Who we are
Established in 2010, we are a family practice, living and working on the Isle of Mull on the north-west coast of Scotland, with over 40 years of combined experience. Our design approach is to honour the traditional architectural aesthetic of the Scottish islands and to bring a contemporary perspective to our rural projects. We pride ourselves in listening to and working around the needs of our clients, and on consistently creating great value, sustainable and beautiful architecture. Together, we build spaces that are imaginative, innovative and integrated into the land and seascapes we call home.
We are specialists in energy saving and environmental design and know that clients are increasingly environmentally conscious and that energy costs are a real concern. We will help you get the best value from your budget and guide you through the process of design, planning, warrant and construction through to completion.
Follow our own self-build Passive House project, Taigh Tech on Instagram here.
Will Thorne BArch PGDip MA.
Will was born and brought up in London, and studied at the Glasgow School of Art. Will has worked for Anne Thorne Architects, Richard Rogers (RSH+P)on a wide range of projects, from nursery schools to skyscrapers and international airports. Will is interested in structural solutions, robotics, computers, thermal dynamics, and all things technical and is also qualifying as a Lifeboat Coxswain for the RNLI.
Jenny Wyness BArch PGDip MA RIAS.
Originally from the Isle of Skye, Jenny studied architecture and architectural history and interpretation and has worked on projects ranging from homes, hotels, retail, and listed refurbishments to new build housing and offices. Currently, Jenny is specialising in refurbishment projects that approach the landscape and biodiversity as essential parts of the sustainable whole. Jenny is a PassivHaus designer.
Working with Us
Based on the island, we have strong experience in construction and procurement for refurbishments, new builds, and listed buildings for rural commercial and residential clients.
When you start a project with us, we work with you to create a clear design brief that covers use, space needs, appearance, site limits, and budget. If you already have a brief or sketches, we can use those.
Fees (RIAS Guidelines)
Our fees are calculated three ways: a percentage; a fixed lump sum; or by agreed hourly/daily rates. Expenses can be included or billed separately. We can discuss these options and provide a personalised quote.
Realising your project
As Chartered Architects, we divide projects into standard work stages. Each stage ends with a key milestone where you review and approve our work before we continue. Not every project needs every stage, and we can add services later with your consent if needed.
Feasibility (Brief and Initial Design)
Can be carried out as a standalone study with no further commitment.
We ascertain whether the scheme is feasible on your suggested site and identify any fundamental issues, such as local planning restrictions, access to services, programme and budget concerns.
We interpret your brief into initial sketch drawings or models to identify a design solution. Once initial consultations with statutory authorities take place, we work with you to produce an agreed set of final sketch plans.
Planning
The outline design shows the building’s look, where fixtures and fittings go, and how key construction details will work. Thorne Wyness will check the proposals meet the agreed budget and your goals for quality, maintenance and performance. We will provide drawings and, if needed, documents for your planning application and can advise if planning permission is not required.
Building Warrant
We will prepare the application to the local authority for a building warrant on your behalf which requires the chartered architect (and consulting engineer) to submit drawings and calculations that show how proposals comply with the current Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations. Construction is not normally permitted to commence without this statutory approval. For new- build projects the warrant submission will also require an air tightness test and energy assessment.
Construction Documentation & Tender
Once the warrant is issued, we compile the tender package (contract drawings, material specifications, Bill of Quantities, and Conditions of Contract) to invite and analyse prices from your preferred builders.
Contract administration
During construction, we act as Contract Administrators. We make periodic site visits to inspect progress, enforce quality, issue instructions to the contractor, and ensure the work is carried out to your satisfaction.
Exposure to sea winds and driving rain requires strategy. We can provide a custom maintenance manual to help you plan regular sequences of inspection for all external elements.
