Member Article

Ryder book launch starts 60th anniversary celebrations

Leading architectural practice Ryder Architecture started its 60th anniversary celebrations in style with the launch of its retrospective book celebrating its heritage, evolution and success over six decades.

Headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne, with successful offices in Glasgow, Liverpool and London, the company has grown from its north east roots in 1953 under the post war pioneers of Gordon Ryder and Peter Yates, to become an acclaimed practice working on projects across the UK and overseas.

Guests attended the launch of the Ryder book at The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) bookshop in London.

Peter Buchan, Ryder’s senior partner, said: “This is without doubt a major milestone for the company and this book really does mark that occasion and underline all that has been achieved, starting from our roots in Newcastle but gradually growing right across the UK. We thank RIBA for their support and hosting this launch and to our clients, partners and colleagues past and present for all their involvement and genuine enthusiasm. Now to the future and the next 60 years…”

Written by Rutter Carroll, an architect and a leading academic, and with a foreword by Hugh Pearman, Sunday Times’ architectural correspondent, the book features key projects such as Engineering Research Station, Vickers, Pilkington Optronics, Cobalt Business Park, Newcastle City Library and Manchester Central Library, that pepper its diverse output over 60 years in sectors including education, healthcare, industrial, infrastructure, leisure, office, public buildings, and residential.

Keith Wilson, RIBA Publishing, said: “We’re delighted to share this major milestone with Ryder and help produce something which really does document their unique style, character and ethos.

“The book draws on the rich contribution that the company has made, not only to record what its architecture achieves but also the ways it achieves it. In doing so it signposts the company’s next 60 years – its founding principles, deep understanding of how to exceed expectations, value of design leadership, teamwork and information handling, and of shaping the future not just reacting to it.”

Hugh Pearman, said: “With Ryder, there is an overall expression of design clarity. Their buildings show the thinking and the working. There is a tightness and intelligence to a Ryder building, an expression of what goes on inside and out. It may be coincidence or it may be deliberate, but I do find echoes particularly of Lubetkin – from whose north eastern studio in Peterlee Ryder and Yates first sprang – in some of their recent buildings.”

With a host of events scheduled throughout the year including exhibitions in Glasgow, Liverpool and London, the company will be sharing its history and milestones and also giving something back through support for different local charities and groups chosen by staff in the respective offices.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ryder Architecture .