The journey involved in each and every Stephen home is a long one, from planning applications to discussions about colour palettes and furnishings.
However, some of the most important stages in the process comes alive in the Drawing Office of our Perth premises – the actual designs of the homes themselves.
Here, our growing team of eight Architectural Technicians, led by Martin MacDonald, Technical Manager, design our diverse range of properties, from two bedroom apartments to six bedroom luxury villas.
With a number of new developments taking shape in the months ahead, we are delighted to introduce two new staff to our growing architectural team. Together, they will be responsible for the preparation of all necessary drawing information for Planning and Building Warrant Applications, construction drawings, timber frame fabrication drawings, sales and legal information, as well as producing in-house SAP assessments, to service all of our housing sites throughout Scotland.
So let’s meet them!
Elise Fleming, Part 3 Architectural Designer, joins the firm from various prestigious architectural practices and housebuilders. With both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Architecture and, separately, a postgraduate degree in Planning with Environmental Assessment, Elise brings a wealth of conservation and planning experience to the role.
Elise said, “Stephen is a progressive, high end company with strong family values which are evident in their customer care and commitment to creating the very best products. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work here!”
Elise, who describes herself as being ‘absolutely passionate about architecture, land and history’, brings a wealth of experience in conservation architecture, new builds and all associated planning aspects. Her specific architecture interests are passive, sustainably built buildings and micro architecture which is inspired by the rugged west coast of Scotland and the coasts of Norway.
Elise’ previous roles have seen her undertake a wide range of tasks, from working on historic country home refurbishments and new shooting lodges to London townhouse refurbishments and art deco inspired, high-end apartments. And when it comes to being ‘hands-on’, Elise has no fear, having been involved with stripping buildings back to their core, refurbishing them sensitively and building from scratch - from laying foundations and cobbles to building flitch beams!
Outwith work, Elise sails, shoots, skis, travels and enjoys hillwalking.
Meanwhile, new Architectural Technician Robert Hepburn also benefits from a diverse skillset, having previously worked as a Motor Mechanic and Engineer. Before joining us, Robert worked for one of Fife’s largest house builders and also with the UK's largest timber engineering firm, where he first became acquainted with ourselves.
Robert said, “It was during my role there that I was introduced to Stephen, involved in all of their current housing sites throughout Scotland and I went on to develop a great working relationship with the company. I was delighted to secure this position and the role particularly appealed to me due to the extensive responsibilities I would have in all aspects of architectural design, allowing me to build on my knowledge and skills. The biggest challenge for me will be updating my knowledge with current building regulations and using AutoCAD again to produce Architectural drawings rather than Mechanical design, but these are challenges I relish.”
Robert, who holds a HNC in Construction and HND in Architectural Technology, now has high hopes on pursuing a degree in Architectural Technology.
When not spending time with his wife and two year old daughter, Robert loves DIY, mountain biking and snowboarding. When he can, he also loves touring the country on his mototorbike with friends, having recently completed a four day NC500 trip around Scotland!
The Drawing Office now has a full complement of staff, some of whom boast over 25 years’ service with the company. Ross Adams, who featured in a previous newsletter, has also just qualified, finishing his apprenticeship and embracing his role of junior architectural technician.
Martin said, “We are very pleased that both Elise and Robert have joined the company and believe they will be positive additions to the Drawing Office team. Working on all of our housing sites throughout Scotland, we have no doubt that Elise and Robert will ensure that we maintain the high standards and quality we’re renowned for.”
