 His older brother, John Paterson (1832–1877), also became an architect, as did his cousin Robert Paterson (1825–1889).Robert Hamilton Paterson was educated at the celebrated Hamilton Academy school and thereafter was articled to the architect James Turner’s branch (from Dublin) office at Hamilton.Paterson was then to further his experience working at Edinburgh and with the famous London firm, Cubitt & Co.

Marrying Elizabeth Cullen in Hamilton in 1870, the couple moved to Edinburgh where Paterson established his practice, executing major works for brewers, malters and warehouse-men (for which Edinburgh was a centre), including design of the Abbey, James Calder & Co., Castle, Holyrood, Drybrough’s, Caledonian and Clydesdale Breweries; and also work for McVitie and Price.