About Resonant Architecture

Resonant Architecture are Oxford architects and urbanists, specialising in low-carbon residential, education, workplace and heritage design. We believe that great design and goes hand in hand with a thriving natural and human environment. We devote our time to understanding the needs and aspirations of our clients, and delivering beyond expectations.

Resonant Architecture provides solutions. Working with a diversity of specialisms including both newbuild and adaption/reuse, conservation, interiors, landscape, and sustainability enables us to deliver a bespoke and focused approach to each project. We relish a challenge and pride ourselves on our ability to quickly test available solutions and opportunities to meet the demands of our brief. We collaborate with specialists, stakeholders and users, and innovate wherever possible.

Tom Dawson

Tom graduated from the University of Cambridge in 1999 and the Royal College of Art in 2003. During his early career he worked with a number of leading architects including Edward Cullinan, Architecture for London, and Berman Guedes Stretton. Tom’s experience ranges from education, commercial, community and residential to urban projects, at a variety of scales. Tom founded Resonant Architecture in 2020 to pursue an an agenda of truly sustainable design and its ability to transform both places and communities.

Rafaela Neofytou

Rafaela Neofytou joined the practice in January 2026. She studied at the universities of Portsmouth, Oxford Brookes and UWE and has a broad range of experience having worked for Ridge LLP and Gresford Architects. 

Experienced in Passivhaus and EnerPHit low energy design, Rafaela leads projects in Oxford and Cambridge and has a passion for making high quality, sustainable design accessible to all.

Philosophy

Our philosophy has evolved over three decades, through practice, research and teaching. Central to this philosophy is that the success of a project is dependent on a powerful initial concept. Ultimately that success is secured through rigorous testing of the concept against its brief and ensuring it is carried to final implementation. This approach informs every aspect of our work, from early consultation through programme design, to selection of materials and technical considerations.

Sustainability

Our approach begins and ends with sustainability. Our impact on the environment, both natural and human-made, is central to our operation as a practice. As explored in more detail on our sustainability page, the natural world is our greatest asset, and critical to the health, prosperity and wellbeing of all humans. Accordingly, in all services we will work with you to enhance the health and energy efficiency benefits of your project, whether individual, organisational, constructional, or strategic.

Locality

Fundamental when dealing with the built environment is an understanding of context. At each scale of enquiry, the foundation of a successful solution or proposal is sound research, information gathering and its careful collation to allow the precise interpretation of the client’s requirements, constraints and aspirations. For this reason deep contextual research is embedded into the early stages of all of our work, with the aim of fully understanding the complex set of circumstances unique to each project.

Location

Resonant Architecture is based in East Oxford. As you will see from our projects, we work both close to home and across the UK.

Client testimonials

“Highly professional and efficient”
– Alex Clarke, Blue Hop Ltd.

“A great extension with lots of light… and reassuring support through the whole building process!”
– Helen McCallum

“Tom is a delight to work with, he has a great eye for design and most importantly, style. He is diligent and always does what he says he will do. He has designed a substantial house extension renovation for us and it looks fabulous. I highly recommend him.”
– Chris Jinks

“Working with Tom across a wide range and scales of projects, both commercial and residential. Excellent attention to detail and great to collaborate with.”
– Ian Flewitt

“Excellent communication. Tom dealt with our complicated requirements and produced timely and imaginative plans. I highly recommend Resonant Architecture.”
– David Manuel

“Skilled and very professional. I highly recommend Resonant Architecture!”
– Sophia Poole

“Tom has been so easy to work with and great at keeping us informed and up to date at all times. He is consistently professional and has been a great support throughout the process.”
– Louise Partridge, TwoCan Theatre Co.