Client Reviews

Introduction

Having an architectural practice based in Shetland has given us in depth skills and experience that is particularly relevant to working in the isles, and is easily transferable to work elsewhere. Our team has a creative and innovative approach to problem solving and high quality design.

We deal with all aspects of building design from conceptual stages to the planning and building warrant processes and construction stage.

We undertake measured surveys, feasibility studies, detailed drawing & specifications for costing and construction.

We act as lead consultant on projects, handle contract administration on behalf of our clients and provide site inspections as required.

The extent of service required from us is discussed and agreed with the client prior to commencing work on a project.

Our fees are based on the extent of work you require from us and nature of the project. Please get in touch to find out more about what we offer and related costs.

We are general practitioners in that we have undertake most types of building type in various sectors, as may be required in Shetland.

We work outwith Shetland, having undertaken in Orkney, the Ourter Hebrides and on the and Scottish mainland.

Practice

By applying the following principles to our projects, we can transform your vision into a reality that exceeds expectation.

Budgets

Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of our work is assessing a client's budget against what the actual cost may be in 18 months time, when at the stage of tendering the project for actual prices. We always advise clients to employ a Quantity Surveyor to provide tailored budget predictions. Where this option is not taken, we aim to help our clients develop an early understanding of their budget limitations using recent precedents as the best indication in Shetland's often unpredictable building market. We review with the client at this at critical stages along the process, where market prices are available, and adjust as may be appropriate. We also help navigate clients through the complexities of preparing for, and building their project. In terms of our own fee structure, we operate an upfront and transparent fee system based on the level of work the client requires from us.

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Communication - Image

Communication

We are good listeners. Regular dialogue with our client helps us to take a collaborative approach to enable our clients to unlock their potential and deliver successful projects imaginatively and effectively.

Durability

Durability is imperative, and we have extensive experience of building construction methods that can withstand the harsh coastal climate.

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Livability - Image

Livability

We develop a comprehensive understanding of a how a client intends to use their building, and to get a feel of how comfort, warmth, light, enclosure and shelter will be experienced. We want to ensure people using the building can enjoy a positive connection with their surroundings.

Landscape and environment

We take pride in our understanding of scale and appropriateness for various projects, in a range of places from tight urban spaces to one-off houses in coastal landscape. We try to ensure that our buildings achieve a regionally sensitive response to site, purpose and their surroundings.

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Sustainable approaches

Sustainable design and reducing energy consumption is fundamental to all buildings. There are differing extents to which a building can be both constructed and used sustainably depending on budget, location and use. However, we believe a sustainable approach must be applied to all of our work.

People

Architect & Practice Director - Image

Adrian Wishart / Architect & Practice Director

Dip.Arch.(Dstn).BSc(Hons) ARB RIAS RIBA

Adrian became Director of the practice in 2019 having been Co Director since 2011. Having studied at Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and working as an architect in Edinburgh and Aberdeen for ten years, Adrian moved back to his native Shetland to join this practice in 2005. He has enjoyed significant involvement with most projects produced by the practice during this time, including various award winning projects.

Architectual Technologist - Image

Mark Dennis / Architectual Technologist

ACIAT

Mark joined the practice in 2019 having deciding to embark on a new adventure with his family and relocating from England to live and work in Shetland. Mark has experience in working on a wide variety of project types from commercial, industrial and domestic. In addition, he has worked on many interesting and challenging projects during almost 17 years as technician and surveyor with the British Armed Forces. Mark continues to work on a highly varied selection of projects at née gibson architects.

Clients

Some of our local and national clients

Awards

Media

Features on the practice and its projects

Details & Affiliations

Historical Background

née gibson architects was born of its predecessor, Richard Gibson Architects in 2022. Richard Gibson Architects was founded by its namesake in 1972 to respond to a need for a locally based architectural service, previously provided remotely from mainland Scotland. Over 50 years the practice has developed a unique wealth of experience of building in the harsh Shetland climate, has endured the difficulties, and enjoyed the benefits of working in a remote island such as Shetland.

In 2011 the practice became a limited company with long serving architects Nick Brett and Adrian Wishart joining Richard Gibson as directors, Richard and Nick retired in 2016 and 2019. As the practice enters its 50th successful year, it was renamed née gibson architects with Adrian Wishart at the helm.

We are general practitioners in that we have undertaken most types of building type in various sectors, as may be required in Shetland’s locale and occasionally outwith Shetland, in Orkney, Isle of Lewis and on the and Scottish mainland.

Company Details

née gibson architects is a trading name for Richard Gibson Architects Ltd.

Richard Gibson Architects Ltd is a company registered in Scotland - No. SC395919

We are an Apple Mac based practice and have been for over 25 years. We use Vectorworks 2 & 3D CAD, Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Photoshop with various other designware software at our disposal.

Memberships and Affiliations

All architects are members of the following bodies: