December 12, 2013 12.40 pm This story is over 123 months old

Lincoln architects mark 60 years in business

Building six decades: A Lincoln architecture firm is celebrating 60 years in the trade this month. Have a look at some of their local work.
Valentine Retail Park, Lincoln, with first part completed in 2002.

A Lincoln architecture firm is celebrating six decades in the trade this month.

John Roberts Architects was founded in November 1953, back when a young Lincoln-born architect cycled to client meetings on his push bike with rolls of drawings under his arm.

The practice is prominent within the Lincoln area, having contributed to a number of notable projects including Valentine Retail Park, the new HQ office frontage building for Siemens in Lincoln and the new Research and Development Centre and Offices for Dynex Semiconductor Limited in Lincoln.

The company grew over the years, and John Roberts opened a London office in the late 60s. In the 70s, he travelled to the USA and designed the Trans-Pacific Centre in Oakland, California.

Later, in partnership with London architect Ian Fraser, they formed Ian Fraser, John Roberts and Partners, and in 1980 were awarded the contract for the King Fahd 800,000 seater international stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

One of the directors was permanently based in their Riyadh office and they carried out other projects in the country.

Still remaining a family business, today the practice is now under the wing of John Roberts’ son – Jonathan Roberts.

The local firm was recently awarded the exciting contract for the new University Technical College in Lincoln.

Jonathan Roberts said “The secret of our success is that we have developed over the years a very broad portfolio of excellent clients who appreciate the quality of service that we at JRA provide.”