AWARD-WINNING architect and pioneer of the micro home, Richard Horden, has died aged 73 from lung cancer.

He spent 10 years with the nationally renowned firm Foster and Partners, before forming Richard Horden Associates, which later became Horden Cherry Lee Architects in 1999.

Richard was born on December 26, 1944 and he went on to study at Bryanston School in Blandford Forum.

From there, he followed his career dream by studying at The Architectural Association in London, graduating in 1969.

The talented young architect was immediately playing a part in industry-leading designs.

Upon graduating he worked with Terry Farrell and Nick Grimshaw and went on to become an associate with Spence and Webster helping them to win the new parliamentary building competition in 1972.

He then worked closely with Norman and Wendy Foster on office interiors for Willis Faber, the Sainsbury Centre for the Visual Arts, and creating the design for the international competition winning scheme for the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank in Hong Kong.

This was followed by detailed design and planning on various landmark projects, including Stansted Airport, The Foster House in Hampstead and initial work on the Carre d’Arts in Nimes.

Norman Foster paid tribute to Richard in the Architect's Journal.

"I remember when Richard joined the office in 1975," Norman said.

"He was a wide-eyed young architect, eager to make his mark in the world. He had already been afforded the opportunity to design a house for his parents in Poole – an elegant pavilion of glass and steel set within the landscape. I was struck by its parallels with the California Case Study Houses and suggested he visit California to see them first hand.

"While working on several of the practice’s early projects, I was impressed by Richard’s tenacity and can-do spirit, always eager to learn.

"Working as part of a team of architects and engineers, he developed an innate understanding of integrated design – a theme that runs through his entire career."

Richard's own first project was Wildwood, a courtyard house, built near Poole Harbour in 1972, followed by The Yacht House in the New Forest National Park in 1983. Later, he designed the house on Evening Hill overlooking Poole Harbour in 2001.

Following his uncle, who was a pilot in Second World War flying Kittyhawks on 130 missions, Richard trained on aluminium Blanik gliders in 1970. These influences combined with many flights in the jet ranger ‘Whiskey Mike' helicopter with Norman Foster in the 1970s and 1980s.

In 1985, Richard took the bold step of breaking out with his own practice. Richard Horden Architects was born and, in many respects, he never looked back.

Two competition winning designs soon followed, with The Queens Stand at Epsom Racecourse and offices at Stag Place for Land Securities.

Before teaming up with Stephen Cherry and Billie Lee in 1999 to form Horden Cherry Lee Architects, Richard was appointed professor of architecture and product design at The Technical University in Munich, where he formed the basis of his innovative teaching of 'micro architecture’.

Richard also set up Micro Compact Home Ltd in 1999 and operated as chairman.

With Horden Cherry Lee Architects, Richard worked as chairman and lead designer for architecture and product design.

He also had a passion for art, after visiting the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1968. Richard used this to inspire and shape elements of his projects throughout his career.

His passion for innovation was always paramount, with projects like Ski Haus in the Alps and a program of four product designs for the International Space Station.

Such was his status in the architectural world Richard lectured in more than 20 countries.

In February this year, Richard was diagnosed with lung cancer caused by asbestos. His condition worsened last month, and he was taken into hospital. He passed away on Friday, October 5.

Richard’s funeral and burial service took place on Friday, October 12 at All Saints Church, Branksome Park.

Donations can be made to Forest Holme Charity online at www.cpjfield.co.uk

Letters of condolence can be sent to Horden Cherry Lee Architects, 36-38 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 5AE.