Roger Stephenson - Background

Background

Stephenson studied architecture at the Liverpool University School of Architecture. After graduating he worked with Building Design Partnership and was partner at Michael Hyde & Partners in Manchester before founding his own practice Stephenson Bell Architects, established in 1979 in which he is a partner with Jeffrey Bell.

The Practice has been awarded over 40 national awards for buildings it has designed and was shortlisted for the Stirling Prize in 1998 for the Quay Bar, Castlefield. It has received acclaim for the way he has dealt with new uses in terms of the historical context found in most British cities. As a recognition to his services to architecture, Stephenson was awarded an OBE in the Birthday Honour's List of 2001. Upon learning of his award he stated ""I was very surprised to get this award. A fine artist can paint a painting on his own, but an architect can't design a building on his own. I feel honoured, but it's a team effort".

Stephenson holds a number of external positions; he is a visiting professor and external examiner at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, external examiner at Newcastle University, a Civic Trust assessor, jury chairman for the RIBA Awards and is a RIBA national councillor.

To relax Stephenson enjoys travel, music and reading. He reads biographies of architect and one of his favourite books is Brendan Gill's Many Masks: a Life of Frank Lloyd Wright His prized possession is Helmut Newton's Sumo, which he has handbound and displayed on an embossed table.

Stephenson formerly resided in the development the Practice designed at Chorlton Park but now lives with his wife, Margaret Nuttall, in Cheshire. Stephenson married Margaret, his third wife, on the 28th July 2007.