This has become even more significant during these difficult times and Rawls is uniquely placed to help companies release value from their existing assets during a period of little new development.

The design commentary side of the business has raised the bar for creative standards for shopping centres and the company has one of the best reputations in the market place, boasting clients such as Land Securities, Hammersons, Capital Shopping Centres and Aldar in the Middle East.

Rawls has also worked with the majority of international retailers, demonstrating their unique position to work alongside a number of agents.

Adam Rawls, Managing Director of Rawls, said: “We deal with everything that the customer touches and sees. That might be the branding, the way finding, creating a sense of place, how the retail space will look and trade, the sight lines, helping the retailers to find the right store, revenue generating opportunity from kiosks, Christmas decorations – whatever it may be that brings together a fantastic retail environment. We are the glue that brings it all together.”

The company’s most recently completed project, and one they are particularly proud of, is One New Change next to St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

He said: “We looked after all of the retail within that building. It’s a very iconic building and we had to persuade tenants to keep all windows open and not turn their backs on the cathedral. This location is unique and we felt that wherever possible, units should have a view of St Paul’s.

“Our agency specialises in talking to the planners, talking to the architects, acting as retail consultants for the retailers, the landlord – everyone that had a vested interested in the property.” Other recent developments include The Rock at Bury, and The Avenue at Spinningfields in Manchester – a luxury retail quarter with a Fifth Avenue feel.

In August phase three of a shopping centre in Roermond in Holland was due to complete, and in autumn Rawls will be opening a luxury quarter within McArthurGlen’s Cheshire Oaks outlet – where 25 per cent of the retail space has been changed to accommodate luxury brands.

Rawls currently have offices in London and Abu Dhabi. Rawls said: “Our offices tend to pop up and grow organically to support where the work is. We add value to other agencies so sometimes we get brought in as a wider team of architects.” To mark 21 years of the Rawls brand the company are rebranding to mark the milestone.

He said: “We don’t do the same as we did 21 years ago. We are constantly reinventing ourselves and trying to find new ways to be relevant to what our retailers and clients need. “We’re forever changing and it’s about following the trends and being ahead of the game. That’s what we do and people know we bring a wealth of knowledge with us.”

www.rawls.co.uk