Key Personnel

Chris Dyson brings 25 years of experience in both public and private sector architecture. Having studied architecture Oxford Brookes University and the Mackintosh School of Architecture, he began his career working with James Stirling, Michael Wilford and Associates. He worked on high-profile international projects such as the Le Grande Bibliotheca National in Paris and the Tokyo and Kyoto Forum, the British Embassy in Berlin, Temasek Polytechnic and the Arts Centre in Singapore. His time as Design Director at Sir Terry Farrell’s studio further refined his expertise in large-scale projects, including the Finance Tower in Shenzhen, one of the world’s tallest buildings.

In 2004, Chris founded Chris Dyson Architects in Spitalfields, where he has led a diverse range of projects, which currently include the redevelopment of the Bishopsgate Goodsyard and Truman Brewery and numerous cultural, residential and commercial projects. As a design advisor for several London boroughs, he has earned a reputation for his attention to detail, care for heritage and collaborative approach.

With a focus on both innovative architecture and historical preservation, Chris Dyson Architects has gained recognition for tackling complex projects old and new, including popular new public buildings for Harrow Arts Centre and in the heritage setting of Crystal Palace Park. The practice is especially noted for its approach to the layering of historic buildings, revealing and celebrating the various layers of history, and serving new and future needs in a way that is considered, holistic and sustainable. The practice carries out work in all aspects of historic renovation, including the preparation of Condition Surveys, Conservation Plans and Development Plans, and has an excellent record of obtaining grant aid from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other major funders. 20 years’ experience in managing conservation projects, accreditation in architectural conservation (AABC), and certification under ISO9001, ensure that the highest of standards of quality, time and cost control are always maintained.

Yashin joined CDA in August 2021 after developing his career at architecture studios Apt, OMA, Stanton Williams and YRM. He has experience running and delivering commercial, residential, retail and refurbishment projects.

Yashin has a passion for architecture that is born out of a rigorous and thoughtful design process. He has a keen eye for detail and likes to problem solve and develop ideas through sketching. In 2010 he was named ‘Emerging Architect of the Year’ at the International Design Awards in Los Angeles.

Outside of the studio, Yashin is a visiting architectural critic and tutor at the University of Westminster. He also enjoys spending time carefully renovating and restoring his Grade II listed, modernist home in Hertfordshire.

Jon is an architect with 25 years of professional experience, with particular expertise in residential and commercial projects. He spent his formative years working with architects Ken Yeang, John McAslan and Wright & Wright.

In the 10 years prior to joining Chris Dyson Architects, Jon founded and ran his own practice, which focused on small-scale residential and commercial projects, taking a fabric-first approach in the development of low energy, low carbon schemes.

A joint winner of the 2017 international design competition to ‘Imagine London as a National Park City’, Jon contributes to the resulting ‘Rewild My Street’ initiative, which provides design-led guidance for the adaptation of homes, gardens and streets to improve urban biodiversity.

Jon has been a visiting critic at the School of Art, Architecture and Design at London Metropolitan University.

Tara graduated with first class honours from the University of Limerick in 2022. During her studies she worked on several private residential projects with Hassett Ducatez Architects based in Dublin City.

Following her studies, she spent 2 months volunteering with the Icelandic Forestry Service. The main objectives being; the implementation of nature conservation techniques, maintenance of hiking trails and construction of sustainable shelters using locally sourced material.

Prior to joining CDA, she worked for over 1 year with Axo Architects, based in County Mayo in the West of Ireland. Here she was involved in a wide range of projects but specialising mostly in cultural, heritage and public realm projects.

Victoria joined Chris Dyson Architects in May 2022. She graduated with a Master’s Degree from Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture in 2014. She has over six years of experience in residential interior design and architecture. Victoria is currently undertaking her Part 3 at Architectural Association School of Architecture.

For the last year, Victoria has taught architecture to children aged 9-11. Teaching made it possible to share her knowledge, with the hope to inspire new minds into architecture and design. This also helped her to learn spontaneity from the children and to see the world without limits. She finds these to be key ingredients for creative thinking, which relates to her everyday life in architecture.

Olusola joined Chris Dyson Architects in March 2021. Having graduated from University of Westminster, he is now working as Part 1 Architectural Assistant.

He has gained experience working for ZAP Architects where he worked predominantly on projects in the residential sector. His experience in BIM modelling and visualization is of benefit to CDA.

Olusola enjoys the approach that Chris Dyson Architects have with reinventing spaces with modern ideas and materiality while preserving the site context. He is excited to work through the design process on challenging projects with CDA, which marry subtle modernization and conservation.

Oliver joined CDA in March 2022 – He originally grew up in Durham in the north-east of England and moved to Glasgow to undertake his undergraduate degree at the University of Strathclyde in 2018. He is currently undertaking his masters degree part-time at the University of Cambridge alongside working in our office.

His main interest in architecture lies in heritage buildings and adaptive re-usage, which is what drew him to CDA and their approach. During his time in our office, he has worked on a variety of projects including our most recent proposal for the expansion of the Truman Brewery boiler house.

Outside this he has also helped project manage an exhibition at the Guildhall Gallery, London for ‘Wren:300’ celebrating the life and work of Christopher Wren. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling, walking, and supporting his beloved Newcastle United.

One of the most gratifying parts of working in this profession is to stand with a happy client at the end of the process and share in their satisfaction of what we have achieved whether a new build, transformation of a space or the reinstatement of an element lost to history.

I love that I can be part of a process that provides people with something which is so personal to them.

Harry is an AABC accredited Conservation Architect. He brings over 30 years of conservation experience. He has assisted us on all of our most complicated conservation schemes, including the conversion of 28 listed houses in Whitechapel back into residential use.

Harry gained AABC accreditation in 2015 and became Associate Member of the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association in 2016. He has extensive experience in historic building conservation work and has a deep commitment to the repair and restoration of the historic environment.