Jim studied architecture at Leicester Polytechnic and De Montfort University graduating in 1994 with distinction. He has an extensive track record in the design and delivery of a wide range of projects. He takes a particular interest in the relationship between design and technical output, the coordination and quality of construction detailing and its execution on site. His experience has also included a variety of construction and procurement methodologies and he is well versed in a variety of roles: administrator, manager, designer, coordinator and facilitator.

Since the formation of Nissen Richards Studio in 2010, he has provided design, management and administrative support on numerous high-profile art-based projects, many involving Listed Buildings or heritage assets, including those for the British Museum, Manchester Museum, National Waterways Museum, National Trust, Wallace Collection and Clwb Ifor Bach, and in 2020 gained Conservation Architect accreditation with the RIBA.

He has extensive experience in the design and delivery of commercial offices and industrial facilities. Many of these projects have acted as catalysts for the redevelopment of brownfield sites and provision of much needed local employment, and these skills have been transferred in recent years to the design and delivery of numerous small and medium-scale residential and mixed-use developments. Jim has also been involved in numerous low energy and sustainability projects, and was a licensed assessor under the former Code for Sustainable Homes environmental assessment scheme.