William Orde had engaged the distinguished Newcastle architect, Dobson, to remodel and enlarge what was basically an early 18th Century house, his newly acquired seat Nunnykirk. John Dobson (1727-1865) was one of the most important architects to have worked and been born in the North East of England. As well as having a large country house practice, he was responsible for the redevelopment of the centre of Newcastle in the spirit of Nash's Metropolitan Improvements. For domestic architecture Dobson was able to offer his clients both Greek Revival and Tudor Gothic styles. At Nunnykirk he used a French inspired neo-classical manner.

A feature of the interiors was the extensive and unusual use of burr-elm for the doors, doorcases and panelling. The suite, which is similarly panelled, was thus designed by Dobson as an integral part of the decorative scheme, a fact testified to by its peculiarly architectural character. The only other surviving furniture thought to have been designed by Dobson survives at Lilburn Tower, and is in the Jacobean taste.

The Humble brothers George (1798-1878) and John, appear to have been highly successful cabinet-makers, with a clientele sread much further than their native Roxburghshire. Their premises in Kelso are listed in 1825 at Roxburgh Street, and later at Brisbane Place, Crawford Street. Both brothers seem to have invested much of their fortunes in property. George was able to style himself 'esquire' and to live in the style of a gentleman after buying the estate of Old Graden, while his brother lived in Waverly Cottage, which had belonged to Sir Walter Scott;s family, but which he greatly extended