RSHP
RSHP is a London-based international architectural practice founded in 1977 as the Richard Rogers Partnership by Richard Rogers, which evolved into Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners before rebranding to RSHP in 2022 to reflect its collaborative studio structure and ongoing evolution.[1][2]
The firm employs over 200 architects, designers, and specialists, focusing on a diverse portfolio encompassing offices, residential developments, transport infrastructure, cultural venues, and civic buildings, with an emphasis on transformative, adaptable designs that prioritize user experience and environmental integration.[1][3][4]
RSHP has garnered acclaim for landmark high-tech architecture, including the Lloyd's Building in London (completed 1986), recognized as one of the 50 most influential tall buildings of the past half-century for its exposed structural systems and innovative servicing, and the Leadenhall Building (2014), similarly honored for advancing sustainable urban skyscraper design.[5][6]
The practice has received prestigious awards, such as the Royal Institute of British Architects Stirling Prize twice—once for Terminal 4 at Madrid-Barajas Airport (2006) and again for the Maggie's Centre at Charing Cross Hospital (2009)—highlighting its contributions to aviation, healthcare, and humane architectural responses to illness.[7][8]
While celebrated for technical innovation and urban legibility, RSHP has faced project-specific criticisms, including rejections of proposals for South Kensington station redevelopment due to concerns over scale and heritage impact, and debates over the aesthetic and functional merits of its British Library extension plans.[9][10][11]
Firm Overview
Founding and Rebranding
The architectural firm RSHP was established in 1977 as the Richard Rogers Partnership, founded by British architect Richard Rogers alongside partners John Young, Marco Goldschmied, and Mike Davies in London.[2][12] This followed Rogers' earlier collaboration on high-profile projects like the Centre Pompidou in Paris (1971–1977), co-designed with Renzo Piano, which established his reputation for structural expressionism and influenced the firm's initial direction.[13] The partnership began with a focus on innovative, technology-driven designs, securing early commissions such as the headquarters for the Fleetguard factory in Quimper, France (1979–1980).[2] In 2007, the firm rebranded to Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners to acknowledge the significant design contributions of partners Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour, who had joined in the 1980s and led key projects like the Madrid Barajas Airport Terminal 4 (1997–2006).[14][15] This change reflected a shift toward broader leadership recognition, as Rogers transitioned from daily operations while remaining a director; the rebranding coincided with the firm's growing international portfolio, including wins like the 2006 competition for the Masdar City masterplan in Abu Dhabi.[15] Following Richard Rogers' retirement in 2020 and his death on December 18, 2021, the firm underwent another rebranding on June 30, 2022, shortening its name to RSHP to symbolize a new phase of employee ownership and collaborative evolution, with no single name dominating.[2][16][12] Ownership had been transferred to partners and staff in 2015, emphasizing a partnership model that predated the final name change.[2] The acronym RSHP, long used informally, became the official designation, aligning with the firm's emphasis on collective design input across its offices in London, Barcelona, and beyond.[15]Organizational Structure and Global Presence
Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) operates as a partner-led architectural practice emphasizing collaborative design processes. The firm's structure features a hierarchy comprising partners, directors, associate partners, senior associates, associates, senior architects, architects, architectural assistants, graduates, and support staff, promoting shared decision-making across levels.[17] This democratic approach, integral to RSHP's operations, leverages collective expertise for project execution.[3] In 2015, the practice formalized its organization into three studios to support long-term succession planning amid leadership transitions.[18] Following founder Richard Rogers' retirement in 2017 and death in 2021, RSHP rebranded in October 2022 to underscore a collective identity, moving away from eponymous naming.[19] The firm employs approximately 170 professionals, as detailed in its personnel listings.[17] Leadership includes multiple partners and directors overseeing operations, though specific counts fluctuate with projects and recruitment. This structure facilitates adaptability in handling diverse international commissions. RSHP's global presence is anchored by its headquarters in The Leadenhall Building at 122 Leadenhall Street, London EC3V 4AB, United Kingdom, a structure completed to the firm's design in 2014.[20] The practice maintains additional offices in Shanghai at Unit 321, 2nd floor, Building 3, No. 570 YongJia Road, Shanghai 200031, China; Paris at 23 rue du Renard, 75004 France; Sydney at Suite 05, Level 30, 200 Barangaroo Avenue, Tower Two, Sydney 2000, Australia; and Dubai at Level 19, Prism Tower, Business Bay, UAE.[20] A New York office is slated to open soon, expanding RSHP's footprint to support projects in North America.[20] These locations enable the firm to engage in commissions across Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and beyond, with approximately 180-200 staff distributed globally as of recent reports.[3]