Over four decades, and with more than 100 national and international awards, ritchie*studio has consistently delivered projects of exceptional individuality and long-term functionality while exceeding clients’ expectations.

 

These awards include the Iritecna Prize for Europe (Eagle Rock House) and Eric Lyons Memorial Award for European Housing (The Watergarden).

 

ritchie*studio, formerly Ian Ritchie Architects, has delivered services as Architect, Lead Designer and Lead Consultant through all RIBA Stages on building construction values from £100,000 to £1 billion and have successfully completed housing projects in the UK (£100,000 to £50 million).

 

ritchie*studio approach to design always aims to encourage the forming of communities and to avoid socially sterile environments. Communities grow and change, placing new demands upon the building’s infrastructure and spatial elements. Particularly those related to the growth of virtual communities.

 

We have been committed to an environmentally sustainable design approach since the practice was established in 1981 and deliver buildings that not only come in below budget but are easy and safe to use and maintain. Our projects testify to our philosophy not to waste, and to construct buildings that optimise carbon-free energy and minimise energy bills. Since 1990, we have sought to use materials and products that use less energy in their manufacture and use and which require little or no maintenance.

 

We are very proud of our reputation in achieving and maintaining a 100% record in securing planning permissions with the first application. This is achieved through early and constructive rapport with local authorities, consultative bodies, local communities, and residents, and through the quality of our designs and documentation. It began in 1978, the Fluy House, France, a £30,000 self-built solar-powered, 300m² for £30,000, followed by Eagle Rock House, UK, for £80,000, in 1981, also partially self-built and solar-powered, through to a residential-led scheme in Covent Garden in November 2013, and the latest planning permission for 254 units on Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) at Lower Sydenham in 2021.

 

We have ISO 9001: 2008 (Design Quality Assurance), ISO 14001: 2004 (Environmental Management Assurance) and ISO 45001: 2018 (Health & Safety Management) accreditation.