ABOUT

Founded in 1993, we are an experienced Edinburgh-based architecture practice working throughout Scotland.

For over three decades, we’ve been quietly shaping homes throughout Edinburgh, East Lothian and Perthshire, drawing on a deep understanding of the fabric of our cities, towns and rural landscapes. This legacy gives us the confidence to design with clarity, purpose and long-term vision.

We specialise in expressive yet restrained residential architecture. Our work is defined by a considered, rigorous design process, one that values patience, precision and simplicity. Every line has intention. Every space feels calm, coherent and attuned to the lives of those who inhabit it. Learn more about our Ethos.

Respect sits at the heart of our practice: respect for architectural heritage, for materials and landscape, and for the people we work with. From craftspeople and consultants to our clients, we build strong, collaborative relationships grounded in trust and care. Learn more about our Process.

With studios in Edinburgh and East Lothian and a growing presence in Perthshire, our work spans Scotland’s Central Belt and the Scottish Highlands. From listed townhouses to rural retreats, extensions to new builds, we bring a specialist focus to homes and domestic life. Our experience with local planning, conservation and construction, paired with a trusted network of collaborators, means we can navigate even the most complex residential projects with ease.

Our architecture is purposeful, pared back and deeply rooted in place. Recognised for its design quality, craftsmanship and environmental responsibility, our work continues to be awarded and celebrated.

People

Our team brings energy, curiosity and care to every project, motivated by the challenge of creating thoughtful, award-worthy homes that reimagine domestic life across urban, suburban and rural settings.

DIRECTOR ARCHITECT

Seán Gaule

Seán graduated with distinction from the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture in 2010, exhibiting at the Royal Scottish Academy’s New Contemporaries and earning recognition in the RIBA Silver Medal. His professional work has since received a RIAS Award for Best Heritage Project (2017) and features regularly in the national press. As a director of Somner Macdonald, Seán specialises in both heritage properties and new builds, delivering beautiful homes through strong client relationships and collaborations with skilled craftspeople.

DIRECTOR ARCHITECT

Tom Armistead

Tom graduated with distinction from the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture in Aberdeen, joining SMA in 2017 after working on domestic, commercial, and public projects across Scotland. His passion for creating homes that both inspire and delight is central to his role as director, shaping the ethos and design approach of the practice. Tom works closely with clients to deliver projects that are both imaginative and deeply personal.

DIRECTOR ARCHITECT

Keith Macdonald

Keith is based in North Berwick, focusing on East Lothian and beyond, having worked in several parts of Scotland earlier in his career. He thrives on working with clients, seeking ways of shaping their homes to create change to their lives.

Senior Chartered Architectural Technologist

Oliver Hibbs

Oliver joined SMA in 2021, bringing nearly a decade of experience across social housing, conversions, and restoration projects in both north-east Scotland and Edinburgh. A Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, he has a strong interest in sustainability and the conservation of historic buildings through adaptive reuse. Oliver plays a key role in delivering technically robust, high-quality projects.

Chartered Architectural Technologist

Emma Sanderson

Emma graduated from the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture in 2016 and joined SMA in 2021 after working on large affordable housing projects across Edinburgh, Midlothian, and the Borders. A Chartered Architectural Technologist, she brings expertise in bespoke detailing and technical design, contributing to projects from early stages through to delivery.

PROJECT ARCHITECT

Kirstin Forsyth

Kirstin joined SMA in 2021 after earning her M.Arch from the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. She has worked at respected practices in Scotland and Northern Ireland, with a strong focus on detailing and the quality of space. Her graduating project was commended by the EAA McKay Student Medal in 2018, and she is currently completing her Part 3 qualification.

PROJECT ARCHITECT

Laure Humbert

Laure joined SMA in 2023, bringing international experience from France, Sweden, and Brazil. She graduated from the National School of Architecture of Nancy in 2017, specialising in Architectural Theory and Critique, and completed her Part 3 in Edinburgh in 2023. An active board member of the Edinburgh Architectural Association, Laure contributes both design expertise and global perspective to the team.

PROJECT ARCHITECT

Greig Penny

Greig joined SMA in 2025, bringing experience from Scotland, Denmark and Belgium. He holds a Master’s degree with Distinction and has worked on projects ranging from large-scale developments in the USA to bespoke private homes in Scotland. His design work is underpinned by a focus on the visual and sensory qualities of architecture, supported by high-end visualisation skills. Greig’s previous work has been recognised with a RIBA National Award, a Saltire Award, and an RSA New Contemporaries Award, and shortlisted for the AJ Small Projects and RIAS Awards.

Projects

Whether breathing new life into a historic building or designing something entirely new, we specialise in unlocking the potential of every site across Edinburgh, East Lothian and Perthshire. Our work integrates seamlessly with its surroundings, combining innovative solutions with a respectful understanding of context, character and place.

While our portfolio highlights just ten selected projects, our Index offers a wider view of our work, reflecting three decades of residential expertise and our legacy as one of Scotland’s longest-established architecture practices.

Projects