Celebrating the Retirement of John Coultas
After 30 years of exceptional service, former director John Coultas is retiring from Bowman Riley, marking the conclusion of a distinguished career that has made a lasting impact on our practice, our clients, and the region we serve.
John joined Bowman Riley in 1995, following his qualification as an architect in 1991 and four formative years with Yorkshire-based practices. From the moment he arrived, John brought with him a rare combination of technical expertise, creativity, and a deep understanding of the landscape and communities of Yorkshire. This led to his progression within Bowman Riley to director.
Over the years, John assessed the development potential of hundreds of locations and, together with our team, successfully secured planning consent for thousands of homes on challenging sites across Yorkshire. A substantial proportion of these homes were brought to life under his stewardship, standing today as a testament to his diligence, insight, and commitment to quality.
John’s reputation for professionalism and integrity has helped him build a loyal client base comprising some of the region’s most highly regarded business leaders. His portfolio reflects the breadth of his capabilities and his willingness to take on complex, ambitious projects. Among his career highlights are one of the country’s largest ice cream factories, the UK’s most technologically advanced soft drinks facility, a state-of-the-art model farm, the new head office for a leading software company, and the Grade I listed refurbishment of the Judge’s Lodging in York. Each project showcases John’s ability to blend innovative thinking with practical, sensitive design.
Within the practice, John has long been valued not only for his professional achievements but also for his collaborative spirit, calm leadership, and the support he has offered to colleagues at all stages of their careers. His guidance, humour, and steady presence have helped shape the culture of Bowman Riley and will be fondly remembered.
As John Coultas embarks on this new chapter, we extend our heartfelt thanks for his tremendous contribution to Bowman Riley. His legacy will continue in the projects he has led, the clients he has supported, and the people he has influenced.