William James Doherty was born in 1887, probably in Londonderry [Derry], Ireland and was articled to Edward J. Toye (1857-1932) in Londonderry [Derry] He also attended the Architectural Association of Ireland classes in Dublin. After working as an assistant to William Henry Byrne & Sonsin Dublin for two years, he commenced independent practice as an architect in Londonderry [Derry] in 1914. In c.1926 he was appointed engineer to the County Board of Health of Co. Donegal. In 1948 he formed a partnership with Bernard Francis Rhatigan (1916-?) of Sligo. Doherty was elected an associate member of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects in 1914. Member of the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland (MRIAI) in 1915. He died in April 1951
St. Columba's Boys' National Schools, Londonderry; Parochial Ball and Technical School at Carndonagh, Co. Donegal. [Source: Who's Who in Architecture 1914]
For a detailed list of over 100 architectural projects by William James Doherty from 1914-1949 see the Dictionary of Irish Architects 1720-1940
Directory of British Architects 1834-1914. Compiled by Antonia Brodie, et al. Volume 1: A-K. London; New York: British Architectural Library, Royal Institute of British Architects/Continuum, 2001