ExplorePracticesBowman Riley

Updated July 2026

Architecture

Bowman Riley

Bowman Riley, an esteemed architectural practice, was founded in 1968 by a trio of architects. Selecting the market town of Skipton, North Yorkshire, as their base, they were driven by a commitment to quality design, meticulous attention to detail, and a client-focused approach. This ethos has seen them maintain long-…

Overview

Inside the practice.

Key facts about the practice, its work and working life.

Regions
UK - England - Greater London
Sectors
ResidentialCommercialEducationHealthcareTransportLeisureIndustrial

Flagship projects

Work worth spending time with.

Three projects are selected for this profile. Explore the project directory for more.

  1. York, United Kingdom

    Lowfield Green - York

    A community-led housing scheme in York combines Passivhaus standards with modular and timber-framed homes.

  2. Soham, United Kingdom

    Co-op Soham - Smart Store Retrofit

    An evidence-led retrofit turns a 1970s Soham supermarket into a more efficient, lower-maintenance store.

  3. Burley in Wharfedale, Ilkley, United Kingdom

    Wharfe View - Burley in Wharfedale, Ilkley

    Six new homes at Greenholme Mills use reclaimed stone and a distinctive roofscape to connect contemporary living with the site's industrial history.

Related conversation

Stephen Drew from the Architecture Social interviews William Gaines, an architectural assistant at Bowman Riley. They discuss William’s unique path in architecture, beginning in 2010 despite early setbacks and non-traditional A-level choices.

Listen to episode

About

About Bowman Riley.

Bowman Riley, an esteemed architectural practice, was founded in 1968 by a trio of architects. Selecting the market town of Skipton, North Yorkshire, as their base, they were driven by a commitment to quality design, meticulous attention to detail, and a client-focused approach. This ethos has seen them maintain long-standing relationships with clients, some dating back to the company’s inception. Over the years, the firm has expanded, opening offices in Leeds and central London to coincide with significant national events like the London Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Today, Bowman Riley boasts a team of over 70 professionals offering a dynamic range of services across the UK. Their expertise spans architecture, building consultancy, interior design, and heritage consultancy, underscored by accreditations from prominent institutions such as the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID).

Their project portfolio is diverse, including award-winning designs across various sectors such as residential, commercial, education, and healthcare. Noteworthy projects include the sophisticated refurbishment of Parklane Plowden’s chambers, showcasing their knack for creating inviting and functional spaces, and the innovative design of the UK’s second electric car service station for Gridserve in Norwich, which combines modern architecture with sustainable energy solutions. Another landmark project is the conservation and refurbishment of the George Hotel in Huddersfield, a historic building revitalized for modern use while preserving its heritage significance.

Bowman Riley has been recognized for its excellence with multiple awards. Their projects, like the Greenholme Mills residential development and the Brooklands SEN School, have earned accolades for their design quality and impact. The firm has also received recognition for its work on heritage assets, such as the Grantley Hall Hotel and Wellness Retreat, and innovative projects like the Higher Raikes residential development. Their commitment to quality and innovation is further evidenced by their role as a supplier for The Co-op, which earned them the Supplier of the Year award in 2021.

The practice is not only dedicated to design excellence but also to corporate responsibility, including efforts in carbon reduction and sustainability, highlighted by their internal team of Passive House designers. Their extensive experience, combined with a forward-thinking approach, positions Bowman Riley as a leader in creating spaces that enhance the built environment and deliver significant value to clients and communities alike​ (Bowman Riley)​​ (Bowman Riley)​​ (Bowman Riley)​​ (Bowman Riley)​​ (Bowman Riley)​.

Careers

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Bowman Riley has its own careers page. Use it for the latest opportunities, or browse current roles on Architecture Social.

People & conversations

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1 person · 1 podcast episode · Practice video

Podcast · Episode

William Gains - Architecture, Electric Car Charging Stations and being featured on the Big Screen.

Stephen Drew from the Architecture Social interviews William Gaines, an architectural assistant at Bowman Riley. They discuss William’s unique path in architecture, beginning in 2010 despite early setbacks and non-traditional A-level choices.

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