Quinlan Terry retires from architecture

Classical architect Quinlan Terry has retired at 89 due to poor health after more than 50 years in practice. 

Often referred to as King Charles’ “favourite architect”, the CBE-holder is stepping down from his role as senior partner at Quinlan Terry Architecture.

He will be succeeded by senior associate Roger Barrell, who joined the practice in 1983. Barrell will follow in the footsteps of his father, Hugh Barrell, who joined Raymond Erith at the founding of the practice in 1946. Barrell was Erith’s partner before Terry became a partner in the early 1960s, when the firm became known as Erith & Terry.

The practice said Roger Barrell’s expertise was developed through its largest commissions, including Richmond Riverside (1984–87), Brentwood Cathedral (1989–91), the castle on Brecqhou in the Channel Islands (1993–96) and Kilboy House in Ireland.

Since 2017, he has had full responsibility for the office’s entire portfolio, including Tiverton House in Suffolk, which received the Georgian Group Architectural Award for New Georgian Country House in 2024.

The practice has worked from the same building on Dedham High Street since 1958, which Terry described in 1976 as a “master-builder’s workshop.”

Barrell said: “The way we work at Quinlan Terry Architecture remains remarkably stable. The knowledge here has been handed down continuously since Raymond Erith founded the practice eighty years ago, through my father and Mr Terry and his generation, to my team today. I am honoured to continue that legacy as we go forward.

“That continuity is not just in our people, most of whom have been with us for decades. We still hold the drawings of every building this office has ever made, and clients from 60 years ago still get in touch about their houses today.”

The office currently has multiple active projects in London and Oxfordshire, ongoing work in Suffolk and Norfolk, several American projects about to start and other international commissions in process. The practice is planning to recruit, including at senior level. 

Quinlan Terry Architecture designs new classical buildings, restorations, and ecclesiastical work in Britain and overseas.