RDA Office Transformation

History of the RDA Office

The development of East Dulwich

East Dulwich was developed fairly rapidly in the late 1800s. The area was transformed from fields and market gardens to housing aimed at a largely middle-class market. Managed by a specialist development company, its success was dependent on the availability of public transport into London.


Our studio is situated between two historic estates. The area between Wood Vale, Barry Road and Lordship Lane was part of Friern Manor Farm, a large dairy farm. The area to the west, bounded by Lordship Lane, Barry Road and East Dulwich Road was part of the Bower-Smith estate.


History of the RDA Office

The development of East Dulwich

East Dulwich was developed fairly rapidly in the late 1800s. The area was transformed from fields and market gardens to housing aimed at a largely middle-class market. Managed by a specialist development company, its success was dependent on the availability of public transport into London.


Our studio is situated between two historic estates. The area between Wood Vale, Barry Road and Lordship Lane was part of Friern Manor Farm, a large dairy farm. The area to the west, bounded by Lordship Lane, Barry Road and East Dulwich Road was part of the Bower-Smith estate.


Peckham Rye, London


16 Forest Hill Road: a history of baking and confectionery

  • 1891 census: Owned by Alfred & Lena Lotinga. Alfred was a ship broker, Lena ran the bakery with her 7 sons and 1 servant (they also had a daughter)
  • 1901 census: Owned by Edward & Eliza Tew. Had 4 children & 2 servants
  • 1911 census: Owned by Harry & Mary Ann Petry. Had 2 children and 1 servant
  • 1939 Register: Still a bakery! Owned by Charles and Annie Lelicore


Our current studio has undergone many transformations in its lifetime. From a bakery in the 1880s, to a dental surgery and now an architectural studio. We were keen to reflect the buildings history when renovating and Victorian photographs allowed us to sensitively design a timber shopfront that reflects the buildings past whilst fitting seamlessly into its current surroundings.


 During the build, a larger basement was constructed incorporating a kitchen, WC, and shower room, encouraging staff to cycle in. A surprise discovery was a Victorian bakers’ oven. After an archaeological investigation the oven was exposed and a small office created leaving the original vaulted brick ceiling uncovered. The rest of the building underwent an equally dramatic transformation.

The front of the shop has been designed to be a flexible space; movable furniture allows the area to be used as a meeting room, gallery or yoga studio. Skylights were added to allow for a greater degree of light to be thrown into the basement whilst Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery systems were installed to improve the air quality. The internal environment is monitored for C02, particulate matters, volatile compounds and general pollution, allowing us to ensure that our workplace is healthy and comfortable.


 The furniture throughout is intentionally simple and functional and, although designed on a budget, forms a stunning part of the office. Our new studio framed by the original shopfront contributes to the transformation of the streetscape and thus helping to regenerate this previously forgotten area of East Dulwich.

Recent Blogs

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By Richard Dudzicki • June 9, 2025
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RDA & London Festival of Architecture : Conversations on Sustainable Living

By Richard Dudzicki • May 8, 2025
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By Richard Dudzicki • April 30, 2025
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.

Portfolio Tips to Help You Get Hired: A Guide for Part 1 & Part 2 Architecture Students

By Richard Dudzicki • June 9, 2025
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 & London Festival of Architecture : Conversations on Sustainable Living

By Richard Dudzicki • May 8, 2025
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

Understanding Your Procurement Options

By Richard Dudzicki • April 30, 2025
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.
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