Guest Blog: HRI Munro

November 9, 2026

HRI Munro Architecture is a Highland architectural practice with expertise in renewable energy, port infrastructure and industrial development. The team supports clients from early feasibility and design through to construction, bringing local knowledge and technical experience to projects across offshore wind, tidal energy, hydrogen and pumped storage hydro.

Q&A

1. Can you introduce your business and what you do?

HRI Munro is an architectural practice with offices in Inverness and Thurso. Established in 1997, we deliver projects throughout the Highlands and Islands for local authorities, public agencies, and industrial and commercial organisations, with project values ranging from £0.5 million to £45 million

2. How do your products or services support businesses looking to invest, build, or expand in the Green Freeport?

Our local presence and extensive industrial experience enable us to support Green Freeport investors from initial brief through to delivery. We have specific experience in onshore facilities serving offshore renewables, understand the relevant compliance processes, and know the resources available locally. Investors requiring
new or expanded facilities can therefore draw on responsive, experienced, and cost effective professional support focused on meeting programme, quality, and budget requirements.

3. What sets your business apart — why should investors and partners work with you?

Our local roots give us a direct stake in the communities we serve, supported by decades of experience working across the Highlands. We are an award winning practice with a long track record of successful projects and satisfied clients. We respond proactively to each client’s priorities, developing design solutions that respond to the brief and the site, to deliver quality architecture. Because all our staff are based locally, we can respond quickly throughout a project, support programme and procurement targets, and help clients achieve the best possible value for money.

4. How are you contributing to the wider Highland economy, community, or sustainability goals?

HRI Munro is employee owned through an Employee Ownership Trust, meaning our locally based staff have a direct stake in the long term success of the business and the communities it serves. We have specific experience in delivering onshore facilities for renewable energy sectors, including hydropower, offshore wind, subsea turbines, and green hydrogen. Through this work, our contribution to sustainability and renewable energy goals is direct and ongoing. We support community enterprise and culture through long term sponsorship of Highland music and drama, UHI graduate awards, and professional standards

5. Looking ahead, what opportunities do you see for your sector within the Green Freeport?

As the Green Freeport develops, demand for architectural, engineering, and related professional services will grow. Although developers have often appointed suppliers from outside the Highlands and Islands, capable and well resourced local practices can deliver these services while retaining and reinvesting more of the resulting income in the region. HRI Munro is one such practice. The Green Freeport’s recognition of this approach should create further opportunities for Highlands based suppliers as development accelerates. Investors can benefit from local sourcing through responsive service, regional knowledge, and strong
value for money. We therefore anticipate significant growth in demand for professional services. HRI
Munro has the local presence, staff expertise, experience, and resources to provide high quality architectural support to Green Freeport investors across all sectors.