Up North Architects is an ambitious Architecture and Interior Design Practice founded by Patrick Thomas.
From our studio in Manchester’s NOMA neighbourhood, we work across a broad range of interesting, innovative and design led projects.
We are design driven and aim to surprise.
We recognise all clients are unique, and the UNA approach reflects the multitude of directions that our work can take. Or might take us.
Patrick Thomas RIBA
Patrick Thomas has over 20 years experience as a front line creative designer working in architecture, master-planning and construction. This included a 17 year period at Ian Simpson Architects, where Patrick led a front end design team working directly with Ian Simpson on a series of over 600 prestigious projects.
Patrick is proud of an art school background, and aims to bring focussed creativity to the design process. Up North Architects seeks to avoid the narrow range of conventional and expected architectural influences, and brings a dynamic and creative approach to unlock the potential of individual projects.
Patrick enjoys working directly with clients in a creative atmosphere to interrogate the the initial brief, and move quickly to establish creative concepts that lead to unique and original designs. He believes adding commercial value is a fundamental objective for architects.
Nick Bowker RIBA
Since joining Up North Architects Nick has made a big contribution to the design and delivery of a wide range of Interior Design and Architectural projects.
By keeping a keen focus on materiality and detailing throughout the design process Nick aims to ensure the highest quality outcome for each project. Often working within difficult sites and buildings, Nick enjoys taking diverse and complex problems and finding elegant spatial solutions.
Having worked with several listed buildings and heritage assets Nick endeavours to create respectful interventions, practical for contemporary use, but deferential to the existing heritage.
Nick leads project delivery within the practice, utilising and administering building contracts to organise the construction process and safeguard client investments.