RIBA ARB MArch
Tom founded Gresford Architects in 2006 with a vision to create buildings that are thoughtful, practical, sustainable and beautiful. Born in Australia, Tom moved to the UK to study architecture at the Mackintosh School of Architecture in Glasgow before completing his studies at North London University. He qualified as an architect in 2002 and gained early experience at ECD Architects and Springett Mackay, working on large-scale housing, high-end residential and arts projects.
In 2006, he established Gresford Architects. What began as a small Dalston studio has since grown into an award-winning Oxford-based practice delivering projects across the UK.
Architectural philosophy
Tom’s approach centres on what he calls 'the marriage of the poetic and the practical'. He believes the best architecture balances design beauty with function, and modern innovation with respect for the past.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of his work. Gresford Architects is widely recognised for Passivhaus design and EnerPHit retrofits, creating ultra-low-energy homes that are comfortable, economical to run and designed to last. His guiding principle is simple: reduce, reuse, recycle.
Equally, Tom is passionate about heritage. He often works with listed buildings, describing them as 'living organisms that grow and change with us.' His work carefully restores and celebrates historic fabric while introducing modern interventions that improve how people live today.
Sustainability isn’t a constraint — it’s an opportunity to create homes that are joyful to live in and kinder to the planet.
Tom Gresford
A modern wooden house with large windows and a sloped roof, surrounded by a lush garden and trees, under a partly cloudy sky; architecture by Gresford Architects.
The Old Orchard, Oxfordshire — An EnerPHit retrofit of a 1960s bungalow into a low-energy family home, clad in timber from the site itself. Featured in The Modern House and The Spaces.
Modern two-storey house with a flat roof, timber cladding exterior, large windows, and a driveway with an electric car, architecture by Gresford Architects.
The Deerings, Hertfordshire — A contemporary Passivhaus home that won a RIBA East Award (2018). Judges praised its generous, light-filled interiors and exceptional sustainability.
Interior living space with pink textured walls, built-in seating, lush green plants, and large windows opening to an outdoor deck. Architecture by Gresford Architects.
Ritson Road, Hackney — A playful pink concrete extension to a Victorian terrace, with a sunken conversation pit and winter garden. Featured in Dezeen.
Modern front entrance with copper door, wooden panels, and frosted glass feature, surrounded by greenery; architecture by Gresford Architects.
St John’s Wood Road, London — A discreet infill project transformed into a four-bedroom home, balancing contemporary design with conservation area sensitivities.
Interior view of a modern living space with exposed rustic wooden beams, white walls, large windows, and skylights, architecture by Gresford Architects.
The Great Barn, Buckinghamshire — The sensitive restoration of a Grade II listed barn, reinstating lost historic features while adapting it for modern living.
Awards and recognition
- RIBA East Award — The Deerings (2018)
- RIBA South Awards shortlist — The Old Water Tower (2016)
- Finalist, Sustainability Architect of the Year — (Building Design Awards, 2018)
- Judge — British Homes Awards (2025)
Our Gresford-designed house has been nominated for numerous awards and even featured in Dezeen – a huge honour.
In the press
Tom’s work has been widely covered in national and architectural media, including:
- The Modern House Journal — Open House feature on The Old Orchard.
- Dezeen — Coverage of Ritson Road’s pink concrete extension.
- Grand Designs Magazine — Insights from Tom’s Passivhaus self-build experience.
- The Spaces — Profile of The Old Orchard as a 'woody Passivhaus with a tiny carbon footprint.'
- RIBA Journal — Expert commentary on sustainable practice and project management.
Credentials and affiliations
- Registered Architect (ARB)
- Chartered Architect (RIBA)
- Member, Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB)
- Accredited with The Green Register
- Member, Passivhaus Trust
Speaking & thought leadership
Alongside practice work, Tom contributes to the wider architectural community:
- Regular contributor of expert commentary in the RIBA Journal and Grand Designs Magazine.
- Invited speaker at eco-building events, including Build It Live in Bicester.
- Judge for the British Homes Awards (2025), recognising excellence in residential design.
A personal note
For Tom, architecture is always personal. He has lived in homes he designed to Passivhaus standards, giving him unique insight into what sustainable architecture means in daily life. His collaboration with his wife Phoebe, a conservation architect, has deepened his respect for heritage, continuity and craftsmanship.
His enthusiasm, the depth of his knowledge and his exacting eye for detail make Tom stand out.
Client testimonial
