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, renowned for its innovative approach and commitment to excellence. Established in a RIBA Award-winning conversion of a Victorian swimming pool, our studio serves as a hub for creative industries while embodying our dedication to architectural heritage. As a RIBA Chartered Practice and certified B Corp, we have earned 13 national and regional RIBA Awards, reflecting our expertise in diverse projects ranging from museums and residential developments to complex heritage conservation. Our work frequently involves Grade I and Grade II* Listed buildings, where we balance historical sensitivity with modern functionality. With a team of skilled architects, we prioritise attention to detail and exceptional service across sectors including education, community infrastructure, and commercial spaces.Our accolades include the British Council of Offices Award and multiple Civic Trust Awards, underscoring our leadership in sustainable and inclusive design. O M I Architects's philosophy integrates environmental responsibility with aesthetic innovation, demonstrated through pioneering projects like Havelock, the first full building retrofit in Northern England to achieve BREEAM Outstanding certification. We maintain strong ties to the local community while delivering projects of national significance, such as the National Football Museum and Creswell Crags Museum. Our technical proficiency spans traditional and contemporary construction methods, supported by a Mac-based Vectorworks software environment. As an equal opportunities employer, we foster professional growth and welcome collaborations with emerging talent in the architectural field.
Services
Heritage Conservation
Residential Developments
Commercial Architecture
Community Projects
Sustainable Design
Museum Design
Office Refurbishment
Public Buildings
Urban Regeneration
Adaptive Reuse
Highlights and features
- We have 30 years of experience in heritage architecture and modern developments
- Our team holds RIBA Chartered Practice and B Corp certifications
- We've completed 13 RIBA Award-winning projects across multiple sectors
- We pioneered the first BREEAM Outstanding building retrofit in Northern England
- Our work combines historic preservation with cutting-edge sustainable design
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Chartered Practice
- B Corp
- BREEAM Outstanding
What people say
Design excellence
Heritage expertise
Sustainable innovation
Award-winning team
Community focus
Services
Heritage Conservation
Specialising in Grade I and Grade II* Listed building restoration, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to preserve architectural heritage while meeting contemporary needs. Our approach maintains historical integrity through meticulous research and material selection. Projects include award-winning church renovations and museum adaptations that balance conservation with functional modernisation.
Residential Developments
Creating innovative residential schemes from urban apartments to bespoke private homes, we prioritise sustainable materials and space-efficient layouts. Our portfolio includes multiple award-winning developments like Manresa House, which won the Brick Awards' Small Housing Development category. We specialise in mixed-use schemes that integrate community spaces with residential units.
Commercial Architecture
Delivering modern commercial spaces that enhance productivity and sustainability, our projects range from office refurbishments to new headquarters. The Havelock project achieved BREEAM Outstanding certification through energy-efficient retrofitting. We focus on creating adaptable workspaces that meet evolving business needs while maintaining aesthetic excellence.
Community Projects
Designing inclusive community facilities and public buildings that serve local needs while achieving architectural distinction. Recent projects include The Old Library Nursery and Community Hub, which won the Merseyside Civic Design Award. We prioritise accessibility and universal design principles in all community-focused developments.
Sustainable Design
Integrating environmental considerations throughout the design process, we specialise in low-carbon solutions and retrofitting existing buildings. Our Planet Mark-certified practice achieved the first BREEAM Outstanding retrofit in Northern England. We employ lifecycle analysis and renewable technologies to create energy-efficient buildings that meet current and future sustainability standards.
People
Nick Berry
Director
RIBA Award-winning architect with expertise in heritage projects and sustainable design. Appointed to Salford's Design Review Forum, he leads complex conservation schemes while mentoring emerging architects in the practice.
Philip Etchells
Associate Director
Project lead for Manresa House, with 15+ years' experience in residential architecture. His work has received multiple Brick Awards and RIBA commendations, focusing on innovative housing solutions in historic contexts.
Adam Gray
Associate Director
Specialist in commercial architecture with notable projects including Havelock Offices. Holds RIBA Chartered Practice accreditation and contributes to Manchester Society of Architects' design review panels.
Stuart McGrath
Associate Director
Urban regeneration expert with experience in large-scale masterplans. Led the award-winning Fourways House refurbishment and contributes to Salford's planning discussions on sustainable development.
Chris Wells
Senior Architect
Specialises in museum and cultural projects, including Creswell Crags Museum and The National Football Museum. Combines technical expertise with creative design to deliver engaging public spaces.
Questions
What architectural services does OMI offer?
We provide heritage conservation, residential developments, commercial architecture, community projects, and sustainable design services across the UK.
Are OMI Architects RIBA Chartered?
Yes, we are a RIBA Chartered Practice with 13 national and regional RIBA Awards to our name.
Do you specialise in historic building restoration?
Yes, we have extensive experience with Grade I and Grade II* Listed buildings, combining traditional techniques with modern requirements.
What sustainability accreditations do you hold?
We are B Corp certified and achieved BREEAM Outstanding for Havelock, the first Northern England building to receive this rating.
Where are your projects located?
We work across Manchester, Salford, Birmingham, Wales, and nationally, with recent projects in Derbyshire and the North West.
