After a long and distinguished career spanning over 37 years, Huw will retire from his duties with a phased approach, being retained as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition with existing clients and providing support through 2022.

Huw graduated from the Plymouth School of Architecture in 1987 with a BA Hons degree (1st class) and Welsh School of Architecture with a BArch in 1989.

Huw’s career started from humble beginnings in 2000 when after years of working together, he and Richard Roberts became founding directors of Rio Architects.

He has helped lead the growth of the practice over the past 22 years, where hard work, good fortune and loyal clients have resulted in the business growing into the successful practice it is today with offices in Edinburgh, London and Cardiff. His architectural work spans diverse sectors, particularly in university work, residential development, office projects and a raft of student accommodation buildings across the UK.

With his extensive experience, Huw has approached architecture on the premise that the expression of the buildings should resonate with their function. Huw’s career with Rio has been diverse and rewarding and is pleased to be leaving Rio on such a high.

Huw said: “After 22 years alongside Rich navigating the Rio ship through calm and stormy waters, the stars are aligned for me to embrace terra firma and retire as a director. The voyage has been exhilarating, challenging and great fun in equal measure. My experience has been enriched by the people I have worked with and the clients who have put faith in our ability to make a difference. Life is all about memories, and I will treasure those that have arisen from the serious business of creating architecture including those that happen through the humour of good friendship.

“I look back with enormous pride on what Rio Architects has achieved. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the talented people that have enabled Rio to flourish in my time as a director. 

“Good architecture thrives on the energy and talent of motivated people, and good business relies on leaders to nurture and encourage that latent potential. Leadership demands its own energy and it’s important to recognise when those demands are best served by others.

“My decision to retire has not been taken lightly, but it is done in the knowledge and reassurance that Rio is very well placed without me to go from strength to strength and thrive. I wish Rio Architects the very best of fortune in the coming passage of its history – bon voyage.”

The directors, associates and all staff at Rio Architects have passed on their best wishes to Huw as he enters retirement and pursues new interests and pastimes.