Born in London in 1947, Nicholas studied at the Architectural Association in London between 1965 and 1971. After completing his studies at the AA he founded Campbell Associates in 1972, often working with his future partners on residential refurbishments and extensions and shopfitting works for leading London fashion boutiques.

In 1975, the workload had expanded sufficiently for him to invite Roger Zogolovitch, Rex Wilkinson and Piers Gough to form the practice of Campbell Zogolovitch Wilkinson & Gough (now known as CZWG). During the 1980s, CZWG expanded to 50-strong, building up a particular expertise in innovative residential developments, especially in London Docklands, and urban regeneration projects in East London and other cities. CZWG were instrumental in pioneering Design Studio Use as a new planning use class prior to the introduction of the B1 Use Class. CZWG also pioneered the concept of Loft Living, thus establishing new uses for redundant light-industrial buildings.

During this period CZWG developed their own offices in Clerkenwell, the freehold of which they now own. Thus, the financial strength of the practice has been secured.

Nicholas, by desire rather than necessity, has always been the managing partner dealing with all aspects of the financial management of the partnership. He has also developed an expertise in planning, construction and contract law and in property development.