Business Details
20 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Services in London
Established in 2006 through the merger of three respected practices, DRY Architects is a RIBA Chartered Practice renowned for securing challenging planning consents, particularly for Listed buildings and properties in Conservation areas. Our expertise extends to high-end residential projects, commercial developments, and heritage restoration, combining meticulous design with 21st-century technology. With offices in Fitzrovia, Hampshire, and Bath, we operate across central London, the home counties, and Switzerland, offering tailored services from concept design to project completion. Our team, led by partners Oliver Empson-Ridler and Louise Yates, prioritises client collaboration, ensuring each project reflects individual needs while maintaining architectural integrity.We specialise in navigating complex planning processes, working closely with local authorities, English Heritage, and major estates to achieve successful outcomes. Our sister company, DRY Interiors, provides complementary interior design services, ensuring cohesive results from exterior to interior. With over 30 years of experience in central London's demanding market, we maintain an exceptional success rate in obtaining difficult approvals, supported by a comprehensive approach to project management and technical detailing. Our commitment to innovation and sensitivity in heritage projects has earned trust from clients such as the Wellcome Trust and Cadogan Estate, demonstrating our ability to deliver bespoke solutions in historically sensitive contexts.
Services
Planning Applications
Listed Building Consent
Project Management
Architectural Design
Heritage Restoration
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of expertise in complex planning consents for Listed buildings
- Proven success rate with English Heritage and local authority approvals
- Tailored client service from concept to project completion
- Integrated use of 21st-century technology in heritage restoration
- RIBA Chartered Practice with multidisciplinary project management
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
What people say
Helpful and responsive throughout
High-quality design solutions
Exceptional planning consent success rate
Skilled heritage restoration
Tailored client-focused approach
Services
Planning Applications
We specialise in securing complex planning permissions for Listed buildings and Conservation areas. Our team navigates local authority requirements and heritage guidelines to achieve approvals. With decades of experience, we maximise success rates for challenging projects in central London and beyond.
Heritage Restoration
Our practice combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology for heritage building restoration. We maintain historical integrity while integrating contemporary functionality. Services include materials analysis, period-appropriate detailing, and collaboration with specialist contractors for authentic results.
Project Management
We coordinate end-to-end project delivery, managing teams of engineers, surveyors, and designers. Our services cover tendering, contract administration, and on-site supervision. This comprehensive approach ensures seamless execution from initial concept to final handover for residential and commercial developments.
Architectural Design
We create bespoke architectural designs tailored to client needs and site constraints. Our process includes concept development, technical detailing, and interior coordination through our sister company DRY Interiors. Each project balances aesthetic vision with practical functionality and regulatory compliance.
Listed Building Consent
Specialising in Listed Building applications, we prepare detailed submissions demonstrating sensitivity to historical significance. We negotiate with English Heritage and local authorities to secure permissions for alterations and extensions, ensuring compliance while meeting modern usage requirements for properties in protected areas.
People
Oliver Empson-Ridler
Partner
With extensive experience in architectural conservation, Oliver leads complex heritage projects. He specialises in negotiating planning approvals for Listed buildings and has overseen numerous successful developments in central London's protected areas.
Louise Yates
Partner
Louise focuses on high-end residential design and project management. Her expertise includes integrating modern technology into historic properties while maintaining architectural integrity across central London and international locations.
Questions
What planning services do you offer for Listed buildings?
We specialise in Listed Building Consent applications, preparing detailed submissions that balance heritage requirements with modern needs. Our team negotiates with English Heritage and local authorities to secure approvals.
Do you work outside London?
Yes, we operate across the UK's home counties and internationally, including Switzerland. Our experience covers diverse planning jurisdictions while maintaining consistent design standards.
How do you manage complex architectural projects?
We act as lead consultants, coordinating multidisciplinary teams from concept design through to completion. This includes tendering, contract administration, and on-site supervision for residential and commercial developments.
Can you assist with interior design?
Our sister company DRY Interiors provides interior design services, ensuring cohesive aesthetic solutions from exterior architecture to interior spaces for both residential and commercial clients.
What is your success rate for planning applications?
With over 30 years of experience in central London, we maintain an exceptional success rate for challenging planning consents, particularly in Conservation areas and for Grade II* Listed properties.
