Dualchas

The renovation at Carnoch parish church at Strathconan is a fine example of the many T-plan churches designed by engineer and architect Thomas Telford across the Highlands. The finished building is a testament to the commitment of the clients to invest in the heritage of their own community. Our clients, a family of 5 came to us with a site and a sketch which described their brief. The site is an elevated bare croftland site with views over Dunvegan bay to the Waternish peninsula. It has long views to the north to Isle of Harris and south towards Dunvegan.

At Dualchas Architects we have a clear ethos; that truly sustainable architecture has a connection to the past and the place; architecture that will be cherished and cared for by future generations. By instilling community confidence and value in design it allows people to engage in ideas about what makes beautiful places, and encourages the sustainable development of our communities. It is architecture which responds to the topography, the climate, and the local culture; which is inspired by its specific location.

Architects are an investment, not just in getting a great design, but in a design that is created around you and your needs. People offering to alter your property, add a room or change your style are plenty, but it takes an architect to understand your needs, the environment around the building and then design something that raises the ordinary to the extraordinary. Working with you from conception to construction, we go beyond what is expected to ensure each project we complete is bespoke, of the highest standards and meet each and every one of your requirements.

Bringing life back to an old building is one of the most rewarding projects which an architect can undertake with their client. Often old buildings have a huge amount of embodied energy - particularly ones made of stone - which were built with the labour of previous generations. Therefore, it is not just about respecting the designs of the past, it is also about respecting the efforts which were spent. If we are to address the carbon challenge, building on the previous works of others is a great starting point.

Dualchas will approach each design afresh, and not come to any project with fixed ideas - only an ambition to design buildings that suit the context, the brief and the budget. Our range of designs and attention to detailing show a response not just to context and brief, but a desire to continually improve the quality of what we deliver. From living rooms to home offices, we push the boundaries and continuously strive to create new spaces that exceed all expectations. Also known as "retrofit", Dualchas has developed a strong portfolio of projects where we have given new life to old buildings by transforming its use, its performance and the interiors.

Dualchas Building Design was founded on the Isle of Skye in 1996 by brothers Alasdair Stephen and Neil Stephen. In 2012 it was renamed Dualchas Architects. Also part of the Dualchas architecture team are Laura McInnes, Ruaraidh Flyn, Ian Hall, Hania Steplewska, Sophie Rowland, Aiden Moore and Tony Halbert as well as office manager Nicola MacBride and finance manager Sharon Clayton. In February 2006 Dualchas opened a Glasgow office as the business expanded. From humble beginnings Dualchas has grown into a highly successful practice, offering clients an unsurpassed technical skill base rooted in broad architectural experience and the graphic, presentational and master-planning expertise of its staff.

Architecture is as important to the culture of a community as language and music. Great strides have been made in recent years to invigorate the Gaelic language and song of the Gàidhealtachd - our mission at Dualchas has been to do the same for Highland architecture. The blackhouse - a simple linear building of stone and thatch, is the traditional dwelling of the rural Highlands. To many it is as a symbol of backwardness and poverty - little more than a shelter. Our view was that it could also be seen as a marvel of purpose building in appalling economic and social conditions - one that was defined by the climate, the topography and the culture.

Whether you are looking for tradition or innovation, boldness or understatement, an architect can lift your project out of the ordinary. Many people will offer to alter your building. It takes an architect to maximise its potential and do it with flair, imagination and style. A building project, whatever its scale, can be daunting, but the same basic criteria apply, be it a simple house extension or a large office development. When you use a chartered architect you are employing someone who has undertaken seven years of professional training, the longest in the building industry.

This guidance section is primarily aimed towards people looking to build their own home, although many of the principles apply to all types of projects. Our architects at Dualchas can discuss through the process with the private or professional client in detail. Building your own home is a highly rewarding experience. It can appear daunting at first since there are so many issues to consider, but working with a good architect should allow not only the process to be easier, the end result will be much better.