NRS Architects, also known as Nicoll Russell Studios, is a client-focused, multi-award-winning Chartered Architects practice. Established in 1982, NRS Architects has earned a reputation for designing and delivering high-quality architectural and interior design projects irrespective of scale, budget, or type. Located in Broughty Ferry, Dundee, the studio works on projects throughout the country, aiming to create individually tailored, finely crafted, and environmentally responsible design solutions for all clients.

Who We Are

Nicoll Russell Studios prides itself on a collaborative, studio-based approach. The firm has worked consistently and successfully with a diverse range of clients, from individuals on private homes and extensions to public and corporate organisations involved in commercial, arts, community, hospitality, conservation, education, health, and infrastructure developments.

NRS Architects' projects have received public admiration and numerous awards, including 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. The practice believes that truly fine buildings arise from accurately resolving the needs of the people who use them and how those buildings relate to and rejoice in their settings.

Our Approach

NRS Architects adopts a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive working methodology. Studio Directors take a hands-on and personal involvement in every project, regardless of size, building strong working relationships with clients, many of whom become long-standing partners.

The team listens carefully at the outset of every project to fully understand the driving forces and aspirations behind it. This foundation allows for rigorous analysis, creative opportunities, and extensive experience to inform the development of the most effective and efficient design solutions. These solutions are informed by the budget and timescale available for any given project, whether simple and pragmatic or driven by a conceptual narrative.

NRS Architects designs from the ‘inside out,’ striving to create buildings and places deeply rooted in their physical and social context. The studio embraces the skills, craft, and creativity of the many contributors, including consultants, builders, artists, and craftspeople.

Social Value

Nicoll Russell Studios believes that well-designed buildings contribute to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the communities they are located in. The firm supports people in reaching their full potential through opportunity, training, and knowledge sharing. NRS Architects' voluntary involvement in local community initiatives has received formal recognition, including an IBM Volunteering Award, Dundee Business in the Community Award, and Developing the Young Workforce Award.

The studio has organised the annual Creative Spaces initiative with Angus Council, providing hundreds of children with a learning programme focused on the built environment. Additionally, NRS Architects supports community organisations and charities through sponsorship and advertising, offers lectures and design reviews to students, and provides guidance and workplace familiarisation for young people considering a career in architecture.

Sustainability

NRS Architects is committed to sustainability, with in-house expertise in Passive House Design and BREEAM, supported by energy modelling software. The firm’s “Green Group” reviews emerging research and industry-wide developments, ensuring that sustainable design principles are embedded in every project. This approach minimises future operational energy use and embodied carbon during construction, ultimately reducing whole-life operating costs and offering long-term value.

Our Services

Full Architectural Service. Many clients opt for a full architectural service, where NRS Architects assists through all project stages, from early brief discussions to completion on-site. This service follows the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work, developing designs from sketch concept through to statutory approvals, detailed technical information, tendering, and construction administration.

Feasibility Studies. At the initial stages of a project, a feasibility study clarifies project aspirations and assesses their feasibility against technical, financial, and timescale requirements. The team explores options to meet client needs and provide a firm foundation for decision-making and project progression.

Interior Design and Space Planning. NRS Architects advises on making the best use of existing spaces and buildings, offering creative design solutions that unlock a building’s potential. The firm has extensive experience in retrofitting and reusing building stock to meet new demands, contributing to the journey towards net zero.

Conservation Services. The studio respects built heritage, designing with sensitivity towards historic buildings and their wider context. NRS Architects' in-house Conservation Accredited expertise is applied to projects ranging from listed buildings to modest building fabric repairs and upgrades, ensuring shared heritage is preserved for future generations.

Masterplanning. Masterplanning services align Placemaking principles with a studied understanding of the physical, social, and economic drivers of any site. Collaboration, community consultation, and creative questioning inform the approach, providing strategic design guidelines for long-term plans.

Private Homes and Extensions. Working with homeowners on precious projects, NRS Architects takes time to understand client aspirations and budgets, guiding them through design, approval, and construction stages. Services are tailored to suit client requirements, from obtaining consultants to advising on contractors and inspecting work on-site.

Contact NRS Architects

Ready to start your next project? Contact Nicoll Russell Studios to discuss your needs and discover how the team can bring your vision to life.

Address: 111 King Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 1EL
Phone: +44 (0) 1382 778 966
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nrsarchitects.com

NRS Architects is dedicated to transforming visions into reality through innovative, sustainable, and client-focused design. With a comprehensive range of services and a team of experienced professionals, NRS Architects is your ideal partner for any architectural project.

Contact them today to learn more about how they can help you achieve your architectural goals.