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Our Studio
Our Mission:
‘’Architecture aims at eternity’’ – Sir Christopher Wren
We are architects with a deep interest in heritage, and in the creative opportunities of restoration to give historic buildings life and meaning for future generations. Our designs evolve from an understanding of our shared heritage; our approach is rooted in research, experience and care, and we respond to the unique qualities of each place.
We want to improve the lives of those that live with, work in or visit our buildings, and we aim to ensure a project’s long-term economic and environmental sustainability. In this way, we enjoy the art, craft and science of architecture – in the service of quality, people and nature.
We have a diverse portfolio of projects across Europe and Asia, from small private commissions to public buildings and urban planning proposals.
There are two primary strands to the practice: the first is historic conservation architecture applying skills in intelligent conservation and sensitive building design to projects, and the second is grand architecture concerned with cultural and commercial commissions.
We enjoy working on challenging projects of all scales, including many historic listed buildings. We pride ourselves on a high degree of attention to detail and a flair for innovative and modern design.
The practice is based in the historic Spitalfields area of London, where Dyson has lived and worked for 20 years, and where many of the practice’s early projects are located.
CDA was founded in 2004 by Chris Dyson, a former senior designer at Sir James Stirling and Michael Wilford Associates, and more recently at Sir Terry Farrell and Partners.
We are an award-winning, innovative, design studio.
Based in a renovated pub in historic Spitalfields we produce sensitive and inventive designs for sites in London, the wider UK and beyond.
Our studio is run along the lines of An atelier – a French term that refers to a workshop or studio where artists, designers, or craftsmen create their works.
It is a space where creativity, experimentation, and collaboration are encouraged, and where artists can work on their projects, exchange ideas, and develop their skills.
Ateliers can be found in various fields, including painting, sculpture, fashion design, architecture, and more.
They are often associated with the tradition of apprenticeship, where students learn from experienced masters in a hands-on environment.
Finalist – Architect of the Year Awards
Shortlisted – RIBA London Awards
Shortlisted – AJ Retrofit Awards
Shortlisted – AJ Architecture Awards
Winner – Civic Award
Shortlisted – AJ Retrofit Awards
Shortlisted – The Georgian Group Award
Shortlisted – World Architecture Festival Civic & Community Building
Shortlisted – RIBA London Regional Award
Regional Finalist – Civic Trust Awards
Winner – Surface Design Awards (Sustainable Surface Exterior)
Shortlisted – RIBA London Awards
Shortlisted – AJ Retrofit Awards
Shortlisted – RIBA London Awards
Winner – RIBA London Award
Winner – RIBA London Sustainability Award
Finalist – Civic Trust Award
Finalist – WAN Awards
Winner – RIBA London Regional Award
Finalist – WAN Awards
Finalist – Building Awards
Finalist – Sunday Times Awards
Finalist – Architect of the Year
Finalist – AJ Retrofit awards
Finalist – Blueprint Awards Best Small Project
Winner – Sunday times Awards, One Off House/Extension
Winner – Sunday Times Awards, Conversion, Restoration or Refurbishment
Highly Commended – Brick Awards
Highly Commended – Sunday Times, Architect of the Year
Highly Commended – Manser Medal
Commended – AR Future Projects
Commended – Don’t Move Improve
Finalist – AJ Small Projects
Finalist – AJ Retrofit award
Winner – RIBA London Awards
Winner – Schuco Design Excellence
Finalist – Blueprint Awards
Winner – AJ Small Projects
Winner – Brick Awards
Finalist – Architect of the Year Awards
Winner – City Heritage Award
