About Us

Who we are

Nicoll Russell Studios are a client-focussed, multi-award winning Chartered Architects practice who work on projects located throughout the country. We have earned a reputation for designing and delivering high quality architectural & interior design projects irrespective of scale, budget, or type. Our friendly and collaborative studio-based approach aims to create individually tailored, finely crafted and environmentally responsible design solutions for all of our Clients.

Established in 1982, the practice has worked consistently and successfully since then with a huge range of Clients ranging from individuals on Private Houses and Extensions, through to Public and Corporate organisations involved in Commercial, Arts, Community, Hospitality, Conservation, Education, Health and Infrastructure developments.

Many of our projects and collaborations have received both public admiration and multiple awards, including professional recognition from the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, the Institute of Civil Engineers, the Civic Trust, and the Scottish Design Awards.

Although delighted by the extent of local and national acclaim that our work continues to receive, we have never designed to actively seek the limelight, instead believing that truly fine buildings arise from the accurate resolution of the needs of the people who use them, and how those buildings relate to, and rejoice in, their settings.

Our Approach

Our working methodology is collaborative, supportive, and inclusive. We provide a friendly, personal, and efficient service, with Studio Directors taking a “hands on” and personal involvement in every project irrespective of size. We like to build strong working relationships with all of our Clients, many of whom become long-standing and return to us for repeat commissions.

We listen carefully at the outset of every project, seeking to fully understand all of the driving forces and aspirations behind it. Starting from a firm foundation allows rigorous analysis, opportune creativity, and extensive experience to inform development of the most effective and efficient design solution. This may be simple and pragmatic where appropriate, or driven by a conceptual narrative that clarifies and informs each stage of design development. All of these considerations are fully informed by the budget and timescale available for any given project.

In contrast with much of the image-driven and ‘trophy’ architecture we see in our towns and cities today, we design from the ‘inside out’ while at the same time striving to create buildings and places that are deeply rooted in their physical and social context. We embrace the skills, craft and creativity of the many people who contribute to the creation of finished buildings, including consultants, builders, artists and craftspeople.

As our project portfolio demonstrates, we have been fortunate to work alongside many wonderful individuals and organisations, designing and rejuvenating a diverse variety of important and well-loved buildings and interiors for people and communities across the country. We embrace the vitality and cross fertilisation of ideas that such a varied portfolio brings to the Studio and how it enriches our approach on every new project.

Social Value

Nicoll Russell Studios believe that well designed buildings make a valuable contribution to the social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of the communities in which they are located. Our own working practices aim to similarly support people in reaching their full potential through opportunity, training, and knowledge sharing.

Voluntary involvement in initiatives and activities that both engage with, and provide assistance to, our own local community has received formal recognition including an IBM Volunteering Award, Dundee Business in the Community Award, and Developing the Young Workforce Award. We instigated and for many years organised the annual Creative Spaces initiative with Angus Council, providing an opportunity for hundreds of children from local schools to participate in a learning programme and one day design competition focused on the built environment. This commitment has been acknowledged with an Angus Council Enterprise Ambassador Award.

As well as being members of the local Civic Trust, Traders Association and Chamber of Commerce, whose events we regularly attend and contribute to, we also support a number of community organisations and charities through sponsorship and advertising support. We give complimentary lectures, talks, and design reviews to architecture and interior design students at universities, colleges and schools. We provide guidance and workplace familiarisation for young people seriously considering architecture as a career, and regularly employ students and graduates from the University of Dundee School of Architecture where we also support the annual Degree Show Awards programme.

Nicoll Russell Studios are ISO 9001 Registered, with a Quality Management System underpinned by comprehensive CAD, BIM & NBS software, secure and fully integrated IT and Document Management Systems, 3D visualisation and graphic design capabilities, and an ongoing programme of Continuing Professional Development. Our procedures are further supported by policies on Health & Safety, Equality, and Environmental Responsibility.

We recognise equally that the core strength and the quality of our service to Clients also lies in the collective experience, enthusiasm, imagination, motivation and skills of the Directors and the rest of the design, technical and administrative staff that make up this RIAS Chartered Practice.

Quality Assurance

Please be certain to name files with your name (i.e. John_Smith_CV.pdf rather than portfolio.pdf) and optimize the file size for easy transmittal. We will be in touch as soon as possible and will arrange an appointment should your qualifications meet our current needs.

If you are interested in job opportunities at Nicoll Russell Studios, please send us a cv and a sample of work from your portfolio in pdf format to careers@nrsarchitects.com, together with a letter of interest.

Careers