About MO Architects
Experienced, Considered and Planning-Led
MO Architects is a Nottinghamshire-based residential architecture practice led by Iain Orme, an ARB-registered architect with experience across more than 350 residential and planning-led projects since establishing the practice in 2008.
The practice is deliberately selective about the work it takes on. This allows each project to receive careful design thinking, clear planning advice and proper attention throughout the process.
Our role is not simply to produce drawings. We help clients understand what may be possible, what is likely to be acceptable in planning terms, and how their project can move forward in a practical and considered way.
ARB Registered
Diploma in Conservation
Established 2008
350+ Projects
RIBA President Medal Nominee
Strong Planning Success Record
Iain Orme is an ARB-registered architect originally from Southwell, Nottinghamshire, with extensive experience across Nottingham and the surrounding region. His local knowledge gives the practice a strong understanding of nearby planning authorities, housing character and the built environment.
He trained at Edinburgh College of Art and the Royal Danish Academy in Copenhagen, and also holds a Diploma in Conservation. This supports MO Architects’ work with older properties, conservation areas, listed building settings and planning-sensitive sites.
Before establishing MO Architects, Iain worked on residential and regeneration projects in London, Leeds, Sheffield and Edinburgh, before returning to the East Midlands to work in senior design roles for regional developers. His experience includes planning strategy, housing design, viability, buildability and acting as lead design witness at public inquiry.
Today, this background helps MO Architects give clients clear, practical advice from the earliest stages of a project.
How We Work
Every project starts with a conversation. Some clients arrive with a clear brief; others simply know that their home or site could work better. Either way, our role is to help you understand what may be achievable before committing to the next stage.
1
Initial conversation
We start by understanding your property, your ideas and any planning, budget or buildability concerns.
2
Feasibility and planning advice
We review the site, constraints and likely planning route so you can make an informed decision before moving forward.
3
We prepare the architectural drawings and supporting information needed for your planning application, including planning statements where required.
Design and planning application
4
After planning, we can assist with Building Regulations, tendering, contractor discussions and site-stage support, depending on the level of service you need.
Technical design and project support
Why Clients Choose MO Architects
Clients often come to us because they want more than drawings. They want to know whether their idea is realistic, whether planning permission is likely, and how to move forward with confidence.
MO Architects combines architectural design, planning knowledge, conservation awareness and development industry experience. This means we can look at a project from several angles at once: how it will look, how it will work, how a planning authority is likely to receive it, and how it can be delivered in practice.
The aim is always clear, honest advice — and architecture that feels considered, appropriate and achievable.
Community and Place
Architecture is closely connected to the quality of the places people live in. Outside the practice, Iain serves as Chair of his Parish Council and holds trustee roles with several local groups, reflecting his wider commitment to local places and community life.
He also paints in watercolour, often exploring buildings, landscapes and the character of familiar places — an attention to detail that quietly informs the design work of the practice.
And, where the diary allows, the family rescue dog Evie occasionally joins site meetings — a small reminder that architecture is ultimately about people, homes and the everyday life that happens around them.
Client Testimonial
"MO Architects have been great to work with over a number of years across three projects on our site, giving clear and thoughtful advice throughout." Mr & Mrs Pierce, Newark
Thinking about a project?
You do not need to have everything figured out before getting in touch. Helping you think it through is part of what we do.