ARCHITECT Richard Dawson is celebrating a double success: elected President of The Bradford Society of Architects and Surveyors as well as winning the title Residential Construction Professional of the Year for Yorkshire and the Humber.

Richard, whose practice is based in Bingley, is the 145th president of the society which dates back to 1874. It was formed by 18 eminent local professionals including Henry Lockwood and William Mawson, the architects for Bradford Town Hall, the Wool Exchange and Saltaire.

Richard, who has previously served as secretary and treasurer, will hold the office of president for a year.

He recently also won the title ‘LABC Best Residential Construction Professional of the Year’ for Yorkshire and The Humber, an award given by LABC (Local Authority Building Control) in recognition of exceptionally high standards of practice.

The fifth generation of his family to be involved in construction or engineering, Richard, a former Bradford Grammar School pupil, has been an architect for over 30 years.

Richard said: “It’s a huge privilege to be President of the Bradford Society of Architects and Surveyors. Winning another LABC award as well as being able to represent Yorkshire has also been exciting and a tremendous honour. I love what I do, it’s all about helping people and improving our environment and to be recognised in this way is brilliant.

“I hope during my year as President to continue the excellent relationships that the society has with the city’s other professions and trades.”

One of the initial objects of the Bradford Society of Architects and Surveyors was ‘To promote personal acquaintance and good feeling between the members’. This continues today with a formal AGM and dinner at the Bradford Club in Piece Hall yard, a summer excursion and golf day.

Richard is also a former chairman of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Yorkshire region and worked with firms in Leeds and Bradford on major urban regenerations schemes before establishing his own practice in 2001.

Richard’s experience includes urban regeneration and working with community associations, new homes and commercial premises, domestic architecture for home extensions and alterations, sports facilities, re-modelling and refurbishments, planning consents for buildings and conservation areas including Saltaire World Heritage Site.

He also specialises in ‘green’ architecture with sustainable and future proofed homes.