Award-winning
Architectural Practice
We are an award-winning practice of creative, forward thinking architects in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. For over three decades, we have designed innovative, creative and practical solutions for a full and varied range of clients and corporate bodies. Specialising in residential work, we undertake bespoke projects, of varying scales and budgets as well as commercial and community projects across various sectors including retail, office, education and the arts. Our commitment to innovation and client satisfaction is at the heart of what we do. Trusted by new and repeat clients as well as industry professionals, we take great pride in providing the best personal and professional service for all our customers, tailored to meet their requirements to ensure their project runs smoothly from start to finish.
Our company was established in 1987 by the founding Directors, Richard Merrell and Tim O’Flaherty. Nic Dormer joined the practice in 1999, becoming a Director in 2006, when the company became Merrell O’Flaherty Dormer Chartered Architects. The practice has since expanded with Katherine Dormer becoming a Director in 2016, following the retirement of Tim and Richard. In 2020, we became Dormer and Co. Chartered Architects. The Practice operates from its studio on Victoria Avenue, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
Our Team
Nic Dormer BSc BArch Hons RIBA RIAS Director
Nic trained at the Dundee School of Architecture/Dundee University where he won several awards. He then went on to work for a multi-award-winning practice in Scotland before returning to his native Yorkshire to join this practice. He became a Director in 2006 and took over the practice together with Katherine in 2016. Nic’s interests particularly lie in contemporary residential architecture and working with historic structures.
Katherine Dormer BSc BArch Hons Director
Training at Dundee School of Architecture/Dundee University and the recipient of several awards, Katherine worked for one of Scotland’s leading architectural practices before relocating to Yorkshire. Joining the practice in 2014, she became a Director in 2016. Katherine is also a landscape garden designer with an RHS certificate in Horticulture and brings an understanding of the integration of the built and natural environments to the practice’s projects.
James Howard BA (Hons) MArch PgDip Architect
James joined our practice this year bringing over 20 years of experience across a variety of sectors, particularly bespoke residential design and conservation. A Chartered Architect, James trained at Leicester School of Architecture, De Montfort University where he was awarded the Leicester and Rutland Society of Architects President’s Prize, was nominated for the RIBA President’s Medal and the Archiprix International Architecture Design Award. He is currently looking to complete his RIBA Heritage accreditation and also brings practical skills having recently extended his own house.
Oneesa Akbar Financial Administrator
Oneesa handles the accounting side of our business. As a qualified Accountant, she has a wealth of experience gained across a variety of industries.
Archie Simpson BA Architectural Assistant
Having gained his BA in Architecture from the University of Sheffield, Archie joins us for his RIBA Professional experience year. He impressed us with his site analytical skills, understanding of space and communication skills. We look forward to his career developing in this next stage of his career with us.