Ian Ritchie studied architecture in Liverpool and London, and after working with Norman Foster (1972-76) spent two years in France designing and self-constructing Fluy House. While working at Arup's Lightweight Structures Group (1978-81) he founded Chrysalis Architects (1979-81) and then in 1981 he founded Ian Ritchie Architects (iRAL) in London and co-founded the design engineering firm Rice Francis Ritchie (RFR) in Paris. Ian is a Royal Academician and elected member of the Akademie der Kunste. In 2000 he was awarded a CBE and received the French Academie d'Architecture Grand Silver Medal for Innovation. He regularly chairs international juries, including the RIBA Stirling Prize, Scotland's RIAS Doolan Award, Czech Grand Prix and Les Jeunes Albums France, and was a member of the 2017 World Architecture Festival's Super Jury in Berlin. He frequently lectures on architecture, urbanism, regeneration and values, light, neuroarchitecture, glass technology and innovation. He has written several books, published poetry, and his art is held in several international galleries and museums.