BDP appoints Benedict Zucchi as Chair
BDP has appointed Benedict Zucchi as Chair, effective from 1 July 2026, succeeding Chris Harding after nearly a decade in the role.
The appointment comes at a time of continued evolution for the global design practice, as it responds to increasingly complex social, environmental and economic challenges through design.
Benedict brings more than 30 years’ experience at BDP and is recognised as one of the practice’s most respected design leaders. His work as an architect spans healthcare, education, housing and major masterplanning projects across the UK and internationally, including landmark buildings such as Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital and the new National Children's Hospital.
His approach to design has been shaped by a belief that architecture should improve everyday life, bringing together disciplines, listening to communities and creating places that respond to people and place. These ideas are reflected in his recent book, Big House, Little City, which offers a compelling approach to the design of projects within an ecological perspective: the sense that big and small, cities and buildings must be approached holistically.
Throughout his career, Benedict has been a strong advocate for multidisciplinary working and architecture as a civic art. Alongside Chris Harding, he recently co-authored the Guiding Principles of Good Design, reaffirming values that have shaped BDP since its foundation: socially progressive thinking, collaboration across disciplines and commitment to creating places that stand the test of time. These principles continue to underpin BDP’s ambition to design a world that is “built for good”.
Commenting on his appointment, Benedict Zucchi said: “The civic-minded and people-centered purpose at the heart of BDP has resonated with me since the day I joined the practice. Long before social value and sustainability became part of our everyday language, these ideas shaped how BDP approached design.
“As Chair, I want to build on those origins while supporting the next generation of leaders and strengthening the multidisciplinary culture that makes BDP distinctive. The challenges facing cities and communities are increasingly complex and require holistic thinking that breaks down silos. That has always been our drive.”
Benedict will lead the Principal group and work closely with the Chief Executive to support strategy, governance and collaboration across the practice. He will also drive business development, strengthen connections across global studios and reinforce the creative culture that underpins the next generation of BDP’s projects.
Benedict succeeds Chris Harding, who steps down following almost ten years as Chair and more than four decades with the practice.
During his tenure, Chris helped guide a significant period of change and growth across BDP, including the development of The Good City initiative and most recently the launch of the practice’s new brand platform. His design leadership also contributed to major projects including the Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster, the adaptive reuse of the History Faculty Library at the University of Cambridge and many award-winning education projects.
Benedict’s appointment reflects both continuity and ambition, reinforcing BDP’s founding ethos while positioning the practice to address the future through collaborative, people-centered and innovative design.