Diligent design at the heart of all Czajka Care Group’s homes

Over the last 41 years Czajka Care Group has grown and developed to become West Yorkshire’s leading care provider, as well as a renowned provider of quality retirement homes in Nab Wood and Steeton. During that time, one man who has played a big part in the design of all Czajka Care Group’s properties is architect, Philip Mawson.

Philip sadly passed away on 7^th December 2020 and this story will hopefully commemorate the wonderful work he has done for Czajka Care Group over the last four decades.

Managing director, Konrad Czajka, said: “I first met Philip through my dad, George Czajka, who was a self-employed plumber and property repairer. Philip had drawn up various plans needed for the planning department for my dad and he and his wife, Marian, became family friends.

“In 1979, whilst working at Leeds City Council, I wanted to build a home for Jasia and our children on land in Nab Wood, which had been given to me by my dad. I asked Philip to draw up the plans and oversee the build. His personality and sense of humour shone through just when we needed it, as it was a difficult and expensive project.

“In 1983 we purchased Staveley Oaks, in 1984 The Old Gables and in 1986 Birkleas and Philip was instrumental in drawing up the plans for the extensions we needed to build, as well as completing all the planning permission approvals.

“In 1989, Philip and Marian became shareholders in Czajka Care Group and Philip worked tirelessly on the Fairmount Park development, which included Fairmount Nursing Home, Brookfield Care Home, Fairmount Park Clubhouse and 37 retirement houses and apartments.

“At the time there were around 300 objections and 45 individual letters which hit the planning department, and the project was deferred twice by the planners before we finally got the required planning permission. Philip made sure that the quality of the building work was outstanding, and his designs have become wholly accepted by the local community.

“A few years later Philip drew up the plans for the Staveley Birkleas annexe, which included 40 single rooms, with ensuite facilities that had environmental standards well above the norm. The 14 houses at Currergate Mews followed, and as the company architect, his work was never done!

“There is no way that we, the Czajka family, can thank Philip for all those years of commitment and dedication enough and his passing was a very sad time for all of us. I miss him coming into the office and asking me ‘what do I want to be when I grow up’!

“Marian and their daughter Judith are still heavily involved with Czajka Care Group in different ways and the Czajka family also thanks them for their loyalty and commitment to our family business. Philip was a kind, gentle and wonderful man, and it was a privilege to have worked alongside him for over 40 years.”

During his career Philip has worked on designs for the Bradford Law Courts, the Alhambra Theatre and St George’s Hall. Marion said: “He was a very considered man who liked his designs to fit in with their surroundings and connect to the wider environment around them. He created so many beautifully hand drawn plans over the years for Czajka Care Group, which I gave to Konrad when he passed away.”

Konrad added: “All of Philip’s designs have stood the test of time and he also created the most recent plans for our multi-million-pound extensions at Currergate Nursing Home and Brookfield Care Home, as well as the eight stunning new retirement homes at our Fairmount Park development. We are grateful for all his creative and diligent efforts, which have enabled us to build so many beautiful homes and lead the way in terms of care and nursing provision in such well-designed surroundings.”