Business Details
Award-Winning Architects in Salford, Manchester
O M I Architects is a leading design-led architecture practice based in the North West of England. Our team operates from a RIBA Award-winning conversion of a Victorian swimming pool in Salford, Manchester, which also houses creative industry studios. As a RIBA Chartered Practice and certified B Corp, we have earned 13 national and regional RIBA Awards for design excellence. Our portfolio spans museums, offices, churches, education facilities, residential developments, hotels, and community buildings, with particular expertise in complex heritage projects involving Grade I and Grade II* Listed buildings. Our practice philosophy centres on meticulous attention to detail and delivering high-quality service across all projects. We maintain a strong commitment to sustainability, evidenced by achievements such as Havelock being the first full building retrofit project in Northern England to achieve BREEAM Outstanding certification.Our team actively contributes to industry discourse through publications in journals like the SPAB Journal and participation in design review forums. We have demonstrated consistent excellence across decades, with award-winning work ranging from small housing developments to large-scale urban regeneration schemes. Our studio fosters professional growth in a supportive Mac-based Vectorworks environment, maintaining equal opportunities employment policies. This combination of heritage expertise, modern innovation, and ethical practice underpins our reputation as trusted architectural consultants.
Services
Architectural Design
Heritage Restoration
Sustainable Development
Urban Regeneration
Community Projects
Highlights and features
- We have won 13 national and regional RIBA Awards for design excellence
- Our practice is certified as a B Corp for environmental and social responsibility
- We specialise in complex heritage schemes involving Grade I and Grade II* Listed buildings
- We achieved the first BREEAM Outstanding certification for a building retrofit in Northern England
- Our team includes directors appointed to independent design review forums
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- B Corp
- BREEAM
Services
Architectural Design
We create innovative architectural solutions tailored to clients' needs while respecting historical contexts. Our approach combines modern functionality with traditional aesthetics. Projects range from new builds to adaptive reuse of heritage structures.
Heritage Restoration
Specialist conservation work focuses on Grade I and II* Listed buildings. We employ traditional techniques while integrating modern requirements. Our expertise preserves architectural integrity while ensuring buildings remain functional for contemporary use.
Sustainable Development
We incorporate environmental considerations throughout the design process. Achieving BREEAM Outstanding certification demonstrates our commitment to reducing carbon footprints. Sustainability principles guide material selection and building performance strategies.
Urban Regeneration
Our urban regeneration projects transform underutilised spaces into vibrant communities. We balance commercial viability with social benefit. Schemes often combine residential, retail, and public spaces to create mixed-use environments.
Community Projects
We design spaces that enhance community interaction and accessibility. Projects include cultural venues, educational facilities, and social housing. Our approach prioritises inclusive design and universal access principles.
People
Nick Berry
Director
Nick Berry leads design review contributions and has extensive experience in architectural conservation. He combines technical expertise with strategic vision for complex projects.
Adam Gray
Associate Director
Adam Gray applies specialist knowledge in heritage architecture across multiple award-winning projects. His expertise spans both historic preservation and modern interventions.
Andy James
Director
Andy James directs major urban regeneration schemes, focusing on sustainable development principles. He oversees large-scale residential and commercial projects across the North West.
Philip Etchells
Associate Director
Philip Etchells specialises in heritage projects, authoring technical articles for industry publications. He led the award-winning Manresa House development in Birmingham.
Stuart McGrath
Associate Director
Stuart McGrath manages complex conservation projects requiring innovative engineering solutions. His work balances historical integrity with modern functionality requirements.
Questions
What architectural services does OMI offer?
We provide comprehensive architectural services including design, heritage conservation, urban regeneration, and sustainable development projects across residential, commercial, and community sectors.
Are OMI Architects certified professionals?
Yes, we are a RIBA Chartered Practice and certified B Corp, demonstrating both professional standards and environmental responsibility commitments.
What geographical areas do you work in?
While based in Manchester, we work throughout the UK with particular focus on the North West region and Birmingham.
Can you handle heritage building projects?
Yes, we specialise in Grade I and Grade II* Listed building conservation with multiple award-winning heritage restoration projects completed.
Do you offer sustainable design solutions?
Sustainability is core to our practice, including BREEAM Outstanding certified projects and low-carbon design strategies integrated across all our work.
