Who We Are
Nicholas Lindsay Architects is a design led, creative and practical contemporary Scottish architecture practice. We have extensive experience across a wide range of sectors but particularly specialise in residential, tourism, health, education and small commercial projects. We have particular expertise in one-off housing, working with existing buildings, conservation and interior design.
Our projects are composed in a contemporary Scottish style. Careful consideration is given to our Clients aspirations and the surrounding landscape. Our work celebrates beautiful materials, careful detailing and the surrounding environment.
Nicholas & Lindsay
Nicholas Lindsay Architects was started by Nicholas Goward & Lindsay McDonald. Both Chartered Architects, they met while studying Architecture at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. Since then, they have established a strong and unique architectural style bringing together elements of traditional and contemporary architecture. They work together on all projects, combining their individual skills and problem solving ability to create bespoke and thoughtful designs.
Nicholas Goward
Chartered Architect
ARB No. 088800A
Nicholas feels strongly in the uniqueness of Architecture, believing architecture must always reflect the age and cultural context that produced it. Nicholas is experienced with current BIM standards and brings a keen eye for technical detailing. Outside of work, Nicholas enjoys playing tennis, hill walking and is an avid follower of Manchester United and the Ireland Rugby teams.
Lindsay McDonald
Chartered Architect
ARB No. 091147J
Lindsay is quick to understand a building and brings a creative perspective to the role of Architecture in everyday living. Lindsay has a thorough understanding of building contracts and leading projects on site. She uses this experience to guide Clients and Contractors carefully through the construction stage. Outside of work, Lindsay can often be found in the garden, visiting museums and enjoys hill walking and yoga.
Tura
Office Dog
Tura joined NLA in mid 2022 and quickly became a key member of the team. She loves being out on site and meeting Clients. Outside of work, Tura loves long walks, cuddles and chewing everything in sight.
Our Approach
Why work with us
Architecture needs to be design led.
We design projects with a realistic and pragmatic approach, considering a wide variety of influences such as the brief, context, form, planning, materials and sustainability.
We have strong ideas on how buildings should be designed to suit Scottish conditions. We use solar diagrams to place windows correctly, incorporate large overhanging eaves to stop overheating in the Summer months and prevent solar glare from low lying sun in the Winter months.
We are creative and practical people. we have been through the process ourselves and performed many of the numerous building techniques ourselves including; plumbing, joinery, concreting, roofing, plastering and of course painting & decorating.
We listen. We never try to force our designs on our Clients. We believe in taking the time to write a strong brief and using collaborative design ensuring we deliver what our Clients want and expect.
Every project's context and brief is unique. We like to work closely with our Clients believing the design process is a team effort. The starting point is the Clients idea, from there we use hand drawn sketches, drawings and 3D visualisations to convey our thoughts. This is constantly tested and changed to suit our Clients aspirations. We are careful to design what our Clients want, not what we think you want.
As is common in the residential sector many Clients have very little experience of the building process in Scotland and we put great effort and care into guiding our Clients through each stage - from choosing a site, design, planning permission, building warrants, technical design, tendering and construction through to completion of their new home. Our knowledge, dedication and imagination are invaluable whether you are looking to build a new home or revive a building in a rural setting or extend your existing family home.
Useful Client Advice
RIBA: Working with an Architect for your home
RIAS: Why use a Chartered Architect
RIBA: How do I use an Architect