Ryder Architecture Celebrates Revenue Growth and Global Expansion
Newcastle-based design practice Ryder Architecture is raising a glass to increased revenues following a financial year marked by significant international growth and a major structural change. The firm, headquartered at Cooper Studios, has released its accounts for the year ending April 2025, revealing a 14% rise in turnover to £36 million.
Financial Performance and Structural Transition
While turnover showed healthy growth, operating profit experienced a notable decline, more than halving from £2.35 million to £900,486. This reduction in profitability was largely attributed to costs associated with the company's transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in May 2025. Total income for the year stood at £2.8 million, down from £3.2 million in the previous period.
The move to employee ownership represents a significant milestone for the practice, which was originally founded in 1953 by post-war pioneers Gordon Ryder and Peter Yates. Over the past decade, the business has undergone remarkable expansion, nearly tripling in size with employee numbers growing from 119 in 2015 to 308 today.
International Presence and Project Portfolio
Ryder Architecture has substantially expanded its geographical footprint beyond its Newcastle roots. The practice now maintains offices in London, Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester, and Bristol, complemented by international operations through various agreements. These include a licence arrangement with Ryder (Asia) Limited in Hong Kong, operations through Ryder Architecture (Canada) Inc, and an alliance community facilitating work in other global markets.
The firm's project portfolio spans values up to £1 billion, with education, healthcare, office, and residential developments accounting for approximately 80% of business. The practice has also been developing growing portfolios in the hospitality, leisure, and sport sectors, demonstrating diversification across multiple market segments.
Notable Projects and Industry Recognition
During the financial year, Ryder completed several award-winning projects including Durham University Business School, Highgate East for Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, and the Grade-II listed The Story in Durham. The practice was also selected to design the University of British Columbia's largest student housing project to date.
Internationally, the firm received the prestigious commission to design Jamaica's National Stadium at Independence Park, which will meet both FIFA and World Athletics standards. This high-profile project represents a significant achievement in the practice's global expansion strategy.
Industry recognition came in the form of Ryder being crowned Building's Architectural Practice of the Year for the second time, underscoring the firm's standing within the professional community.
Leadership Perspective and Future Outlook
Principal and Managing Director Mark Thompson commented on the results, acknowledging the challenging economic circumstances while expressing satisfaction with the financial performance. He highlighted that despite reduced profitability, the practice exceeded its community impact target through support for charities and good causes.
Mr Thompson noted strong progress in international markets while acknowledging less stable conditions in the UK economic landscape. He pointed to factors including political climate and investment environment as ongoing challenges following the 2024 general election.
Looking ahead, the firm maintains a strong project pipeline for the next twelve months, including the Sunderland Eye Infirmary development. Mr Thompson expressed optimism about Ryder's ongoing and sustained development, emphasising the practice's broad sector portfolio and diverse client base.
The regeneration of Newcastle's Pilgrim Street also reached several milestones in 2025, with the opening of Hotel Gotham and Worswick Chambers, plus the practical completion of Pilgrim's Quarter scheduled to open this year.
