De Matos Ryan

De Matos Ryan was founded in London in 1999 by architects Angus Morrogh-Ryan and José Esteves de Matos. Both studied at the University of Cambridge and spent time at Harvard Graduate School of Design. Morrogh-Ryan developed an early interest in theatres, education, arts and community projects, while Esteves de Matos has extensive experience with listed buildings, planning and the delivery of museums, hotels and schools.

The practice works across architecture, interiors and landscape, with particular expertise in contemporary interventions within historic and culturally sensitive settings. Open collaboration with clients and consultants replaces predetermined formal solutions. Function, construction, long-term stewardship and public use shape each commission, with tactile experience, social purpose and carefully resolved detail recurring throughout the work.

Sustainability forms part of the studio’s default design process. Passive and low-energy measures, building services, material provenance and whole-life value are considered from the outset so that environmental performance supports the architecture rather than appearing as an added layer. The practice has received RIBA, Civic Trust, European Hotel Design, FX and D&AD awards.