Richard Dawson, a chartered RIBA and ARB registered architect, brings up to the minute knowledge combined with over 40 years’ experience to every project.
Richard specialises in sustainable architecture and energy-efficient building design focusing on creating homes that are warm, comfortable, and affordable to run. He is passionate about reducing energy demand through smart design, high-performance materials, and proven retrofit strategies.
With extensive experience delivering energy-saving retrofits and refurbishments, Richard has successfully worked on listed buildings and properties within conservation areas, carefully balancing heritage requirements with modern thermal performance. He also designs low-carbon and carbon-negative homes, helping clients reduce emissions while improving long-term comfort and value.
Richard regularly collaborates with specialist consultants and trusted contractors to coordinate:
Whether you are planning a sensitive heritage retrofit or a new-build sustainable home, Richard provides expert guidance to help achieve lower energy bills, reduced carbon impact, and future-proofed building performance.
Richard has extensive experience in accessible architecture and inclusive building design, including the design of homes for disabled users and Lifetime Homes in accordance with BS8300 accessibility standards. He is committed to creating spaces that are safe, practical, and welcoming for everyone, regardless of age or mobility.
As a member of the Access Association, Richard also offers an accessibility consultancy service for building owners, developers, and facilities managers who want to improve access and ensure their buildings meet current best practice and legal requirements.
Richard provides expert guidance on:
Whether upgrading an existing property or designing a new project, Richard helps clients create a more accessible, inclusive, and future-proof built environment.
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 systemsBuilding 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
R Dawson Architect has built a reputation for award-winning architectural design, with work recognised through a range of professional awards and achievements.
For over 25 years, Richard has led his own successful practice, delivering high-quality projects. His 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.
LABC Building Excellence Awards, People and Places Non-Domestic Conversion Regional Winner 2021+ Grand Finalist, London, 2022
Ilkley Civic Trust Commendation for new build house, March 2022 https://civicsociety.ilkley.org/design-and-conservation-awards.html
LABC Building Excellence Awards W Yorks Finalist: Domestic category 2019
President (2018-19), Bradford Society of Architects and Surveyors https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/17268139.bingley-architect-richard-dawson-scoops-double-honour
LABC Building Excellence Awards W Yorks Construction Professional of the Year Winner + Grand Finalist, London, 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, London, 2015: Domestic category for Best Domestic Extension or Alteration to a Home.
LABC Building Excellence Awards West Yorkshire 2015 Finalist: Sustainability
Y&H Microgeneration Awards 2010, Domestic Category: Runner Up
RIBA Awards Yorkshire Region: Selected Juror 2003
Chairman Yorkshire Region RIBA 1998-2000
Assessor Yorkshire Region RIBA Architecture Awards 1997, 1998, 1999
Assessor Harrogate District Design Awards 1998, 1999
Chairman Bradford Branch RIBA 1993-4
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 want to enjoy achieving a successful building project; and we look forward to working with him again with future projects at our home.”