NewsTeam
Welcome to Richard Darch
We’re delighted to welcome Richard Darch to the SmartCo Future Health leadership team as a Board Director.
We recently caught up with Richard to learn more about his career journey, his new role and the impact he’s making in digital health. Read on to discover his story and the wealth of experience he brings to the team.
Hi Richard. Tell us about your career background?
I’ve spent my entire career in healthcare, beginning in academia as a Health Economist at the University of York, where I also completed my MSc. While I enjoyed academic life, it wasn’t particularly well rewarded, so I made my first move into consulting with Price Waterhouse (before its merger with Coopers & Lybrand).
In 1991, I co-founded my own consultancy with former colleagues from PW. We grew the business successfully before exiting in 2001. During the 2000s, I moved into the investment and development of healthcare infrastructure, primarily buildings, where I developed a strong appreciation for architecture and design.
In 2017, I founded Archus, a specialist healthcare infrastructure advisory practice, and brought in private equity investment in 2023. Throughout my career, I’ve been particularly interested in the intersection between physical and digital infrastructure, and how digital systems and processes can and should influence design. I’m excited to build on this further with SmartCo Future Health.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Seeing healthcare buildings come to life during the Infracare years stands out as a real highlight. Taking an idea from a blank sheet or whiteboard through to a fully functioning facility, used by staff and patients, is incredibly rewarding. The completion of South Bristol Community Hospital is a particular milestone I’m proud of.
What drew you to SmartCo Future Health?
As with many consulting and advisory businesses, it’s ultimately about the people, and SmartCo Future Health has a fantastic team with a clear sense of purpose.
Healthcare, more than most sectors, is on the brink of transformation through emerging digital technologies. Being at the forefront of that change, and supporting clients through it, is hugely exciting, especially when the end goal is improving health outcomes at a national level.
What excites you most about working with SmartCo Future Health?
I’m particularly interested in gaining deeper insight into the emerging technologies shaping healthcare, and the opportunity to contribute to the next phase of the company’s growth, helping establish it as the go-to advisor in the market.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to others?
Don’t fear failure. Embrace it, own it and learn from it.
If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be doing?
Designing beautiful buildings.
Is there a podcast, book or show you’d recommend?
A book: Making Sense of Chaos by J. Doyne Farmer. It’s a fascinating return to my economics roots, exploring how AI and large language models can enhance modelling and improve our understanding of complex systems and decision-making.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
During a visit to Cuba, I, or possibly a member of my family, was recorded as the one millionth visitor to the country since the revolution… and we were officially celebrated by the government.
