2025
The Architect’s Edge draws on Gareth Stapleton’s international experience to examine leadership, decision-making and organisational resilience in complex environments.
Grounded in practice and informed by systems thinking, the book explores how leaders navigate uncertainty, align creative ambition with long-term value, and exercise judgement across the lifecycle of the built environment.
Elgar Encyclopaedia of Leadership.
Edgar Elgar Publishing 2025
The Elgar Encyclopedia of Leadership is an international reference volume featuring 138 entries from scholars and practitioners across management, psychology, sociology, and organisational behaviour. It is edited by Benjamin Laker, Lebene Richmond Soga, and Yemisi Bolade-Ogunfodun.
The encyclopedia aims to deepen understanding of classical and contemporary leadership concepts, providing accessible insights for researchers, practitioners, and students.
Gareth contributed 3 entries
What Would Shakespeare Do?
Out 2027
What Would Shakespeare Do? is a collection of essays reflecting on leadership, power and organisational life through the lens of Shakespeare’s plays and characters.
Drawing on enduring themes of ambition, loyalty, conflict and moral choice, the book explores how human behaviour continues to shape judgement, authority and decision-making in complex institutions.
The Quiet Notes
Assemble Creative 2024
The Quiet Notes is a collection of reflections on place, memory, and purpose - this limited-edition poetry volume offers a quieter lens through which to consider identity and authorship. Written over a decade and edited alongside built work, The Quiet Notes speaks to the unseen structures that shape our lives.
The Shape The Sky Makes
Out 2026
The Shape the Sky Makes - A lyrical, true-inspired odyssey of four young men who attempt an audacious Atlantic crossing - a story of ambition, endurance, and the sea’s uncompromising power.
Praise for The Architects Edge
-
![Black and white photo of an older man with glasses, smiling, wearing a white shirt, with leafy plants in the background.]()
Books that offer practical advice on how to be a successful architect are a rarity. This publication, written by an experienced architect who transitioned into an outstanding project and construction management career, fills this gap. It provides a unique insight into how to succeed in the profession, making it an essential resource for all architects seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Prof Ian Ritchie CBE
-
![Line drawing of a man with wavy hair, wearing a collared shirt and blazer.]()
A fast forward for all existing or aspiring creative entrepreneurs, organisations and those who must lead them. Informed by extensive experience in architectural realisations, Gareth Stapleton’s writing is insightful, fast-paced, and inspired. A handbook weaponising how to drive and ‘build’ real long-term value.
Björn König Retired Financial Curator of long-term assets within the IKEA group of companies.
-
![An elderly man smiling, wearing glasses, a white shirt, and a red sweater, standing indoors in front of windows.]()
Gareth Stapleton has distilled his extensive experience in architecture, planning, and construction into a compelling and insightful book. Drawing from his profound understanding of the intricate relationships between these fields in both the private and public sectors, Gareth offers readers invaluable lessons on what it means—and what it takes—to be a successful architect. This book is a must-read for anyone aspiring to excel in architecture and construction, providing practical wisdom and thoughtful reflections from one of the industry’s leading experts.
Michael Freeman Co-Founder Argent
-
![A smiling man in a dark suit, light blue shirt, and navy polka dot tie posing against a plain light gray background.]()
Gareth’s forward-thinking perspectives and leadership in the field strengthened the architectural profession, preparing it to meet future challenges with confidence and creativity. His dedication to advancing the profession through thoughtful, impactful practice is evident on every page, making this book an essential read for anyone passionate about architecture and its potential to shape a better world."
Brad Fauteux Vice President, Colliers
Other Contributions
Additional contributions to published work.
Entries
Gold Dust
Prof Ian Ritchie CBE
Contributed Entry, (2025)
The Parliamentary Review
Industry Best Practice
Authored Article, (2019)
Salt Bridges: Changing Perceptions of Art/Architecture and Science,
New Biochemistry, Oxford University
Edited by Morag Morrison (2010)
&\Also
Hawkins Brown
Contributed drawings, (2003)
Bridging Art and Science
WilkinsonEyre Architects
Contributed drawings (1996)
Connell, Ward and Lucas: Modern Movement Architects in England 1929-39
Contributed Drawings & Models
Dennis Sharp (1994)
