Richard Dawson is a chartered RIBA and ARB registered architect. Clients benefit from his decades of experience combined with up-to-the minute technical knowledge and practical, creative approach. His designs open up more space, invite in more daylight, and help cut household running costs.
Richard specialises in sustainable, energy‑efficient design, creating homes that are warm, comfortable, and affordable to run. He reduces energy demand through smart design, high‑performance materials, and thoughtful retrofits.
With wide experience in refurbishing listed and conservation‑area properties, he balances heritage needs with modern thermal performance. He also designs new low‑carbon and carbon‑negative homes and extensions, helping clients cut emissions while improving long‑term comfort.
Working with specialist consultants and trusted contractors, Richard coordinates:
Whether planning a heritage retrofit or a new sustainable home, Richard guides clients toward lower bills, reduced carbon, and better everyday living.
Richard has deep experience in accessible and inclusive design, from homes for disabled users to Lifetime Homes built to BS8300 standards. He’s committed to creating safe, practical, welcoming spaces for people of all ages and mobility levels.
As a member of the Access Association, whether upgrading a property or designing something new, Richard helps clients create spaces that are more accessible and inclusive.
New home design and bespoke residential architecture
Commercial building design for offices, retail, and mixed-use premises
Home extensions, loft conversions, and property alterations
Property remodelling, retrofits, and refurbishments, including low-carbon upgrades
Accessible architecture and inclusive design for people with disabilities (BS8300 compliant)
Planning applications for listed buildings and Conservation Areas, including integration of solar panels and PV systems
Building Regulations approvals, compliance support, and negotiations via LABC
Delivering talks, lectures, and seminars on low-energy building design, sustainable construction, and low-carbon architecture for education providers, community groups, and organisations
Richard Dawson has built a reputation for award-winning architectural design, with work recognised through a range of professional awards and achievements.
His high-quality portfolio includes bespoke new homes, residential developments, commercial architecture, and transformative house renovations, refurbishments, and extensions – all designed to enhance space, performance, and long-term value.
Richard has served as RIBA Chairman for the Yorkshire Region and over the years his work has won many awards. Here are a few of the most recent:
LABC Building Excellence Awards Regional Winner and Grand Finalist 2024 Best Residential Conversion or Alteration to an Existing Home
LABC Building Excellence Awards, 2023 National Winner Best Residential Conversion or Alteration to an Existing Home, Grand Finals, London
LABC Building Excellence Awards, People and Places Non-Domestic Conversion Regional Winner 2021+ Grand Finalist, 2022
Ilkley Civic Trust Commendation for new build house, March 2022
LABC Building Excellence Awards W Yorks Finalist: Domestic category 2019
President (2018-19), Bradford Society of Architects and Surveyors
LABC Building Excellence Awards W Yorks Winner Construction Professional of the Year + Grand Finalist 2018
LABC W Yorks Building Excellence Awards Finalist: Domestic category 2018
LABC Building Excellence Awards W Yorks Finalist: Commercial category 2017
LABC Building Excellence Awards W Yorks Finalist: Domestic category 2017
LABC Building Excellence Awards Yorkshire Winner + Grand Finalist 2015: Best Domestic Extension/Alteration to a Home.
Richard’s current clients include domestic and commercial private clients, churches, sports clubs and developers.
“Richard brought to the project his enthusiasm and technical knowledge concerning sustainable and eco-friendly development. This, coupled with his obvious in-depth experience and capabilities in the field of architecture and planning.”
“Richard guided us skilfully through the planning and design processes associate with our project to install solar PV and to erect a lean-to bespoke greenhouse on our property. As we live in a Conservation Area, this required a great deal of expertise, patience and tenacity on Richard’s part. To his credit, he was able to satisfy both our design requirements and negotiate agreement with the planners.”
“Richard is amiable, energetic and passionate about his work. We would be delighted to recommend Richard to anyone who wants to enjoy achieving a successful building project; and we look forward to working with him again with future projects at our home.”