People make all the difference

Our talented and friendly team is wholeheartedly committed to making our clients happy. We take the time to understand our clients and make the process as simple as possible, delivering outstanding results with a personable service. Get to know us.

Graham Edward (MCIAT)

Managing Director
Graham founded Edward Architects in 2005 having been a director of a 'Top 20' UK Architect's practice. He has over 40 years' experience in the industry across a range of sectors. Graham specialises in property and planning advice and has worked closely with blue chip clients in helping to gain planning consents and Land allocations for best value uses and layouts.

Graham has thorough knowledge of current commercial and housing values and trends and contributes to ensure that sites are designed to be attractive to buyers whilst realising the best possible value.

Graham has guided the practices growth to a team of 14 through a learning led environment and has published technical articles on renewable energy, Modular building and Accessible Design. In his spare time, Graham is a season ticket holder for Leeds United football club and enjoys cycling, running and spending time with his family and Grandchild.

Chris Riley (ARB RIBA)

Director
Chris joined Edward Architects in 2008 after graduating from Leeds School of Architecture, going on to qualify as an architect in 2010. He is creative and pragmatic and has a passion for innovative design.

During his time at the company Chris has developed a specialism in the residential sector. With a good knowledge of the planning system, local policies and latest regulations, he helps housebuilders, affordable housing providers and contractors deliver new homes across the country.

Chris also led Edward Architect's entry for an RIBA International Design Competition at Cronton Colliery which was awarded the runner-up prize.

Away from work Chris likes to spend time with his young family and has his patience tested as a season ticket holder at Burnley Football Club. He also enjoys playing football, golf, watching films and wining & dining.

Oliver Smith (PGDip)

Associate
Oliver joined Edward Architects in 2015 and has over 20 years of construction industry experience. He graduated from Sheffield School of Architecture and completed his Post Graduate Diploma at Huddersfield University in 2008.

Oliver is committed to finding solutions for a complex technical challenges and has previous involvement on a wide range of projects in the housing, retail and education sectors. Career highlights include forming part of the team to deliver the new £27m campus for Selby College and the £20m Nottingham University Samworth Academy.

Outside of work Oliver is an avid follower of Huddersfield Town Football Club. He plays golf, watches live music, and helped design the new clubhouse for his local cricket team.

Mark Lee

Associate
Mark joined Edward Architects in 2019 and has over 35 years experience in the retail, commercial, industrial and residential sectors. Within the past 25 years he has worked closely with one of the UK's top four food retailers on store refurbishments, extensions and new build schemes.

Mark has a wealth of knowledge in various I.T programmes and is always willing to learn new technologies.

Outside of work Mark is a follower of various sports and is an avid reader of the Jack Reacher novels.

Robert Russell (BA Hons)

Architectural Technologist
Robert has over 10 years’ experience in the architectural industry during which he has delivered projects for large blue chip companies, care home providers, NHS trusts and Court of Protection Clients.

Working within Edward Architects’ Accessible Design team, Robert’s role extends across all stages, from client care, liaison with case managers and occupational therapists, managing the planning process, tender stage and running projects on site.

Robert has gained valuable project management experience and is able to view specialist projects from the view point of the end users needs and requirements, with a keen eye for quality to ensure that the best possible solution for the client is achieved.

Outside of work Robert enjoys reliving his past career as a chef by showing off his culinary skills in the kitchen.

Paul Oldfield (MArch Hons)

Architectural Assistant
Paul joined Edward Architects in 2021 after completing his masters degree in Architecture at De Monfort University in Leicester. He is currently studying his Part 3 at Leeds Beckett University.

Pauls passion is helping clients achieve their aims by providing a sustainable solution. His expertise is working on Residential schemes.
Outside of work, Paul enjoyed socialising with friends, attending live music events and supporting Liverpool FC.