Formed in 1974 by Christopher Dinnis on his return from five years work in North America, Christopher Dinnis Architects has become a firmly established local institution. From extensive common repair projects in a multitude of tenement stairs across the City of Edinburgh to housing development schemes for both charitable organisations and developer clients to one-off house designs for private individuals, Christopher Dinnis has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in a range of areas.
In recent years the practice has become more focused on residential projects including individual house design, extensions and alterations. In terms of existing buildings, specific expertise has been developed in making best use of available space while also maximising the value of a property. Also, due to frequent interactions with the Planners and the Listed Building Section of the Council, insightful advice can be offered in terms of Listed properties and their development potential. Having undertaken such a variety of conservation and restoration projects, the practice has expert knowledge of preferred traditional methods of construction and materials. This is invaluable in the re-instatement of period features that would otherwise be lost. Creative thinking is also applied when harmonising old traditional buildings with the modern world, in order to bring together both lifestyle and heritage.
We offer an approachable, dependable service with wide-ranging knowledge due to Christopher Dinnis’ years of experience. As a practice we also have an in-depth understanding of the modern Building Regulation requirements and other relevant skills such as the ability to carry out SAP calculations and energy performance determinations. We provide a top quality design service at both the proposal and detailed design stage and have the capacity to offer planning and development advice on small to medium sized projects. We can look after your project from inception to completion. We regularly undertake the pivotal role of Project Manager for our clients, acting as an impartial party between the client and the contractor during the construction phase.
Christopher Dinnis Architects operates from a newly refurbished office in the heart of the Braid Hills area, Morningside. We mainly undertake works in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife as well as occasionally further afield in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
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Architects Registration Board The ARB is the independent body that regulates the architectural profession and maintains the Register of Architects in the UK, thus protecting the consumer and upholding the reputation of architects. All of the architects working at the practice have met the prescribed ARB qualification criteria and are listed on the Register. |
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Royal Institute of British Architects RIBA Chartered Membership is a mark of excellence and a quality assurance that we, as RIBA Chartered Architects, practise to the highest standards within the profession. We are governed by the Royal Institute’s principles of professional conduct: honesty, integrity and competency. We also have genuine concern for the world around us in terms of our social responsibility as Architects and the potential environmental impact of building projects. |
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Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland The RIAS was founded in 1916 as the professional body for all chartered architects in Scotland. The Incorporation promotes the development of Scottish architecture, offers clients safeguards when dealing with members and also regulates the profession. As members of the RIAS we are bound by the Charter and Byelaws of the Incorporation. |
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Accreditation in Conservation Architecture Our Principal Architect, Christopher Dinnis, holds accreditation in building conservation as approved by the RIAS. This confirms that he is a suitably qualified and experienced practitioner, capable of acting as the lead professional in all types of conservation & restoration work and also in the administration of grant aided conservation schemes. |
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Approved Certifier of Design in Energy Christopher Dinnis Architects are members of the RIAS Energy Design Certification Scheme and are approved to issue Certificates of Design Section 6 (Domestic), which confirm that designs meet the energy requirements of the building regulations. This is particularly useful in warrant applications concerning new build homes, as Energy Performance Certificates (documenting the energy use and carbon dioxide emissions of a dwelling) are now required as part of the submission. |