Oliver Richards (Chair)
Oliver Richards founded ORMS in 1984. He previously worked with Sir Denys Lasdun, Farrell Grimshaw and the Terry Farrell Partnership.
As a founding partner, he has been closely involved with many of the projects ORMS has produced in its 26-year history. His principal skills balance the visionary qualities of design with practicality and with cost consciousness. These principles are central to the philosophy of ORMS as a practice.
Throughout his career he has worked closely with both end users and with developers, helping to establish the principles and motives upon which a strong project can be created. His skill in planning negotiations and ability to draw the best out of a team of consultants has enabled ORMS to produce projects of exceptional and award winning quality.
Oliver was the Director responsible for the Wellcome Trust Building, for the Institute of Child Health, the Holmes Place projects across Europe, The American School in London and Panton House. On pure fit out projects he has been responsible for Ammirati Puris Lintas, Leagas Delaney and for Lowe’s move to Sloane Avenue. He has headed major commercial projects for Derwent Valley, Redevco, Great Portland Estates, Abstract Securities and GE Capital Real Estate and Workspace Glebe.
He has been the director in charge of school projects for Highgate School, University College School, King’s Ely, Uppingham and Tonbridge school as well as the ongoing relationship with ASL.
Oliver is a member of the CABE / Design Council review panel for schools. He also sits as a national member on the RIBA Council and is Vice President for Education. In this role he chairs award judging for the student Bronze and Silver medals and the RIBA South Region Award.
He was a Board member of New Islington and Hackney Housing Association from 1995-2000 and chaired the development sub committee for two years. From 2003 to 2008 Oliver was Governor of Islington Green School. He was closely involved with the 2007 Ofsted inspection and with the school’s transition to Academy status.
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