Richard Murphy
Richard Murphy OBE (born 24 April 1955) is a British architect and businessman. He is the founder and principal architect of Richard Murphy Architects, an architectural firm operating in Edinburgh. He is a winner of the 2016 RIBA House of the year.
Richard Murphy

Dave Morris from Edinburgh, UK · British Pavilion architects: Venice Biennale 2004 · CC BY 2.0
- Born
- 1955
- Nationality
- United Kingdom
- Occupation
- architect
- Education
- University of Edinburgh · Newcastle University
- Languages
- English
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Richard Murphy OBE (born 24 April 1955) is a British architect and businessman. He is the founder and principal architect of Richard Murphy Architects, an architectural firm operating in Edinburgh. He is a winner of the 2016 RIBA House of the year.
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Richard Murphy (born 1955) is an architect, of British nationality.
The architect was educated at Newcastle University and University of Edinburgh. Richard Murphy worked for University of Edinburgh. Languages used include English.
Composed from admitted, traceable facts · 27 September 2026
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Works
Murphy studied at Newcastle University and University of Edinburgh. In 1991, he established Richard Murphy Architects in Edinburgh, which expanded to employ over twenty architects. Initially focused on residential extensions and mews conversions, the firm later branched into education, healthcare, arts, and commercial projects, with some buildings funded by the National Lottery. In 1995, Murphy designed the inaugural Maggie's Centre in Edinburgh, now the administrative headquarters for Maggie's. The structure, intended to support cancer treatment, was uniquely designed without corridors to prevent an institutional feel. In 1996, Murphy published a book on Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa and presented a Channel 4 documentary on him. He also co-authored a book on Charles Rennie Mackintosh. In 2004, Murphy showcased his work at the Venice Biennale. In January 2007, he was recognized with an OBE for his contributions to architecture. Murphy has designed homes for his personal use, with his 2015 Hart Street residence winning the Saltire Society Award for Best Single Dwelling New Build.
Proposed work
Proposed work
• Candleriggs Quarter in Glasgow's Merchant City • Perth Theatre, Perthshire
Notable completed work
Notable completed work
Projects by year of design • Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, 1991 • Maggie's Edinburgh, Edinburgh, 1994 + 1999 extension • Nominated for 1997 Stirling Prize • Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee, 1996 • Eastgate Theatre & Arts Centre, Peebles, 1998 • Nominated for 2004 RIAS Best Building in Scotland • Caernarfon Arts Centre, Wales, 2000 • Olorosso Restaurant, Edinburgh, 2001 • John Muir's Birthplace, Dunbar, East Lothian, 2001 • Computer Centre, Merchiston Campus, Napier University, Edinburgh, 2001 • Tolbooth Arts Centre, Stirling, 2002 • British High Commission, Sri Lanka, 2008 • Housing Moore Street, Glasgow, 2008 • University of East London - Computer and Conference Centre, London, 2009 • Stratheden Dementia and Mental Health Unit, Fife, 2009 • Justice Mill Lane Park Inn Hotel and Office Development, Aberdeen, 2011 • Queen's University Belfast Postgraduate Accommodation, Belfast, 2012 • Old See House Mental Health Facility (in association with RPP Architects), Belfast, 2014 • Postgraduate Housing for The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, 2014 • Dunfermline Museum and Art Gallery, Fife, 2017
Teaching
Murphy has taught at University of Edinburgh, The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture, University of Strathclyde, and abroad at Technical University of Braunschweig, University of Virginia, and Syracuse University, New York.
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.Murphy House wins RIBA House of the Year 2016. www.architecture.com.
- 2.Wainwright, Oliver. House of the Year: a cave of wonders worthy of Wallace and Gromit. The Guardian. 16 December 2016.
- 3.Art Daily 31 July 2013 Press Release: Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture celebrates 21 years of Richard Murphy Architects
- 4.Maggie's Edinburgh. Healthcare Design. 31 August 2005.
- 5.Richard Murphy receives OBE in New Year's list. Building Design. 5 January 2007.
- 6.Richard Murphy completes Hart Street "Murphy House" Urban Realm
- 7.Artdaily. Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture celebrates 21 years of Richard Murphy Architects. artdaily.cc.
- 8."Candleriggs Quarter submitted for Planning"[Project Scotland]
- 9."Richard Murphy reworks Perth Theatre overhall plans" [Architects Journal]
- 10.Computer Centre, Merchiston Campus, Napier University, Edinburgh, RichardMurphyArchitects.com
- 11.Housing Moore Street, Glasgow, RichardMurphyArchitects.com
- 12.University of East London - Computer and Conference Centre, RichardMurphyArchitects.com
- 13.Stratheden 18 Bed Dementia and Mental Health Unit, RichardMurphyArchitects.com
- 14.Justice Mill Lane Park Inn Hotel and Office Development, Aberdeen, RichardMurphyArchitects.com
- 15.Queen's University Belfast Postgraduate Accommodation, RichardMurphyArchitects.com
- 16.Solkoff, Joel. Old See House Community Mental Health Facility. e-architect. 14 May 2015.
- 17.Postgraduate Housing for The University of Edinburgh, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, RichardMurphyArchitects.com
- 18.Dunfermline library named Scotland's best building. BBC News. 7 November 2017.
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The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 18 August 2026.
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