Ryder Architecture toasts rising revenues as it grows international work

The Newcastle business also became an Employee Ownership Trust in the financial year

Newcastle design practice Ryder Architecture is toasting rising revenues after a year in which it grew its overseas work and became an Employee Owned Trust. The Cooper Studios based business has published accounts for the year ending last April. Turnover rose 14% to £36m, though operating profit more than halved from £2.35m to £900,486.

Total income for the year was £2.8m, down from £3.2m, following costs associated with its move to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in May. The firm, launched in 1953 by post-war pioneers Gordon Ryder and Peter Yates, has almost trebled in size in the last 10 years, with employee numbers growing from 119 in 2015 to 308.

Ryder now also has offices in London, Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester and Bristol, plus in Hong Kong through a licence agreement with Ryder (Asia) Limited, in Canada through Ryder Architecture (Canada) Inc and elsewhere internationally through an alliance community. The business is commissioned on projects ranging in value up to £1bn, with education, healthcare, office and residential accounting for about 80% of business with growing portfolios in the hospitality leisure and sport sectors.

In the accounts, principal and managing director Mark Thompson said that, “given the challenging economic circumstances”, directors were satisfied with the financial results, highlighting how “despite reduced profit, we exceeded our community impact target” supporting charities and good causes. We are optimistic about the ongoing and sustained development of Ryder.”

During the year, Ryder finished several award winning projects, including Durham University Business School, Highgate East for Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust and Grade-II listed The Story in Durham. It was selected to design the University of British Columbia’s largest student housing project to date.

Ryder was also appointed to design Jamaica’s National Stadium, Independence Park, which will meet world football and world athletics standards. The firm was also crowned Building’s Architectural Practice of the Year for the second time.

Meanwhile, the regeneration of Newcastle’s Pilgrim Street reached several milestones in 2025, with the opening of Hotel Gotham, Worswick Chambers and the practical completion of Pilgrim’s Quarter, due to open this year. Mr Thompson highlighted strong overseas progress, but says the UK economical landscape and other factors have not proved as stable. However, he said the firm’s pipeline is strong.

He said: “Our international portfolio continues to develop with the most notable project being the redevelopment of the National Stadium of Jamaica. Okana, our built environment consultancy with a community of like- minded practices, continued to deliver projects in North and South America, the Far East, Middle East and Australia.

“Our broad portfolio of sectors involves us working with a wide range of clients. The success of these sectors requires a strong economy, stable political climate and a positive investment and planning environment. Despite the 2024 general election, many of these continue to be lacking in the UK. The 12 month pipeline is strong subject to the aforementioned issues.”

Projects in the next 12 months include Sunderland Eye Infirmary.