Ian Ritchie Architects have begun working on a cultural centre, 'Project Boswell', which will help revitalise the economy of a small community of 120 people on Raasay - an island covering 6,231 hectares just off Skye. It will be a visitor attraction as well as provide local social and employment benefits. The feasibility study will be completed in April 2012 and the cultural centre should open before the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.

The planning application has been submitted on behalf of the Royal Academy of Music for the transformation of its opera-theatre and for a new roof top recital hall.

Ian Ritchie Architects have won the RoDMA – LDA competition to work alongside Aspire and Marina Projects to create the Royal Docks Development Strategy. The three docks collectively form the largest enclosed docks in the world, with a water area of nearly 100 hectares and an overall estate of 450 hectares. Placed over central London the water area stretches at least from Oxford Circus to Bank. It acquired Special Enterprise Zone status in 2011.

Wednesday 23 November, 6.30pm Ian Ritchie will be speaking at the inaugural lecture in a new series hosted by Product Innovation in Architecture (PIA) which brings together architects, product designers and manufacturers looking to share experiences in the development of new products for the built environment. Chaired by Edwin Heathcote.

Ben has joined our office for his year in practice following his very successful undergraduate studies at Liverpool University.