Basic Biographical Details

Name: James Houston Fisher
Designation:  
Born: c. 1932
Died: 9 December 1990
Bio Notes: James Houston Fisher was elected a student member of the RIBA in 1953. His home address was in St John's Town of Dalry about this time. He studied at the School of Art in Glasgow and was elected ARIBA in 1958. He studied for a post graduate diploma in town planning after his initial degree. He had completed this second degree by about 1959 after which he moved to work in Harlow New Town. He joined Scott Brownrigg & Turner in 1963 and became a partner in 1968.

When the firm decided to open a Glasgow office later that year Fisher was the only partner interested in moving to Scotland. The office he opened was small, but soon developed an excellent reputation among shrewd commercial clients, who appreciated his intellect, practicality and ability to produce soundly thought-out buildings, on time and within budget. Each member of the technical staff was encouraged to run his or her own projects, largely unaided apart from careful monitoring by Fisher. In 1980, the firm employed around 15 people, but handled a very large percentage of Glasgow’s commercial work. It was well-respected and profitable, thanks to the skills and personality of Fisher, aided by his carefully chosen staff. He built the practice up from these very small beginnings in Scotland to an office with staff of more than 80 after the merger with Keppie Henderson. He was joint senior partner from 1987.

He designed in what is described by his obituarist as 'his own understated modern style'. He was also very interested in architectural history and this is reflected in his sensitive restorations.

The work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh always held special interest for him and he bought an early Mackintosh house which he fitted out and furnished in a largely original style. He was also involved with the practicalities of converting three houses in Kirkcudbrightshire.

Fisher died on 9 December 1990, survived by his wife Sheila, son William and daughter Helen.

Private and Business Addresses

The following private or business addresses are associated with this :
 AddressTypeDate fromDate toNotes
Item 1 of 7Bank House, St John's Town of Dalry, Kirkcudbrightshire, ScotlandPrivatec. 1954  
Item 2 of 7122 The Hides, Harlow, Essex, EnglandPrivate1959 *  
Item 3 of 7118, Broadfield, Harlow, Essex, England 1960  
Item 4 of 78, Poplar Walk, Farnham, Surrey, EnglandPrivate1966 *  
Item 5 of 725, Oldhall Drive, Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire, ScotlandPrivate1970 *  
Item 6 of 732, London Road, Guildford, Surrey, EnglandPrivate/business(?)1979 *  
Item 7 of 74, Fitzroy Place, Glasgow, ScotlandBusiness1987  

* earliest date known from documented sources.


Employment and Training

Employers

The following individuals or organisations employed or trained this (click on an item to view details):
 NameDate fromDate toPositionNotes
Item 1 of 3Scott, Brownrigg & Turner1963 Architect 
Item 2 of 3Scott, Brownrigg & Turner1968 Partner 
Item 3 of 3Scott, Brownrigg & Turner1987 Senior Partner 

Buildings and Designs

This was involved with the following buildings or structures from the date specified (click on an item to view details):
 Date startedBuilding nameTown, district or villageIslandCity or countyCountryNotes
Item 1 of 171971Golf ClubRenfrew RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 2 of 171975Fuel terminal for Shell-Mex and BPOld Kilpatrick DunbartonshireScotland 
Item 3 of 171975Fuel terminal for Shell-Mex and BP  AberdeenScotland 
Item 4 of 171975Fuel terminal for Shell-Mex and BPGrangemouth StirlingshireScotland 
Item 5 of 17197759 houses for City of Glasgow  GlasgowScotland 
Item 6 of 171977Finlay House  GlasgowScotland 
Item 7 of 17c. 1977Royal Bank of ScotlandLenzie DunbartonshireScotlandExtension and refurbishment
Item 8 of 17c. 1977Royal Bank of ScotlandHardgate KirkcudbrightshireScotlandExtension and refurbishment
Item 9 of 17c. 1977Royal Bank of Scotland branches  GlasgowScotlandExtension and refurbishment
Item 10 of 171979Branch office for the Royal Bank of Scotland  GlasgowScotland 
Item 11 of 171979Industrial units at A8 trading estate  LanarkshireScotland 
Item 12 of 171979Office and shop development for Ravenstone SecuritiesRenfrew RenfrewshireScotland 
Item 13 of 171979Office development for Graham House Investments LtdFalkirk StirlingshireScotland 
Item 14 of 171979Office development for Municipal Mutual Insurance Company  GlasgowScotland 
Item 15 of 171979Offices for Rowntree Mackintosh Pension Trust  GlasgowScotlandRefurbishment
Item 16 of 171983Coats Viyella Building, St Vincent Street  GlasgowScotlandAs partner in charge
Item 17 of 171986Parkhead Forge Shopping CentreParkhead GlasgowScotlandAs partner

References

Bibliographic References

The following books contain references to this :
 Author(s)DateTitlePartPublisherNotes
Item 1 of 4RIBA1954RIBA Kalendar 1953-54   
Item 2 of 4RIBA1970RIBA Directory 1970   
Item 3 of 4RIBA1979Directory of members   
Item 4 of 4RIBA1987RIBA Directory of Members 1987   

Periodical References

The following periodicals contain references to this :
 Periodical NameDateEditionPublisherNotes
Item 1 of 3Builder9 December 1960  'Competition Result - Council Offices, Dumbarton, for Dunbarton County Council' pp1066-1071
Item 2 of 3RIAS NewsletterFebruary 1991v2, no6 Death note
Item 3 of 3RIBA JournalNovember 1990 London: Royal Institute of British ArchitectsObituary by John Holmes.