Church architect. Born in Glasgow, Chalmers trained at the Glasgow School of Art and became a pupil of John Honeyman (1831 - 1914). Chalmers established an architectural practice in the city and went on to become one of the most prolific church architects of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
His churches were often unusual, with styles including the Romanesque, Italian and German. Examples of his work include Cardonald Parish Church (1888), Kilmore Church at Dervaig (Mull, 1905), Kirn Parish Church (1906), St. Ninian's, Prestwick (1908), St Anne's Corstorphine in Edinburgh (1912), St. Margaret's in Newlands (1912) and the Chancel in Cambuslang Old Parish Church (1922).
Chalmers was also involved in several important restoration projects, including Iona, Glenluce, Melrose and Paisley abbeys. He also designed the war memorial in Ardrossan, although died before it was completed. Chalmers died in Glasgow.