We started Rider Stirland Architects to create spaces that make people’s lives better through intelligent design. We want to create timeless buildings with lasting significance that our clients feel proud of.
How can we help you?
Every Project is led by one of the founding directors - Alex and Barry - which provides our clients with a personal touch throughout the design and construction process. Our talented team contribute with a breadth of expertise and share our belief that good design can make a significant difference to our quality and enjoyment of life.
“Rider Stirland Architects did a phenomenal job giving us creative options that completely redesigned and modernised our space whilst being sensitive to character and challenging planning requirements. Their attention to detail, creativity and patience are the reasons we’ve ended up with a house that’s unique and a real surprise when you open the door. We love it!”
- Mark & Alex
Alex Rider
Founding Director
BArch (Hons) MArch DipArch RIBA
Alex is a qualified architect with over fifteen years’ experience in practice. Having studied architecture at The University of Nottingham, Alex was an Associate at Hampson Williams Architects where he completed high-end residential schemes for commercial and private clients.
Prior to setting up Rider Stirland Architects, he worked for award-winning firm, Eric Parry Architects, focusing on luxury residential schemes, both new and refurbished, and on unique projects in the office sector.
During his career Alex has completed projects, winning an RIBA Award and was shortlisted for the Stephen Lawrence Prize in 2012. Alex believes that the best way to deliver a successful project is through collaboration with others and engaging in a healthy dialogue.
Barry Stirland
Founding Director
BArch (Hons) MArch DipArch RIBA
Barry is a qualified architect with over fifteen years’ experience in practice. He studied at the universities of Nottingham, Bath, and Westminster, and worked previously as an Associate for the renowned architecture and interior design studio, Project Orange.
Barry is very experienced in designing private houses, having completed a number of highly personal homes, and also working at a greater scale, dealing with large client bodies and on projects which require complex statutory approvals.
His work has been widely featured in print and online, and at the 2017 Sunday Times British Homes Awards, Rathbone Market – a 216-home residential development for which Barry was the lead architect – won the Development of the Year award.
Our Team
Mami Hardy
Mami studied architecture at the University of Nottingham. She joined Rider Stirland Architects in 2022 as a Part II architectural assistant, qualifying as an architect in 2023. Mami has experience in high-end residential design as well as the retail and leisure sectors.
Prior to joining Rider Stirland Architects, Mami followed her passion for creating beautiful pieces of furniture and original products such as graphic posters which were sold at major high street brands. Her achievements include winning the Lexus Design Award at the Milan Design Week.
Mami is currently working on the early design stages of a range of residential projects, delivering feasibility, design studies and planning applications. Her work is characterised by an appreciation for craftsmanship and recognition for the importance of longevity in design.
Matias Smyly
Matias studied architecture at the University of Westminster and the University of Kingston, following a master’s degree in structural engineering from the University of Leeds. He joined Rider Stirland Architects in 2022 and brings a strong technical skill set to the team.
Prior to joining Rider Stirland Architects, Matias spent over five years at Waugh Thistleton Architects, working as a project architect on medium to large scale residential schemes. He has an excellent understanding of timber construction, having been prominently involved in numerous mass timber projects, including a pioneering design for the UK’s first mid-rise modular cross-laminated timber building.
Matias’s keen interest in the practical aspects of construction has led him to explore a passion for designing and making bespoke furniture for his own home; from built-in wardrobes and bathroom vanity units to a decorative plywood staircase, and even casting a concrete worktop.
Ellie Lodder
Ellie is a recent graduate from the university of Nottingham. She has previous experience in high end commercial and retail in London, with a passion for environmentally conscious materials.
Since joining Rider Stirland Architects, Ellie has been working across all stages of residential projects, developing each client’s brief into a unique, tailored proposal based on their individual requirements and considerations. She is keen to gain further experience on active projects in construction before returning to university for her part 2 studies.
Alongside her work, Ellie is a keen painter with a background in mixed media. This has brought an appreciation for experimentation, testing, and playfulness with colour which translates into the initial design process for her architectural work.
