Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Trusted Chartered Architects in the North East
Nicholson Nairn is a chartered RIBA-registered practice with over three decades of experience delivering architectural solutions across commercial and residential sectors. Established in 1991 by Tony Nicholson and Garfield Nairn, we operate from studios in Gateshead and Otley, serving clients throughout the UK. Our client-focused ethos prioritises tailored design, planning, and building services, balancing established expertise with innovation to meet evolving industry demands. We employ BIM technology across all projects, ensuring technical excellence from feasibility to handover. Our multidisciplinary team combines architectural, technical, and managerial expertise to deliver projects ranging from modest home extensions to multi-million-pound commercial developments. Sustainability, integrity, and responsiveness underpin our approach, fostering long-term client relationships and attracting new clientele.With a strong northern presence, we maintain a forward-thinking perspective while adapting to social, cultural, and economic changes in the built environment sector. Our collaborative culture extends to clients, consultants, and stakeholders, ensuring projects reflect client priorities without compromising design quality. We hold RIBA accreditation and adhere to rigorous professional standards, demonstrated through our diverse portfolio spanning housing, high-end residential, domestic, and commercial sectors. This combination of experience, technical proficiency, and client-centric values positions us as a trusted partner for architectural projects of varying scales and complexities.
Services
Architectural Design
Planning Consultancy
BIM Implementation
Measured Surveys
Contract Administration
Technical Design
Master Planning
Principal Designer Services
Feasibility Studies
Architectural Illustrations
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years' experience in architectural design and planning
- Our team holds RIBA chartered status and BIM expertise
- We operate from strategically located studios in Gateshead and Otley
- We deliver projects across commercial, residential, and high-end sectors
- Our client-focused approach maintains northern heritage with national reach
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design service creates tailored solutions from concept to completion. We specialise in residential, commercial, and high-end projects, combining aesthetic innovation with functional requirements. Using BIM technology, we ensure precision across all RIBA stages, delivering spaces that meet client visions while complying with regulatory standards.
Planning Consultancy
We provide comprehensive planning advice including feasibility studies and applications. Our team navigates local authority requirements across RIBA Stages 0-2, maximising approval chances through strategic design integration. This includes master planning and architectural illustrations to visualise proposals effectively for stakeholders.
BIM Implementation
As standard practice, we employ Building Information Modelling throughout projects. This digital approach enhances collaboration, reduces errors, and improves efficiency across all RIBA stages. Our BIM expertise ensures clients benefit from modern construction methodologies that optimise project outcomes through data-driven decision making.
Technical Design
Covering RIBA Stage 4, our technical design service translates concepts into detailed construction documents. We coordinate building systems, material specifications, and regulatory compliance to ensure seamless execution. This phase focuses on achieving buildability, cost efficiency, and adherence to quality standards during the critical construction documentation phase.
Contract Administration
From RIBA Stages 5-6, we manage contract implementation and site supervision. Our service ensures design intent is maintained during construction through regular inspections, progress monitoring, and contractor coordination. This includes health and safety oversight as principal designers, guaranteeing projects meet quality and regulatory requirements through to handover.
People
Tony Nicholson
Co-Founder
Co-founder with 30+ years' architectural experience, Tony established Nicholson Nairn in 1991. He drives strategic direction while maintaining hands-on involvement in key projects, ensuring design excellence and client satisfaction remain central to the practice's ethos.
Garfield Nairn
Co-Founder
Co-founder Garfield Nairn brings extensive technical expertise to the practice. Since 1991, he has focused on operational management and client relationships, ensuring the firm's northern roots support its national expansion while maintaining architectural integrity across all projects.
Gregory Barclay
Technologist
As lead technologist, Gregory specialises in translating design concepts into buildable solutions. With 15+ years at NNA, he ensures technical excellence across projects, bridging creative vision with construction realities through detailed BIM implementation and regulatory compliance expertise.
Chris Barr
Managing Director
Managing Director Chris Barr oversees practice operations and business development. With 20+ years in architectural management, he maintains our client-focused approach while expanding service offerings, ensuring the practice adapts to industry changes without compromising its core values.
Sophie Cunningham
Architect
Architect Sophie Cunningham leads residential projects with particular expertise in high-end developments. Her 12-year career at NNA combines creative design flair with technical precision, delivering bespoke solutions that balance aesthetic innovation with practical functionality for discerning clients.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full-service architectural solutions including design, planning, technical detailing, BIM implementation, contract administration, and principal designer services across residential and commercial sectors.
How experienced is your team?
Our practice has 30+ years' experience with RIBA-chartered architects, BIM specialists, and technical staff delivering projects from modest extensions to multi-million-pound developments.
Which areas do you cover?
Based in Gateshead and Otley, we operate throughout the UK, with particular expertise in North East England and Yorkshire's built environment requirements.
Do you use modern design technology?
Yes, we employ BIM as standard across all projects, ensuring precision, efficiency, and seamless collaboration throughout the design and construction process.
How do you approach client needs?
Our client-focused ethos prioritises tailored solutions through collaborative working, maintaining open communication from initial concept to project completion while respecting budget and timeline constraints.
What accreditations do you hold?
We are a RIBA-registered practice with BIM-certified professionals, adhering to the highest industry standards for architectural excellence and technical proficiency.
