Thomas Cecil Howitt
The Howitt Partnership derives its name from the prominent Nottingham born architect, Thomas Cecil Howitt.
Throughout his career, TC Howitt strived to design buildings that would not only impress visually but would also provide a focal point for both businesses and cities of the future. He is chiefly remembered for designing the Council House and Processional Way in Nottingham, Baskerville House in Birmingham (first phase of the Civic Centre scheme), Newport Civic Centre, and several iconic Odeon cinemas (such as Weston-super-Mare and Bristol).
Following a study tour of Europe in early 1914, TC Howitt was invited to become the company architect for Boots. However, the war soon intervened and Howitt was commissioned in November 1914, rising to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the Leicestershire Regiment. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and French Croix de Guerre, as well as a Chevalier of the Legion d'Honneur (for action at the Battle of the Marne). Howitt was demobilised with the rank of Major in October 1919, and joined the City Engineer's Department at Nottingham City Council.
In 1926, Howitt's rising status in the profession was marked by his election as a member of the RIBA Council. The following year, he made study tours of the USA and Canada and in 1928 to Denmark and Sweden.
As work on the Council House in Nottingham came towards completion, Howitt fulfilled a lifelong ambition to set up his own practice and established the first incarnation of the Howitt Partnership in December 1930.
Many of his iconic buildings survive to this day - a lasting legacy to the vision and passion he demonstrated for his work.