Our Practice | Urban & Rural Ltd

Urban & Rural is a leading RIBA Architects Kent and RIBA Chartered practice. Based in Kent, we serve London and the South East, delivering contemporary, sustainable, and hybrid design solutions for residential, commercial, and rural projects.

As an established architecture practice Kent clients trust, Urban & Rural works across all sectors with a strong focus on sustainable architecture.

Urban & Rural is a Kent-based architecture practice specialising in contemporary, sustainable, and hybrid architecture. As a RIBA Chartered firm, our goal is to create exceptional spaces driven by a dedicated creative design process.

Our current projects reflect the diversity of our expertise, spanning from:

• Residential Developments and bespoke home extensions.

• Large-scale Commercial office buildings.

• Strategic Masterplanning for 50-acre equestrian and leisure facilities.

“I started Urban & Rural with the aspiration of delivering a very personal and bespoke service tailored to the client’s requirements.” —

Richard Baron, RIBA

Urban & Rural Ltd was established by the architect Richard Baron. By 2016 the practice had moved in to larger offices in the City of Canterbury with an increased portfolio. In 2017 Jonathan Sargood joined the team as a director.

Both Richard and Jonathan had previously worked together for a number of years, including the successful delivery of projects from conception through to completion.

Richard Baron RIBA – Founder

Richard is an ARB/RIBA Chartered Architect. In 2003 he graduated from the University of Kent with a 1st Class Honours Degree in Architecture. He went on to complete his architectural education at UCA and then at The University of Greenwich.

Before starting up Urban & Rural, Richard had over 12 years of professional practice in a design lead Architects’ Journal Top 100 architectural practice. He successfully delivered the secured Planning Approval of the £21m Sports and Academic Facility at the University of East London.

Key projects Richard has worked on also include the £18m renovation and rebuild of Herne Bay High School under the PFI Framework. He has also been involved in a number of Design and Build sport facilities throughout the UK for a specialist sports provider.

Jonathan Sargood – Director

Jonathan joined Urban & Rural as a Director in 2017. He brings a 1st Class Honours Degree in Design and Engineering and over 13 years of experience in prestigious 100 practices. As one of the region’s leading residential architects, his portfolio includes collaborations with Berkeley Group and Shanly Homes.

Specialising in technical delivery and site supervision, Jonathan has led multimillion-pound projects for FTSE 100 clients including Heathrow and Gatwick Airports, Marks & Spencer, and Pinewood Studios.

His experience spans Heritage & Conservation, with the sensitive renovation of the Grade I listed Royal College of Physicians, and the Education sector, including Eton College. Jonathan is a specialist in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and a key member of the Kent BIM Region leadership team.

Services Provided

As premier commercial architects and residential specialists, we provide:

• Site appraisal and planning applications
• Initial sketch schemes and sustainable architecture concepts
• Building regulation packages
• Project tendering and contract administration

We offer a free initial, no-obligation consultation. All our appointments reference the set RIBA work stages. As experienced RIBA Architects Kent, we are happy to discuss any project with you.