Celebrating 25 Years of RDA Architects: Richard's interview with the NLA
Richard Dudzicki, recently sat down with New London Architecture to discuss 25 years of RDA Architects, innovative home design, and the journey of creating sustainable, adaptable spaces.
Richard caught up with David Taylor, the editor of the New London Quarterly and New London Weekly covering the following topics:
Celebrating 25 Years of RDA Architects
At RDA Architects, we’ve always pushed the boundaries of home design, sustainability, and innovation. As we mark 25 years in business, Richard Dudzicki, our founder and a leading Passivhaus specialist, sat down with David Taylor to reflect on our journey, the future of home design, and some unexpected work environments.
A Journey Through 25 Years of Architecture
Since founding RDA, Richard has been dedicated to creating energy-efficient, forward-thinking homes. As one of the UK’s early adopters of Passivhaus design, RDA has championed sustainability long before it became an industry buzzword. Over the years, our team has tackled everything from ultra-modern city homes to cutting-edge eco-living spaces, constantly reimagining how people live and interact with their environment.
Passivhaus: The Future of Home Design
During the interview, Richard emphasized the importance of Passivhaus principles—airtight construction, high-quality insulation, and energy efficiency. With increasing energy costs and a growing awareness of our environmental impact, designing homes that work with nature rather than against it is more crucial than ever.
Cycling, Creativity, and… Working in an Oven?
Beyond architecture, Richard is an avid cyclist, often finding inspiration while on two wheels. He believes that cycling allows for a fresh perspective—something that has undoubtedly influenced his creative approach over the years.
And as for working inside an oven? Richard recalled a design that involved transforming a former Victorian bakery into a stunning RDA office space. The experience of standing in an old brick oven, envisioning how it could become a comfortable office space, perfectly encapsulates RDA’s philosophy: seeing potential where others see limitations.
RDA Office space in East Dulwich
RDA Office
Vicotrian bakery brick oven
Looking Ahead
As RDA Architects moves into its next chapter, our focus remains the same—creating homes that are not just beautiful but also sustainable, efficient, and built for the future. With ongoing projects that continue to push the limits of design and construction, we’re excited for what’s to come.
Head to the NLA website to read the full interview with Richard Dudzicki here.
Behind the Scenes: RDA x Sana Open Studio Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of opening our studio doors for a collaborative event with Sana Tabassum- architect, educator, and founder of :scale, a platform that champions emerging voices in architecture. The evening brought together students, graduates, and early-career designers for an inspiring session of portfolio reviews, career chats, and honest conversations about what it really means to navigate the world of architecture today. The studio was alive with creative energy as attendees engaged in one-on-one critiques, informal Q&As, and discussions that ranged from practical job hunting tips to big-picture reflections on the future of design. Sana shared her expertise on building a personal brand, curating meaningful portfolios, and using digital platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to grow your reach and professional network. What stood out most was the sense of community, an affirmation that spaces like these, where emerging architects can share, reflect, and ask questions, are more essential than ever.
RDA Architects is proud to be participating in the London Festival of Architecture (LFA) 2025, with a specially curated event designed to spark dialogue around sustainable design and future-facing housing. As part of this year’s festival, we are hosting “Conversations on Sustainable Living: A Guided Walk Through East Dulwich,” offering the public a rare chance to explore the principles of Passivhaus architecture in real-world residential settings. You can now book your free place via Eventbrite: Conversations on Sustainable Living – Guided Walk Through East Dulwich About the London Festival of Architecture 2025 The London Festival of Architecture is Europe’s largest annual festival of architecture, with hundreds of events that bring together architects, communities, and the public. The 2025 theme, “Voices,” asks how we listen, who gets heard, and how design can empower underrepresented perspectives—whether social, cultural, environmental, or spatial. This theme is especially resonant for us at RDA Architects, where we believe sustainable design isn’t just about energy efficiency—it’s about creating spaces that reflect and respond to the needs of the people who live in them. Explore the full festival programme: London Festival of Architecture 202
Finding the Right Path for Your Project At RDA Architects, we understand that no two projects are the same—each client brings a unique vision, set of priorities, and practical considerations. One of the most important early decisions in delivering a successful project is selecting the right procurement route. Whether you're building from scratch, transforming an existing home, or undertaking a detailed retrofit, the procurement method you choose will shape everything from cost and timelines to quality and creative control. Here’s a breakdown of the three most common approaches, along with our perspective on which may work best for your project.
At RDA Architects, we know that designing a home is a personal and transformative journey. That’s why we’ve developed a 5-phase approach to guide you seamlessly through each stage—offering clarity, structure, and confidence from start to finish.
From navigating planning permissions to bringing your vision to life with site visits, 3D visualisations, and models, we ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Unlike many practices, we integrate sustainability from day one, considering embodied carbon, airtightness, and energy efficiency from the outset.