HRI Architects acquires Thomas Munro & Co. to form Highlands heavyweight

Inverness-based HRI Architects has today announced the acquisition of Thomas Munro & Co., one of the oldest architects’ practices in Scotland.

All staff will be retained by the new firm, bringing total staff numbers to 10.

Its principal, Colin Munro, will continue as a consultant to the new firm, which is to be called HRI Architects Incorporating Thomas Munro.

HRI will relocate from its current premises in Queensgate to Thomas Munro & Co. premises at 62 Academy Street, at the corner of Academy Street and Strothers Lane.

HRI, established in 1997, and Thomas Munro and Co, which was founded in 1898, have between them designed a wide range of well-known Inverness and Highland buildings and are working on diverse current projects including Inverness Cathedral renovation and alteration works, onshore buildings for the ‘MeyGen’ tidal renewable project in Caithness, and a range of public, commercial and residential developments.

The incorporation brings together specific expertise and experience in commercial and residential architecture and historic building and conservation work.

Andrew Bruce, founder of HRI Architects, who will become managing director in the new firm, said: “We are delighted to be incorporating Inverness’s longest-established architectural practice to create a new, medium-sized firm – the largest locally based practice in the Highlands,”

Colin Munro added: “I am pleased that the firm founded by my grandfather Thomas Munro will continue in a new form.

“I look forward to making an active contribution to the new practice.”

HRI co-director Mark Williams will become technical director of the new business.