Business Details
22 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architects in Glasgow Specialising in Conservation & Modern Design
Established in 2004, Z M Architecture is an award-winning design studio accredited by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) for conservation excellence. Our practice is led by directors Nicholas Blair and Peter Richardson, who bring over 40 combined years of expertise in architectural design, historic building conservation, and sustainable development. With RIAS Advanced Conservation Accreditation, we specialise in preserving architectural heritage while integrating modern functionality. Our team of skilled professionals delivers high-quality projects across arts, housing, and commercial sectors, supported by associate directors Tim Clark and David Millar who oversee operational excellence.Peter Richardson, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, pioneered Glasgow's Low Carbon Forum in 2007, demonstrating our commitment to innovative environmental solutions. We maintain strong industry recognition through awards including the RIAS Innovative Architect of the Year and Edinburgh Association Architectural Silver Medal. Our legal expertise in construction law ensures rigorous compliance across all projects. With studios in Glasgow, we combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design principles to create enduring architectural solutions that respect both history and future sustainability needs.
Services
Arts
Conservation
Housing
Commercial
Gallery
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- Established in 2004 with RIAS conservation accreditation
- Specialist expertise in historic building conservation and adaptation
- Directors hold postgraduate qualifications in construction law and sustainable design
- Award-winning practice with Royal Society of Arts fellowship representation
- Hands-on directors oversee all projects from concept to completion
Associations and certifications
- RIAS Advanced Conservation Accreditation
Services
Arts Architecture
We create inspiring spaces for arts institutions that balance creative functionality with architectural integrity. Our designs prioritise flexible exhibition spaces, performance areas, and visitor accessibility while maintaining aesthetic coherence. With specialist knowledge of cultural sector requirements, we deliver venues that enhance artistic engagement and community interaction through thoughtful spatial planning and material selection.
Conservation
Our RIAS-accredited conservation service specialises in preserving historic buildings through meticulous repair and adaptive reuse strategies. We employ traditional craftsmanship alongside modern techniques to maintain structural authenticity while meeting contemporary usage needs. This includes detailed condition assessments, materials analysis, and statutory compliance management for listed buildings and conservation areas.
Housing
We deliver innovative housing solutions spanning new build, renovation, and conversion projects. Our approach combines spatial efficiency with sustainable materials to create comfortable living environments. Services include feasibility studies, space optimisation, and compliance with building regulations, tailored to both private clients and housing associations across urban and rural contexts.
Commercial
Our commercial architecture covers office developments, retail units, and mixed-use schemes that prioritise functionality and brand identity. We focus on creating productive workspaces with efficient layouts, natural lighting, and sustainable infrastructure. The service includes workplace strategy consultation, BREEAM assessments, and construction phase support to ensure commercial viability and long-term adaptability.
People
Nicholas Alexander Blair
Director
BSc Hons BArch PG Dip Construction Law, RIAS Advanced Conservation Accreditation. Graduated 1994 with outstanding thesis prize. Specialises in historic building conservation and construction law. Co-founder since 2004, leading all conservation projects.
Peter Foster Richardson
Director
BA Arch Dip Arch dist FRIAS RIBA FRSA. Edinburgh graduate with distinction (1988). Founded ZOO Architects (1997) and co-founded Low Carbon Forum (2007). RIAS Innovative Architect of the Year 2000, with expertise in arts buildings and sustainable design.
Tim Clark
Associate Director
Senior staff member with management responsibilities. Oversees production outputs and project delivery. Combines contemporary design skills with traditional architectural knowledge to ensure quality control across all studio projects.
David Millar
Associate Director
Experienced architectural professional managing key operational aspects. Specialises in translating design concepts into built reality through rigorous project management and technical oversight across conservation and new build schemes.
Questions
What architectural services does ZM offer?
We specialise in conservation, housing, commercial, and arts architecture. Our RIAS-accredited conservation team handles historic building repair and adaptation, while our housing and commercial services cover new builds and renovations.
Are you qualified to work on listed buildings?
Yes, we hold RIAS Advanced Conservation Accreditation. Director Nicholas Blair has over 20 years' experience with historic structures and leads all conservation projects requiring specialist heritage expertise.
How do you approach sustainable design?
We integrate sustainable principles through energy-efficient materials, passive design strategies, and renewable technologies. Director Peter Richardson co-founded Glasgow's Low Carbon Forum to promote large-scale renewable concepts since 2007.
Can you handle both design and legal compliance aspects?
Yes, our team combines architectural expertise with legal knowledge. We manage planning permissions, building warrants, and statutory requirements, including construction law compliance for complex projects.
What areas do you cover?
Based in Glasgow, we work across Scotland and the UK. Our portfolio includes projects in urban centres and rural locations, adapting our approach to local planning contexts and environmental considerations.
