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Riach Architects

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Riach Architects

Oxford-based architects with a commitment to excellent communication and extraordinary design.

Founded thirty-five years ago, Riach Architects serves clients in Oxfordshire and further afield from its offices at 65 Banbury Road, Oxford. The experienced staff manage a wide range of projects, large and small.

18/09/2026

There is a great deal about this landing that is technically unnecessary.

It would do its job without the detailing, the beautiful finishes, or quite so much natural light.

And yet, these are the things that turn an everyday journey between floors into an experience. In our rushed, distracted, and optimised lives, a space that has been thought through so completely feels almost defiant. It asks us to slow down and notice.

This landing forms part of the refurbishment and extension of a Victorian house in North Oxford. Original features were restored, the later extension was reworked, and the staircase was opened up to create a double-height atrium at the centre of the house.

11/09/2026

There's more air than object in this room. More 'nothing' than anything…

The sofa doesn't call for attention, the walls are simple, and the windows are doing the heavy lifting — full-height glazing on two sides pulls the garden in until it's hard to say where the room ends and the trees begin.

That's the trick with light and space: it's about knowing how to frame rather than fill.

A good architect knows what to add to a space. An excellent architect knows what to remove.

04/09/2026

A lit fire draws the eye as we peek into this Victorian home, renovated and reimagined for modern family life.

A handsome staircase, parquet floor, and heavily draped curtain – all the ingredients for a cosy autumn.

If you’re starting to imagine yourself in a new home – or, indeed, an old home made new – then let’s talk.

We’re happy to explore the possibilities at any stage: from the very beginnings of an idea to a project already under way and in need of some thoughtful re-steering.

28/08/2026

Modernising a cottage takes a detailed understanding of the original building – how it was constructed, where the structure can be altered, and how it has weathered, moved, and been adapted over time.

It also means understanding what you want from your new home: perhaps a layout better suited to family life, space for entertaining, or quiet places to work, focus, and rest. We listen carefully, without making assumptions, so the design reflects how you want to live.

The right team matters, too. We work with a long-established network of local craftspeople and specialist trades who understand vernacular construction, know how to repair original features, and can source materials appropriate to the building.

Together, we bring in more daylight, improve energy efficiency, and create spaces that work for modern life – without losing the character that made the cottage worth preserving.

21/08/2026

Context is everything.

At Grantham House, colour was introduced to the sides of the bay windows as a subtle reference to the brightly painted homes found on nearby roads such as Observatory Street – connecting a distinctly contemporary scheme to its setting.

The project involved the complete refurbishment and extension of a 1960s sheltered housing scheme to create 27 apartments and two family houses.

The building was reorganised internally to provide apartments in a wider range of sizes, while an insulated render system dramatically improved its energy efficiency and gave the dated exterior a clean, low-maintenance finish.

20/08/2026

Riach Architects is looking for an enthusiastic Architectural Technician to join our expanding, award-winning RIBA Chartered Practice in Oxford.

This is an exciting opportunity to support the design and delivery of a diverse range of residential and commercial projects, working closely with our architects and consultants from concept through to construction.

Key responsibilities:

• Preparing technical drawing packages and detailed construction information across all project stages
• Producing accurate, coordinated technical drawings using AutoCAD and ArchiCAD
• Coordinating with architects, consultants, and contractors to resolve technical issues
• Ensuring designs comply with UK Building Regulations and relevant technical standards
• Attending project meetings and site visits to support project delivery and coordination
• Assisting in the technical development of residential and commercial projects

We’re looking for someone with:

• Proven expertise in AutoCAD and ArchiCAD
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
• Strong knowledge of technical construction methods and UK Building Regulations
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• A high level of accuracy and exceptional attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with confidence when liaising with colleagues, consultants, and clients
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team

For the right candidate, we offer the opportunity to work on an exciting range of high-end residential properties, listed buildings, and developments, alongside opportunities for personal development, a competitive salary, and a positive working environment.

This is a permanent, full-time position, An immediate start is preferred, although not essential.

To apply:
Please send your covering letter, CV, and a short portfolio (maximum 20 pages) to Tenecia Pearce, Office Manager, at [email protected] using 'Architectural Technician' as the subject line.

No agencies please.

14/08/2026

Natural stone, slate roofs, traditional detailing, mature trees, and generous plots connect the six family homes at Westfield House to the character of their village setting.

We took on this project after planning permission had already been granted for another scheme, but the approved mix did not reflect local demand or make the best use of the site.

We extended and converted the existing building into two substantial houses and reorganised the layout to accommodate a fourth new home.

The revised scheme increased the overall floor area, creating better homes and considerably greater value for our client.

Most importantly, the finished development looks completely at home in Aston.

07/08/2026

The architecture of Oxford inspires and informs many of our projects. From ancient streets and iconic college buildings to contemporary, boundary-pushing schemes, we work in an extraordinary place.

We were recently treated to a tour of the University of Oxford's largest single building project to date: the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. Designed by Hopkins Architects and Max Fordham, and constructed by Laing O'Rourke, it's a remarkable addition to the city.

Built to Passivhaus standards, the centre is a multi-purpose education facility capable of supporting up to 8,000 students a day. It brings together dedicated spaces for Oxford's internationally recognised Humanities faculties, including English Language and Literature, History, and Linguistics.

The building also provides a suite of performance spaces: the 500-seat Sohmen Concert Hall, a 250-seat theatre, a 'black box' immersive space, a dance studio, cinema, exhibition space, and a museum housing the renowned Bate Collection of historic musical instruments. Add a café, a bar, and extensive gardens, and it's easy to see why the Schwarzman Centre has become such a landmark.

Being immersed in Oxford's architecture is fundamental to our work, and remaining engaged with local organisations and communities helps us stay connected to a city where centuries of history sit comfortably alongside constant change.

Many thanks to Alexandra Vincent MBE for taking the time out of her busy schedule to show us around the Schwarzman Centre. We hope to be back soon for one of the many concerts on the horizon!

04/08/2026

Riach Architects is looking for an enthusiastic Part 1 or Part 2 Architectural Assistant to join our expanding, award-winning RIBA Chartered Practice in Oxford.

This is an opportunity to work on an exciting range of high-end residential properties, listed buildings, and developments, while developing your skills within a collaborative and supportive studio environment. We offer opportunities for personal development, a competitive salary, and a positive working environment.

For Part 1 applicants, we're looking for someone with:
• Previous experience working in an office environment
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Suite
• The ability to work to deadlines
• Excellent communication skills

For Part 2 applicants, we're looking for someone with:
• A minimum of one year's experience working in a UK architectural practice
• A high level of precision and attention to detail
• Excellent time-management skills
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Suite
• Confidence communicating with colleagues and clients, both verbally and in writing
• Knowledge of technical construction, building regulations and tender package experience
• Experience of ArchiCAD or similar BIM software

To apply, please send your covering letter, CV, and a portfolio (maximum 20 pages) to [email protected], for the attention of Tenecia Pearce, Office Manager.

Please use either 'Part 1 Architectural Assistant' or 'Part 2 Architectural Assistant' as the subject line of your application.

We look forward to hearing from you.

31/07/2026

Navigating tight and unusual planning constraints is a skill we've honed over decades of experience, and the project featured here – Orchard House – is no exception.

Tucked away near Witney, the late 20th-century Georgian-style property is set within a conservation area. Strict planning restrictions, particularly around the height of the extension, meant the client's envisioned orangery proportions weren't possible. Our task was to design a scheme that balanced the client's aspirations with planning requirements while remaining elegant and highly functional.

The existing 1990s extension was replaced with the new orangery, creating a far better connection between the home's living spaces, bringing more natural light into the heart of the house, and updating the internal layout for 21st-century family living.

Elsewhere, the front elevation received a subtle lift with the addition of a Georgian-style entrance porch, strengthening the architectural character of the house while creating a more welcoming arrival.

Throughout, the aim was to enhance the functionality and liveability of Orchard House while respecting its Georgian-style proportions and its setting within the conservation area.

Address

65 Banbury Road
Oxford
OX26PE

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 6pm
Tuesday	9am - 6pm
Wednesday	9am - 6pm
Thursday	9am - 6pm
Friday	9am - 6pm

Website

http://www.riacharchitects.com/

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