Books.
Gareth’s writing brings together the disciplines of architecture, leadership, and lived experience - expressed through both critical insight and poetic reflection.
“His work spans professional practice and creative inquiry, offering readers access to the thinking behind buildings, systems, and the quiet moments in between.”
The Architects Edge
Unicorn Publishing 2025
The Architect’s Edge distils Gareth’s global experience in architecture, leadership, and strategic delivery into a clear, practical guide for designing, managing, and leading in complex environments. Blending real-world insight with forward-thinking practice, it offers tools for creative resilience, long-term value, and effective decision-making in 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? translates centuries-old wisdom into a modern leadership playbook for navigating complexity, conflict, and change. Through the lens of Shakespeare’s greatest characters, it reveals practical strategies for managing people, inspiring teams, and making confident decisions under pressure. Fusing dramatic insight with contemporary leadership practice, it offers a fresh framework for clarity, resilience, and purposeful action.
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
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![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
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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.
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![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
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![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
