21 Years of Leadership: Celebrating Richard Wooldridge’s Journey at HPA Architects
This year marks a significant milestone for HPA Architects, as we celebrate 21 years of Richard Wooldridge as a director of the practice.
Since becoming a director of HPA in 2005, Richard has played an imperative role in shaping the practice, its projects and the approach to architecture, planning and the built environment. More than two decades on, his contribution continues to be reflected in the breadth of HPA’s work and the expertise the practice offers its clients.
From Graduate to Director
Richard’s architectural career began at the Edinburgh College of Art where he studied Architecture and graduated in 1998. He also joined HPA in 1998 as a student, qualified as an Architect in 2000 and after a brief spell at another practice, Richard returned as a director and owner five years later.
Richard’s areas of specialism include concept design, masterplanning and planning, with a portfolio spanning housing, leisure, commercial and other development projects.
As Richard has previously observed when discussing his approach to architectural projects, successful design is about listening, collaboration and understanding the needs of everyone involved. Relationships between clients, architects, contractors, consultants and other project partners are an essential part of turning a design into a successful project.
A Career Shaped by Planning and Design
Earlier in 2026, Richard achieved Chartered Member status with the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) after successfully completing his professional assessment. The qualification formally recognises his experience and expertise in planning and further strengthens HPA’s multidisciplinary capabilities across architecture, planning, heritage and development.
Richard’s work is often about more than simply designing a building. It involves understanding how a proposal can respond to its surroundings, navigate the planning process and ultimately create something that works for its users and its wider community.
Contributing Beyond HPA
Richard’s influence within the profession extends well beyond his role at HPA. He has held a number of senior positions within the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), including serving as President of the Lancaster and Westmorland Society of Architects, representing the North West on the RIBA National Council, and later becoming chair of RIBA North West. Richard has also tutored at Lancaster University, and occasionally returns as a guest tutor.
In September 2021, Richard took up the role of RIBA North West Regional Chair, serving a three-year term representing the region, encompassing thousands of RIBA members and six schools of architecture.
During his time in the role, he contributed to professional discussions around planning, sustainability, building safety, energy efficiency and the future of architectural practice. His term also coincided with a period of significant change across the construction and built-environment sectors. Richard is still on the regional council today.
The Person Behind the Architect
Away from the drawing board, planning meetings and project discussions, Richard has a range of interests. He enjoys trail running, exploring more remote parts of Scotland and collecting vintage records, as well as playing percussion in a local band. He also spends plenty of time supporting his musically talented daughter, earning himself the familiar family title of ‘Dad’s Taxi’.
Looking Ahead
From qualifying as an architect in 2000 to becoming a director at HPA in 2005, contributing to the RIBA at regional and national level, and achieving MRTPI status in 2026, Richard’s career has continued to evolve alongside the profession itself.
HPA has expanded from a team of 8 in 1998 to a team of more than 20 in 2026, outlasted three recessions, and is now proudly a multidisciplinary practice, specialising in sustainability, planning and heritage. We are proud to celebrate Richard’s 21 years as a director and to recognise the experience, knowledge and commitment he has brought to the practice, and the wider profession, over that time.
Congratulations, Richard!
