The Practice has recently been invited to consider alterations and extension of the Duke of Bedford’s summer residence near the family’s historic Grade 1 listed Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire.

The existing house is a former stable block set in beautiful parkland in the heart of the Green Belt.

The 6,000 sq. ft. brick and slate roofed building has a 2 storey core with the living accommodation arranged in a linear fashion. Two projecting single storey wings form the entrance courtyard and provide service and staff rooms.

Planning policy dictates that a maximum of 40% of the existing footprint can be added.

One of our recent private residential projects, Millness, has been selected for inclusion in the shortlist for this year’s 2010 IAA Central Area awards of the North of Scotland and Islands RIAS Chapter.

The awards are made in recognition of good design across a number of different building types.

Millness consists of two existing traditional buildings which have been altered and linked together by the insertion of a series of oblongs into which the principal living accommodation has been relocated.

The Awards are announced on 10 June and are exhibited until 25 June at the Highland Archive Centre, Bught Park, Inverness.

Michael MacDonald also joined the practice in August as a RIBA Pt 1 Assistant. Michael is gaining his first year out practical experience with the practice. He is studying at Strathclyde University.

Anna Carswell, our Junior Technician has been awarded the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists Cup from UHI where she has just completed her HNC.

Lynne Sproull, the Practice's Senior Architect, is to return to work in January 2010 after the birth of Charlie in March 2009.

In commercial work we are at an advanced stage of design of a large tourist related project which is self-sustaining. The accommodation comprises a number of lodges for rental with adjacent communal and management facilities set in a remote hillside location overlooking Strathglass.

We are working on the alterations and conversion of four listed Grade 'B' properties ranging from a special needs educational college outside Inverness to an unusual post and beam hunting lodge in Sutherland.

Another commercial project at the sketch design stage is a proposal for a new courtyard of 6 self catering units in the centre of Nairn.

Our residential work continues strongly and currently involves a number of comprehensive conversions of houses and steadings as well the design of new private houses some in excess of 400m2.

It's the perfect opportunity to speak to an expert about bringing your idea to life and creating the space you have always wanted. Please refer to the website below for further details of the scheme.