Our People

Rebecca joined GLM in 2023 to undertake a Graduate Apprenticeship in Building Surveying. Rebecca was passionate about undertaking an apprenticeship as she realised there would be real benefit from blending working with block release study at Edinburgh Napier. This will allow her to pursue her degree whilst also gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Rebecca enjoys a challenge and will take her role and learning in her stride. A native of the Cairngorms, Rebecca enjoys swimming, skiing, hockey and shinty – she has some impressive injuries from all of these activities! Whenever home in the Cairngorms, Rebecca can be found walking her Labrador Isla!

Ailsa joined GLM in 2021 to complete her Part I placement from the Glasgow School of Art, MacKintosh School of Architecture. Since then, she returned to university and achieved her Bachelor of Architecture and Diploma in Architecture, all whilst working part-time for GLM.

Ailsa is now back with GLM full-time as a Part II Architectural Assistant, working on a variety of projects including an Edinburgh Aparthotel and residential properties in NW Highlands. She has a diverse skillset and applies this to the design of buildings in different contexts.  Ailsa’s final year design thesis was centred around revitalising a disused stone quarry. She is passionate to continue expanding her knowledge of innovative ways to use our natural materials to enhance our existing built environment.

Outside of work Ailsa enjoys travelling and exploring new places both in Scotland and further afield. 

Adelaide is a Part II Architectural Assistant, and joined GLM in 2023. She graduated from University of Strathclyde in 2021 with an MArch in Advanced Architectural Design, and has since gained experience of large-scale multi-disciplinary projects and small-scale residential projects.

Prior to studying Architecture, Adelaide completed an HND in interior design and regularly brings this insight into her work, considering how architectural elements will affect the interior of a project. Overarchingly she is driven to create design that resonates.

Adelaide is a creative by nature, and enjoys 35mm film photography, sketching and jewellery design as well as running, hill walking and travelling.

Zinnie joined GLM in the summer of 2024 from Historic England, bringing both a passion for historic buildings and landscapes and a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Previous roles in building conservation, planning and grants, as well as Masters degrees in Building Surveying and Conservation of the Historic Environment and a BA in Historical Archaeology give Zinnie a wide ranging knowledge. She particularly enjoys the quirks, challenges and surprises that old buildings present and the beauty of traditional materials.

Zinnie is a full member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) and volunteers on their Scotland branch committee.

Outside of work Zinnie enjoys visiting historic buildings, running, hillwalking, gardening and collecting antiques.

Angus joined GLM in September 2021 as Assistant Building Surveyor to satisfy the placement element of his third year studying Building Surveying at Edinburgh Napier University. Angus returned to his studies whilst continuing to work part-time with GLM, graduating in 2023 with a First Class degree and achieving the university medal.

Since then Angus has become a key member of the building surveying team, leading projects both in Edinburgh and the Highlands.

Angus brings with him enthusiasm and passion for the built environment alongside a desire to gain the practical experience to complement his knowledge built up at university. When not working with the team, Angus plays rugby for Edinburgh Accies and enjoys getting out and about in rural Scotland.

Neil is GLM’s champion of design. His award-winning John O’Groats Inn and Kilchoan Chapel demonstrate his range and adaptability although they represent just a tiny fraction of his highly creative output. He combines a deep knowledge, love, and understanding of old buildings with a flair for creative new architecture.

After gaining a degree in architecture he went on to acquire an MSc in Architectural Conservation from Edinburgh College of Art. Neil combines a creative and a highly logical mind. He can quickly grasp the essence of a client’s objectives and is always striving to create something of beauty whatever the brief and budget.

Neil represents Scotland on the committee for the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association (EASA) celebrating religious buildings across the UK.

Neil's curiosity invariably takes him to interesting places with unique and diverse architectural features.

Ian is one of the founding partners of the practice, which was established in 1995. Now, he acts as Executive Chairman. In 2016 he was the chairman of the RICS in Scotland.

Ian is a chartered building surveyor with a first class academic background and a keen eye for design. He is therefore proud to lead a team of architects and building surveyors. His interests are wide ranging from the technical to the strategic. Ian is well versed in the full range of the profession having performed the full range of building surveying duties in the course of his career including project management, major dilapidations claims, building condition surveys, building refurbishment and property management. He has a particular interest and specialism in the hotel and leisure sectors.

Whenever he can Ian escapes to the countryside on his mountain bike or cycling the mountain passes of Mallorca.

Jaime joined GLM in 2021, with over 10 years of broad experience in construction management, conservation and design. He has worked on a variety of projects within Scotland, including surveying and adaptation of listed buildings for restoration, and refurbishment and extensions of residential properties.

Jaime has a passion for conservation which saw him study an MSc Architectural Conservation at the University of Edinburgh, he has been involved with the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS) assessing planning applications for listed buildings and conservation area consents. Early in his career Jaime worked as the Principal Architect in restoring the 17th Century Monastery of Comendadoras of Santiago in Madrid.

Originally a Spanish Native, Jaime now lives in Edinburgh with his wife and child. He enjoys playing basketball, cooking and exploring Scotland.

Shirley is a familiar face to GLM, she rejoined the firm in 2022 as the PA to the Directors. With a background as an experienced office manager and PA, Shirley's management of outlook and calendar are truly unrivalled. She has worked in a diverse range of industries, thus, her skills and connections are a true asset to the team.

Beyond her main role supporting the directors, Shirley is passionate about wellbeing and mental health in the workplace. She has recently undertaken a Level 7 Wellbeing and Resilience Programme.

Shirley admits she is a complete foodie, she loves trying new restaurants and also growing her own vegetables at home. Shirley is lucky to live in a semi-rural area with lots of beautiful walks surrounding, this is perfect for walks with her crazy cockapoo Finn!

Natalie joined the team in 2023 as a Part II Architectural Assistant upon graduating from Newcastle University with a Master of Architecture. Following her thesis project that explored the application of adaptive reuse, she now concentrates on gaining practical experience in conservation.

With experiences in an array of civic and interior projects, Natalie is driven to utilise her deep passion to create practical and artful spaces that engage with the community.

Outside of work, Natalie continues her creative flow in contemporary dancing and embroidery, while capturing scenic views of Scotland on hikes.

Lilli joined the team in 2021 having graduated from University of Edinburgh with a first in Business Management. Having been raised near Tain, Lilli brings a connection between two of the key GLM locations. Her warm outgoing personality, direct style and passion for quality combine to influence the buoyancy of the team and support us in reaching out to clients, past present and future.

Working with GLM’s experienced team of architects, building surveyors and project managers, Lilli’s main task is that of communication: ensuring that GLM’s vision and services are communicated in a clear, consistent and attractive form. Further, she brings experience of working in luxury hospitality to GLM's team environment to uphold our focus on a high-quality service.

Out of hours Lilli can usually be found making the most of the outdoors, she enjoys wild swimming and ticking off the Munros.

Martha joined the GLM team in Summer 2024 as a Part II Architectural Assistant. She graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2019 and gained experience working on small-scale residential projects before completing her studies in 2023 from the Glasgow School of Art. Martha’s final thesis project explored the re-use of existing buildings for community regeneration.

Martha is passionate about people. She wants the spaces she designs to encourage meaningful connection, both socially, historically, and architecturally. She is currently working on the design of a distillery on the west coast of Scotland.

Outside of work, Martha enjoys spending time with friends in the Scottish landscape, hiking, walking and wild swimming – as well as learning to play the fiddle!

David joined GLM soon after it was founded as a graduate from the University of Liverpool School of Architecture, and subsequently qualified. He has matured to become one of the most experienced Scottish architects in the adaptation and reuse of existing buildings. David now leads GLM acting as the Managing Director of the practice whilst also undertaking the role of the lead architect on high end heritage residential properties.

Calm, unflappable, technically knowledgeable and having a deep understanding of the architecture of the past and present, David is a Conservation accredited architect and maintains the highest of standards. Although he has a strongly developed sense of design and an unwavering eye for what looks right, David is the opposite of a domineering architect. He will advise and lead when required but is always respectful of the client’s needs and ambitions.

He creates buildings that are open, warm and well-proportioned. Dedicated, trustworthy, passionate and unassuming, David gets things done and forms a strong bond of understanding and loyalty with clients.

Finn joined GLM for the summer of 2021 and has continued his role with GLM post-graduation from Building Surveying at Edinburgh Napier University. Finn brings a broad educational background to his role at GLM having worked with Historic Environment Scotland, as a Stonemason on St Mary’s Cathedral (amongst others), and a First Class degree in Architectural History from Edinburgh University.

Along with an insightful and ongoing understanding of sustainability issues, Finn brings all of this along with infectious enthusiasm to his work.

Clients can be confident in Finn's clear and thorough approach and able communication, which has led to a string of successful projects.

Following a period of 14 years overseas, Doug Lawson returns to the Practice he co-founded in 1996. A Chartered Building Surveyor, Doug has a passion for property development and asset maximisation, along with high-end residential refurbishments. He is people-centric and ultimately strives to create strong relationships with his Team, Clients and contacts.

Working overseas in various senior Project Management roles, Doug’s strong leadership and natural ability to manage Stakeholders collaboratively, backed by years of technical experience, saw him deliver a variety of mixed-use developments during his 8 years with Australia’s largest developer of master-planned communities, including seniors’ living and medium-density residential.

Doug is able to give Clients assurance and lead projects to a successful outcome in a calm, measured and thorough manner.

Derek joined the GLM team in Summer 2023, following a period running his own architecture practice. He brings a wealth of experience having completed a number of award winning buildings across Scotland focused on the renovation and adaptation of listed buildings. This ranges from contemporary additions to residential properties, to leisure, tourism and performance spaces.

Derek is responsible for mentoring and training the Part I & II architectural assistants at GLM developing and nurturing our next generation of talented designers. He maintains a relationship with Edinburgh University’s Architecture department (ESALA) as a Senior Tutor teaching part time across design courses in Architecture, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture.

Forming the first chartered building surveying practice in Edinburgh in 1985, 11 years later David led GLM to independence with the office reflecting David's lateral thinking, interest and enthusiasm for design and conservation.

With over 45 years of experience in property and construction, and being one of only a handful of conservation accredited Building Surveyors in Scotland, David brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise and inspiration to clients and the whole GLM team.

David always has at least one campaign on the go. Currently he is working with others in a concerted effort to improve the arrangements for the maintenance and repair of buildings in common ownership in Scotland. After 4 years of campaigning this topic is beginning to attract the attention of politicians of all parties in Scotland.

As a passionate and gifted Technologist, Helen brings to GLM a wealth of experience at the sharp end of design having helped deliver projects across the UK. With a particular interest in heritage buildings and focussing on initial surveys and intricate and sensitive detailing, Helen fits right in with the team.

Helen completed a Masters in Architectural Conservation in 2021, gaining accreditation from the Institute of Historic Building Conservation. Her thesis examined Collective Conservation of Theatres in Edinburgh, in which she earned a distinction and the ESALA architectural conservation prize. Prior to this, she blended her studies with gaining experience in Architecture projects in both city and country scapes.

Helen describes herself as a Flâneur, enjoying exploring vibrant cities and meeting the people that inhabit them.

Julie is an experienced Chartered Architect, with extensive knowledge in rural and urban design, construction and technology. She joined the GLM team following over twenty years running her own award winning architectural practice, which specialised in sustainable and low carbon construction. Her experience includes retrofit and new build; single and multiple house commissions, visitor centres, education, museum and art gallery design. She is a trained Passivhaus Designer and has completed a number of projects to this rigorous low energy standard.

Julie combines working in practice with teaching design to Architecture students at The University of Edinburgh and is also an assessor for the final professional exam in Architecture (RIBA Part 3). She is a Past President of the Edinburgh Architectural Association (EAA) and was a Trustee and Non-Executive Board Member for the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).

When she’s not working Julie enjoys yoga, hill walking, travelling and meeting up with friends and family.

Joining the Architectural Technologist team in October 2022 - Taylor has a passion for architectural conservation and historic buildings. This places her at home at GLM!

Taylor studied at Edinburgh Napier University and graduated as an Architectural Technologist, she then went onto follow her passion for conservation by undertaking an MSc Architectural Conservation at the University of Edinburgh. Since then, she has gained experience on a variety of projects involving historic buildings and their reuse.

Outside of work Taylor enjoys reading, photography and drone flying - we look forward to getting some of her shots on our social media!

India has recently joined GLM to begin a Building Surveying Graduate Apprenticeship. She had spent a period of time gaining experience in the industry working as a property manager and whilst doing this she developed an appreciation for the built environment of Edinburgh. It encouraged India pursue a career in building surveying.

India opted for the Graduate Apprenticeship route as she saw great value in combining practical work with academic study, gaining experience working on real-life projects whilst working towards a degree.

Out of the office, India enjoys caring for and competing her showjumping horses and exploring new restaurants. She’s excited to start her career as a building surveyor and looks forward to the opportunities ahead.

Susana, a Spanish native, has been working and living in Scotland for over 10 years. With a degree in Business Management and Administration obtained in Madrid, 1999, she has over 20 years of experience in bookkeeping, accounting and financial management. Susana's professional experience has been gained working in a variety of environments, from small to large firms.

Outside of work Susana is passionate about gardening, plants and growing, she recently completed a Bachelors degree in Horticulture from SRUC. Susana also loves to spend her free time reading, cooking, hiking, identifying plants and birdwatching in Scotland's countryside.