Business Details
26 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architects in West Sussex
Adam Richards Architects is an award-winning architectural practice established in 2000, based in West Sussex. Our work spans arts, cultural, heritage, education, and residential projects, characterised by a deep engagement with cultural narratives and sustainable design principles. We begin each project with a sustainability audit, prioritising energy-efficient construction and materials. Our approach transforms historic settings through sensitive, innovative design, as demonstrated by acclaimed projects like Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft. Recognised internationally, we have twice won RIBA South East Building of the Year and been nominated for the EU Mies van der Rohe Award.Our team combines academic expertise with practical experience, having taught at institutions like Cambridge University and served on design review panels. Client collaboration is central to our process, ensuring spaces are both meaningful and functional. Our buildings are designed for longevity, rooted in their context while embracing contemporary needs. Awards and publications in titles like The Financial Times and Wallpaper* underscore our reputation for excellence. We believe architecture should evoke emotional resonance, creating environments where people feel at home.
Services
Residential Architecture
Cultural Projects
Heritage Conservation
Sustainable Design
Urban Planning
Museum Design
Educational Facilities
Wellness Retreats
Adaptive Reuse
Masterplanning
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in architectural design and heritage conservation
- Our projects have won RIBA South East Building of the Year twice
- We implement a sustainability audit process for every project
- Our team includes architects with academic and industry leadership experience
- We specialise in sensitive interventions within historic environments
What people say
Award-winning designs
Sustainable approach
Historic sensitivity
Collaborative process
Emotional resonance
Services
Residential Architecture
Creating bespoke private residences that balance modern living needs with contextual sensitivity. Our approach prioritises sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems while maintaining architectural integrity. Projects range from new builds in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to sensitive extensions of listed properties.
Cultural Projects
Designing galleries, museums and cultural facilities that enhance visitor experience while preserving heritage value. Recent work includes Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft's acclaimed redevelopment, which combined historic preservation with contemporary exhibition spaces to support regional cultural heritage.
Heritage Conservation
Specialising in adaptive reuse of listed buildings and conservation areas. Our methodology combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to extend building lifespans while meeting contemporary functional requirements, as demonstrated at Walmer Castle and Grimsthorpe Gallery.
Sustainable Design
Integrating environmental considerations from project inception through material selection, passive design strategies, and energy-efficient systems. This approach has delivered certified sustainable buildings like the Sussex Studio and the LEED-equivalent Walmer Castle Learning Centre.
Masterplanning
Creating comprehensive spatial strategies for mixed-use developments and institutional campuses. Our work on the Mayfield School Masterplan and Lewes Phoenix community demonstrates our ability to balance ecological, social and economic factors in long-term development frameworks.
People
Adam Richards
Founder & Lead Architect
British architect and RIBA member with 20+ years' experience. Trained at Cambridge University, taught at leading institutions, and chaired RIBA South East Awards 2022. Specialises in cultural projects and heritage conservation with international recognition.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialise in?
We focus on contemporary design rooted in historical context, particularly for heritage sites and cultural institutions.
Do you work outside the UK?
Yes, we've completed projects in Portugal, Cyprus and have experience with international heritage regulations.
How do you approach sustainable design?
We start with a sustainability audit, prioritising energy efficiency, material reuse, and passive design strategies tailored to each project.
Can you work with listed buildings?
Yes, we specialise in sensitive interventions for Grade II* and lower listed properties, with multiple award-winning conservation projects.
What project sizes do you handle?
From small private houses to large-scale masterplans, with experience across residential, cultural and educational sectors.
How are fees structured?
We provide transparent fee proposals aligned with RIBA work stages, with options for fixed fees or percentage-based models.
