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. Established in a RIBA Award-winning conversion of a Victorian swimming pool, our studio houses creative industry spaces and reflects our commitment to innovative design. As a RIBA Chartered Practice and certified B Corp, we have earned 13 national and regional RIBA Awards for excellence across diverse sectors including heritage, residential, commercial, and community projects. Our expertise extends to complex heritage schemes involving Grade I and Grade II* Listed buildings, where meticulous attention to detail and exceptional service define our approach.With a portfolio spanning museums, education facilities, and sustainable developments, we combine technical proficiency with creative vision to deliver context-sensitive solutions. Our team's dedication to environmental responsibility is evidenced by certifications like BREEAM Outstanding for retrofit projects. Recognised through accolades such as the Civic Trust Award and Manchester Society of Architects Fellowship, we maintain a client-centric ethos while fostering professional growth within our Mac-based Vectorworks studio environment.
Services
Heritage Architecture
Residential Developments
Commercial Offices
Community Projects
Sustainable Design
Education Facilities
Museum Design
Urban Regeneration
Adaptive Reuse
Public Buildings
Highlights and features
- Award-winning practice with 13 RIBA Awards for design excellence
- Specialists in complex heritage schemes involving Grade I and II* Listed buildings
- Certified B Corp committed to sustainable architecture principles
- Client-focused approach with 25+ years of proven industry experience
- Experienced team based in a RIBA Award-winning Victorian building conversion
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Chartered Practice
- B Corp
- BREEAM Outstanding
What people say
Award-winning designs
Heritage expertise
Sustainable focus
Client satisfaction
Innovative solutions
Services
Heritage Architecture
Specialising in Grade I and II* Listed building renovations, our heritage architecture service preserves historical integrity while integrating modern functionality. We employ traditional craftsmanship alongside contemporary techniques to revitalise culturally significant structures across the North West, ensuring compliance with conservation regulations while enhancing usability for modern occupants.
Residential Developments
From boutique apartment complexes to private residences, we create award-winning residential schemes that prioritise livability and sustainability. Our developments, including ALTO Apartments and Mustard Tree Charity Headquarters, demonstrate our ability to deliver high-quality living spaces that respond to both urban contexts and community needs through innovative spatial planning and material selection.
Commercial Offices
We design adaptable commercial environments that enhance productivity and employee wellbeing. Projects like Havelock Offices and 31 Booth Street showcase our expertise in transforming historic buildings into modern workspaces, achieving BREEAM Outstanding certification through energy-efficient systems and flexible layouts that support evolving business requirements.
Community Projects
Our community-focused designs, such as The Old Library Nursery and Band on the Wall music venue, create inclusive spaces that foster social interaction. We combine functional design with aesthetic appeal to deliver facilities that serve diverse populations, evidenced by Civic Trust Awards for projects that successfully integrate cultural, educational, and recreational elements.
Sustainable Design
As a certified B Corp, we embed sustainability throughout our practice, from material selection to energy systems. Our Planet Mark-certified operations inform projects like Havelock's BREEAM Outstanding retrofit, demonstrating our commitment to reducing environmental impact through passive design strategies, renewable energy integration, and circular economy principles in both new builds and renovations.
People
Nick Berry
Director
RIBA Award-winning architect with expertise in heritage projects, Nick leads design reviews for Salford's planning authority. His work on Manresa House demonstrates exceptional sensitivity to historical contexts while delivering modern functionality.
Adam Gray
Associate Director
With extensive experience in complex architectural projects, Adam contributes technical excellence to O M I Architects's award-winning schemes. His leadership ensures rigorous attention to detail across both new builds and heritage conservation projects.
Philip Etchells
Associate Director
Project lead for Manresa House, Philip combines creative vision with practical expertise. His article in the SPAB Journal highlights his deep understanding of traditional building techniques and their application in contemporary architecture.
Simina Ionescu
Senior Architect
Experienced in delivering high-quality residential and commercial projects, Simina applies innovative design solutions to complex architectural challenges. Her work reflects O M I Architects's commitment to combining aesthetic excellence with functional efficiency.
Andy James
Director
As a practice director, Andy oversees project delivery across diverse sectors including education, heritage, and community buildings. His leadership contributes to O M I Architects's consistent recognition through RIBA and Civic Trust Awards.
Questions
What architectural services does OMI offer?
We specialise in heritage architecture, residential developments, commercial offices, community projects, and sustainable design. Our expertise includes Grade I Listed building renovations and BREEAM-certified sustainable projects.
Are OMI Architects accredited professionals?
Yes, we are a RIBA Chartered Practice and certified B Corp. Our team holds accreditations including BREEAM Outstanding for building sustainability assessments.
What geographical areas do you work in?
Primarily the North West of England, covering Manchester, Salford, Birmingham, and surrounding regions. We also undertake projects in Derbyshire, Warwickshire, and Wales.
How does OMI approach heritage projects?
We combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to preserve historical integrity while enhancing functionality. Our approach ensures compliance with conservation regulations while meeting contemporary needs.
Can I visit OMI's studio?
We host Open Studio events annually. Check our website for scheduled dates or contact us directly for potential private visits to our RIBA Award-winning Victorian building.
