Ralph Knott

Ralph Knott FRIBA (May 3, 1878 - January 25, 1929) was a British architect responsible for building the massive 6-storey "Edwardian Baroque" style County Hall building for the London County Council.

Knott was a native of Chelsea and was the son of a tailor. After attending the City of London School he was articled to Wood and Ainslie, architects. He also learnt etching at the Architectural Association and when his articles were finished, joined Sir Aston Webb. Webb was a keen participant in architectural competitions and Knott's etching skill was valued in winning them. He drew the etchings which enabled Webb to win the competition for the Queen Victoria memorial outside Buckingham Palace.

In 1908 Knott set up his own practice together with E. Stone Collins. The first substantial commission they applied for was for offices for the London County Council. Despite many very well-known names entering, Knott won at the age of 29. His design was altered significantly before construction began, including the familiar semi-circle terrace being moved from the land to the river-side of the building. Construction was held up by the First World War, during which Knott worked on designs for Royal Air Force bases, and partially completed in 1922 (except for the northern third).

After the opening of County Hall, Knott built some notable houses, including Dundonald House (the Speaker's Residence for the Parliament of Northern Ireland) and two departmental office blocks in Belfast. He had begun the work on the last part of County Hall in 1928 but it remained uncompleted at his death.