Rutherford Harvey Architecture, London, GB, Director

Christopher created Rutherford Harvey Architecture (RHA STUDIO) in January 2012. The decision to establish this RIBA Chartered Practice was based upon his extensive residential and mixed-use project experience in the London and UK market. RHA STUDIO looked to bring a large-practice expertise to small and medium sized developers. His office has also collaboratively partnered with Shanghai based firm 2Define Architects, designing large, mixed use projects and competitions in China and the Far East. During this time, RHA STUDIO completed 13 design projects ranging from domestic renovations to multi-building master plans and developments. Running a private practice allowed Christopher to understand and the challenges and complexities inherent in operating a small office. Further development included enhancing his 3D and rendering techniques as well as developing a myriad of architectural “prototypes” and a library of design standards. Through this experience, Christopher came to actualise a stronger understanding of the architectural process necessary for the creation of meaningful and lasting design.

Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, Chicago, IL, US, Design Director

Christopher joined AS+GG in the summer of 2008 to head up the firm’s Dubai office. Following Adrian Smith’s success with the Burj Khalifa, the office looked to expand its presence in the UAE with 4 major tower projects within the Jumiera Garden City Masterplan. Christopher’s focus was to support the design efforts from Chicago with the local client and prepare the office for a long term design and construction presence. Due to the economic down turn in late 2008 early 2009, the Dubai Office closed and Christopher returned to Chicago, becoming Design Director within the Chicago Office. During his time in Chicago, Christopher and his studio led design efforts for numerous large scale projects. Most notable is the competition-winning entry for the +1000m tall Kingdom Tower. Other projects included a Mile-High Prototype, Monaco Ecobridge and the mixed use La Perouse Development in Sakhalin Island, Russia. After 3 ½ years, Christopher returned to London to open his own firm, Rutherford Harvey Architecture.

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), London, GB, Associate - Studio Head/Senior Designer

Christopher joined SOM during University to complete an internship requirement prior to graduation. He was invited back to SOM after graduation where he worked on several projects prior to being made a Studio Head in 1994. Most notable of these are Jin Mao Tower, and the USG Building. Working with several design partners, his initial focus was on South Korea, where he executed designs with his studio for the Halla Bundang Head Office and the Halla Kangnam Tower. Christopher also focused on Brazil, where he designed with Adrian Smith the BankBoston Headquarters in Sao Paulo. Further work in Chicago and London included the Northwestern Weight Room Expansion and a series of tower design studies for Canary Wharf. An extension of his Canary Wharf work lead Christopher to move to the London office of SOM in 2001. His main focus was to bring his extensive design experience to help build up the design profile of the London office. Working with the partners and directors, Christopher and his studio led design efforts for numerous large-scale mixed-use projects. These included the competition-winning design for the NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Other projects included Mahler 4 in Amsterdam, Ritz Carlton in Dubai and the Pan Peninsula Towers in the Docklands. Christopher, after over 16 years with SOM moved to Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture to head up the firm’s new offices in Dubai in 2008.

International Treaty Organisation Headquarters (NATO) competition winner (as Senior Designer at SOM), 2003, 1st Place