Architect Andrew Nicoll, whose designs include the award-winning Dundee Rep theatre, has passed away at the age of 76.
Mr Nicoll, who formed Broughty Ferry architect practice Nicoll Russell studios, was born and educated in Carnoustie in 1940.
After leaving Arbroath High School, he went on to study architecture at Duncan of Jordanstone, before spending several years in London learning his trade at practices including Powell and Moya, and Denys Lasdun.
He formed Nicoll Russell in 1982, with fellow architect Richard Russell and a team of three other staff members.
The firm started in a bedroom in Mr Nicoll’s family home, and quickly became one of the city’s best-known architecture practices.
One of the first buildings the practice designed was the Dundee Rep theatre. The Rep has recently been named one of the Scottish buildings of the century.
His wife, Dorothy, said he was a man who was very proud to be involved in designing some of Dundee’s top buildings.
“Andrew was involved in designing many of the city’s art spaces, including The Rep and the Space dance theatre,” she said.
“He was actively involved in the development of Dundee, in his role as a member of the Dundee Civic Trust.
“The Rep was like (Nicoll Russell studio’s) baby, and he was always delighted when the building won awards.”
Mr Nicoll was also representative for the north of Scotland at the Royal Institute of British Architects.
He was involved in the design of buildings across the globe, including Leicester Square in London and Sydney in Australia.
Mrs Nicoll recalls her husband once having to cut a large A1 floor plan for a building in to smaller strips so he could fax them over for a project in Portugal.
Richard Russell said: “Andrew was very supportive of everyone around him. The practice benefited from the support and encouragement he gave to everyone.
“That The Rep is up for an award of building of the century speaks volumes of what we wanted to achieve as a practice. Andrew’s ethos of ‘getting it right’ will live on at Nicoll Russell studios.”
A keen musician, Mr Nicoll was heavily involved in the local jazz scene, and organised concerts in Broughty Ferry which would attract some of the biggest touring names in the genre.
He played the trombone and the trumpet, and took part in many music sessions in Ferry establishments over the years.
Retiring in 2000, he enjoyed consulting many local clubs and organisations, and took a very hands-on role with his grandchildren, building and digging grand sand creations on Broughty Ferry beach with them.
His family remember him as a man of great humour, who was always very keen to get actively involved in all he did.
A common feeling amongst those who knew him was “there’s Andy Nicoll, he’ll know what to do”, according to his daughter Hilary.
Mr Nicoll is survived by his wife, daughters Hilary and Julie, son Duncan and his grandchildren.
