Most of Dobson's buildings were in the city or surroundings of Newcastle-on-Tyne, though several have been demolished over the years. His imposing Central Railway Station still stands and is regarded by some writers as the finest in England.

Many of Dobson's buildings, for example those in Eldon Square, were commissioned by Richard Grainger, a local builder who redeveloped parts of the city centre during the 1820s and 1830s.