“I had the pleasure of working with Julian on the Ray Dolby Centre, the largest single development the University had ever taken on.
“Julian led for the architect team, and was outstanding in understanding our needs, listening to our users, and delivering solutions which were both imaginative and practical. He combines a complete command of the detail with a strong set of architectural principles”
Professor Andy Parker, Head of Department (2013-23), Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge
“Julian played a key role in the design of the National Graphene Institute. The result is a state-of-the-art research facility which promotes collaboration and innovation and can be seamlessly adapted to the changing needs of the science. I would wholeheartedly recommend him to other clients”
Professor Sir Konstantin Novoselov, Nobel Laureate, National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester & National University of Singapore
“It is a testimony to Julian’s cooperative approach to design. The injection of architectural flair has been crucial in making the final design something the Physics Department is going to be proud of, and benefit from, for many decades to come. We strongly believe the design exudes a measure of confident distinction which will become identified with the 'Cavendish Laboratory' brand”
Professor Richard Phillips, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge
“I have known Julian for many years and worked with him on the Ray Dolby Centre. Julian is the architect for the £300m project, the largest single project the University has undertaken in its history.
“Julian is an exceptionally talented architect who brings energy, versatility and effective solutions to projects for the optimum outcome for clients. He also has excellent communication skills and is very easy and enjoyable to work with”
Luigi Scalera, Project Leader, Estates Division, University of Cambridge
“I worked very closely with Julian on the London ExCeL Aloft hotel. He worked tirelessly to ensure that the finished product was a perfect realisation of the original design. The whole project finished on time and under budget, and delivered the landmark hotel which continues to exceed ExCeL London’s aspirations for the site”
Phil Dowson, Chief Financial Officer, ExCeL London (2005 - 2019)
“Personally I found Julian a professional architect with a human vision. What qualities standout, more than normal hard work, endeavour and vision; is his enthusiasm for implementing a workable design and world class architecture.
“Even with the backdrop of challenging design constraints, Nobel laureate professors wanting a functional design; Julian and his team still managed to deliver an iconic building”
John Whittaker, Head of Operations, National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester
“I worked with Julian on the mixed-use development at 166 Tower Bridge Road. He worked diligently and collaboratively with the client, design and contractor teams to ensure the project was delivered on time and on budget and to an excellent architectural standard. His attention to detail and professionalism were outstanding”
John Skok, Group Operations Director, Acorn Property Group
“I was deeply impressed with Julian when we worked together on the Mountbatten Building.
“Following a disastrous fire the original building had been completely destroyed and the new Mountbatten was an urgent priority. The design programme was driven by the University’s desire to recover as quickly as was possible and at all times the designers kept their cool and produced the goods in time and to the highest quality”
Tony Hall, Project Manager, White Young Green (2006-2015)
“For anyone looking for architectural support in the life science sector I can wholly recommend Julian Dickens. He offers great attention to detail, is well capable of managing his stakeholders and is passionate about his profession. We worked together on the Ray Dolby Centre in Cambridge and remain in contact now”
Stephen Law, Partner, Bidwells
“We were really impressed with Julian’s design skill, technical knowledge and attention to detail. It was a genuine pleasure working with him. The resulting building is a fantastic place to work and the visual connections between the design studio, showroom and factory floor work brilliantly in promoting team collaboration and showcasing the craftmanship we’re so proud of as a company”
Scott Nicholson, Managing Director, Chamber Furniture
“I worked with Julian on the Timber Wharf project in Hackney and his commitment to making the project a success was second to none. He worked collaboratively and tirelessly with us to produce a building we were all proud of. I’m sure Dickens Architects will be extremely successful”
Yaseen Parkar, Pre-Construction Director (Technical), Higgins Partnerships
“I worked with Julian for over 20 years. His attitude throughout was one of constant positivity, great attention to detail, concern for the outcomes of both clients and colleagues alike with good humour throughout.
“His design ability has been recognised by significant competition wins, international commissions and architectural awards. It is such a background that makes Julian a rare architect”
John Whiles, Co-Founder, Jestico + Whiles Architects
“Julian is an exceptional Architect with a passion for, and commitment to, the highest quality design. He strives to achieve the very best from every project he works on and his record of architectural awards and extensive experience speaks for itself”
Heinz Richardson, Former Board Director, Jestico + Whiles Architects
“I worked with Julian for many years on residential, hotel and university/technical buildings. He has a good sense for design, great skill of organisation, leading a design team, coordinating with consultants and dealing with clients.
“The last building we worked on was the £300m Cavendish Laboratory. Julian was in charge of the project, an immensely complicated building, and arguably the greatest physics laboratory in the world”
Tony Ling, Former Board Director, Jestico + Whiles
“Julian is a skilled architect whom it was a pleasure to work alongside on a tertiary education and research project in Sydney.
“Julian demonstrated he is both a strong conceptual designer and accomplished technical architect with significant experience in the design of some of the world’s most complex physical education and research facilities. He possesses a strong work ethic and a genuine concern to develop projects that are fit for purpose but also serve a higher societal purpose whilst adding delight to their users”
Robert Ousey, Principal, Architectus, Sydney, Australia
“I have worked with Julian and team for many years across sectors including Datacentres and Science.
“Always proactive, always focused on the customer and wider team needs, and leads the team and process in a collaborative way to ensure team goals and commitments are being achieved. The engagement from start to finish has always been good and someone that always supports the aspirations of the project/team above all”
Warren Pickance, Managing Director, Burns & McDonnell
Client Testimonials
Project Managers
Architects
Contractors
Images: Peter Cook: 1 & 8, Chris Foster: 2, Dickens Architects: 3, Tim Crocker: 4, 9 & 11, James Morris: 5, Balthazar Serreau: 6, Currie & Brown: 7, Soluis: 10, Jestico + Whiles: 12. Please refer to Acknowledgements for project team credits.