A huge congratulations to Callum for passing his professional exams and becoming a fully qualified architect.

Last week, our team ventured over to the west coast where we got to visit a range of our more rural projects, from long-completed developments, like Frisealach and Lochaber House, to some of our newer sites that are still under construction. It was a great chance to reconnect with our work on the ground as well as spend some quality time with the team.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue bringing these projects to life!

An exciting start to 2025! Following approval from Comhairle Nan-Eilean Siar at the end of January, our new-build project on Harris is due to start on site. The project, a self-sustaining 2-bedroom home, bridges over existing 200-year-old ruins using a timber post system. The site has exceptional views to the East and West, as well as toward the Hills of Harris & Clisham, the Outer-Hebrides highest peak.

Helen recently visited Eugene to present her lecture, A Conversation or Conservation, at the University of Oregon. Drawing from projects such as Stone Garden Room and the Ingleby Gallery, the lecture showcased the process and possibilities of preserving and revitalising Edinburgh’s Georgian architecture. In her talk, Helen highlighted the delicate balance between maintaining historical features and adapting buildings for modern use, illustrating the planning challenges and heritage decisions involved. Through thoughtful repairs and alterations, Helen's presentation emphasised the vital role of conservation in ensuring these architectural gems endure for another 200 years.

Last week Helen Lucas Architects enjoyed a summer day trip to the Hill House in Helensburgh. It was fascinating to learn about the 10-year conservation programme undertaken by the National Trust to protect the property which, although a stunning display of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's architecture and Margaret Macdonald's textiles, has not withstood a century of western Scoltand's unforgiving rainfall.

The protective box, a steel frame covered in chainmail mesh, featuring walkways around and over the roof of the house, provides a unique perspective and fantastic vantage point from which to view previously hidden architectural features.