Robert
Robert Fraser, Partner, has been a practicing Architect for 30 years and based in Uist since 1992. He studied at Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology in Aberdeen and has practiced in Shetland and the central belt of Scotland. With diverse experience in the private and public sector throughout the Western Isles, he has a deep understanding of cultural and environmental context, the challenges of climate, the local building industry and the statutory considerations which impact upon design.
Having led the delivery of major projects including schools, care homes, sports, leisure and adult training facilities, pre-school nursery provision and other community developments, Robert has first hand experience of the part which good architecture plays in supporting the lives of remote communities.
He thrives on the complex process of finding elegant, practical and sustainable design solutions - uniting the aesthetic and technical to make buildings which meet the brief - social, economic and environmental - and which exceed expectations to further enhance the lives of the people who use them.
Energy efficiency and low carbon design have always been central to Robert's work. He is well-informed in this fast-changing field with a wealth of practical knowledge of the innovative technologies and construction methods which work best in our exposed coastal environment.
Robert sets high standards for himself, the wider Design Team and Contractors. He is closely involved throughout the design and procurement process, priding himself on attention to detail, while retaining a strong project overview and management role.
Always practical and hands-on, Robert carried out stonework alterations to his own house, forming new window openings and a new stone fireplace. He completed an SVQ qualification in Conservation Masonry at the Scottish Lime Centre, developing his expertise in the renovation of historic and traditional buildings.
Outwith work Robert is mostly to be found outdoors - with a lifelong a passion for the sea and sailing, he loves exploring the intricate coastline in his kayak or venturing further afield by RIB. On land he is an active crofter and volunteers as assistant coach with the local amateur athletics club.
Alex
Alex is an established member of our practice, bringing valuable technical knowledge, design experience, and presentation skill to the team. Alex has worked as Architect on several of our community, commercial, domestic and masterplanning projects, through feasibility, concept design and technical design stages. His design ethos is to create buildings which are sensitive to their setting and enhance the environment.
Alex has notable experience prior to moving to the Outer Hebrides working for IBI Group as Project Architect for the new Lightbox @ the Library, part of the award-winning town centre regeneration for Barnsley; within the architectural team for the award-winning redevelopment of Kirkgate Market, Leeds; and on a commercial and industrial development for Skanska which secured BREEAM Outstanding Status.
Outwith practice, Alex is passionate about all things outdoors, and can be found cycling, walking or swimming when he isn't on the croft with his young family.
Janice
Janice Fraser, Architectural Designer and Partner gained her Masters Degree at the Mackintosh School of Architecture. After qualifying she practiced in Glasgow until a move to Uist in 1993 prompted a change of direction, for some years, into EU funded rural development work. Janice brings to the practice her creative strengths in the aesthetics of design and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities for development in remote and fragile communities.
Janice draws creative inspiration from the powerful forms of the Hebridean landscape. She explores its colours and textures through photography, hand drawing and has completed the Printmaking module of the NC course in Art and Design, delivered through the UHI North Uist campus at Taigh Chearsabhagh.
Ann
Ann has newly joined the team as a Designer after returning home to North Uist. She previously worked as an interior designer in London, on various hospitality projects in the UK, throughout Europe and in Asia. During this time, Ann gained hands on experience in a studio and on site, from concept to completion, working in a very fast-paced environment. Ann is used to balancing multiple projects whilst ensuring all work is to a high standard both conceptually and technically. Ann has also worked as a visualiser and Junior Designer in Edinburgh whilst studying at University.
Sustainability is important to Ann. Her final year major design project, named ‘BYCATCH’, and based on a concept of recycling ocean waste in the Western Isles, was a finalist in the International Federation of Interior Designers/Architects Student Award for 2022 and was shortlisted for the Interior Educators Climate Emergency and Sustainability Awards. In practice, Ann always endeavours to consider sustainability with informed product/material selection, reduction in transport where possible and consideration for the future of each space.
Outside of work, Ann loves cooking and baking. She is also enjoying reacquainting herself with island life and can usually be found either on a beach or up a hill with her dog.