Chris joined Orms in 2026 from Ryder Architecture, where he was Architectural Director. With three decades of experience spanning concept design through technical delivery, he specialises in managing complex, high-value projects primarily across office and residential sectors. His expertise includes leading multi-disciplinary design teams and the technical resolution of challenging constraints.
Chris's recent projects include the 300,000sqft Printworks cultural venue for British Land, and 103 Colmore Row—a BCO Midlands Commercial Workplace Award-winning office tower in Birmingham. He is a BCO practice member with extensive experience delivering successful workplaces in an evolving marketplace.
What does ultrapractical mean to you?
Being ultrapractical means challenging what has gone before. Is there a better way, a better solution, or should the questions be reframed? It is grounded in a set of values that promote a socially responsible, sustainable architecture to meet the needs of everyone it engages, both for today and beyond.
It necessitates an inquisitive and creative mind in a search for hidden potential. Each project is an opportunity to improve, to move forward in a way that embraces our collective interest in the outcome. Our innovation must balance competing demands—whether mediating between stakeholders, resolving complex technical challenges, or accommodating a multitude of other practical demands.
Projects such as Colmore Row exemplify this spirit.It speaks of a level of enquiry, of ideas and processes that have combined to realise a place and a fabric layered in experience and usefulness.