People

Paul Linden

Part II Architectural Assistant

Paul joined CRGP in March 2024 after a year working in Paris and Part 1 experience in Italy. He completed his Masters at the University of Strathclyde in 2022, during which he focused on various aspects of sustainability within architecture. Outside of work he enjoys keeping fit, going to museums and visiting Europe.

Alastair Stirling

Architect

Alastair joined CRGP in July 2020 after working in London for 5 years and in Singapore before that. The scope and scale of his experience covers master planning, high rise residential, medium to small scale mixed use/community use developments and private residential. This range of experience has resulted in a creative and pragmatic approach to concept design, technical design and project management.

Calum Weir

Part II Architectural Assistant

Calum joined CRGP in November of 2023 after graduating with a BArch(Hons) from the Mackintosh School of Architecture. With a passion for sustainable design and community buildings Calum has an interest in designs which are both environmentally and socially sustainable. During his studies he was drawn towards passive building strategies, investigating the benefits and advantages of using this methodology while combining it with a phonological approach to design. Through this research of architecture and urbanism has developed a skillset in Revit, photography, sketching and modelmaking.

Outside of architecture Calum plays various sports including rugby union and rugby league. He was awarded Scotland rugby leagues under 19’s player of the year then went on to represent Scotland in the under 23s commonwealth games Rugby league nines competition in Brisbane.

Calum is also an avid woodworker and maker. He enjoys making his own designs of furniture, tea boxes and decorations out of wood using hand tools.

Jack Malloch

Admin Assistant

Jack joined CRGP in May 2022 after taking a year to focus on his art once leaving school. Going straight into a working environment has been a big learning experience for Jack and he is enjoying every part of it. He loves getting stuck into new challenges, whether that be his marketing duties or his studies at college. Jack thrives from being creative in any way possible and is always incorporating his artistic ability into his work. Currently, Jack is enjoying working with marketing to create promotional graphics for the company.

Outside of work Jack can be found enjoying the sun with his family on his many travels to Tenerife or doing all his favourite artistic tasks such as drawing, painting, sculpting and self-publishing his own children’s books.

John Wright

Senior Architect

John is a knowledgeable chartered architect with over 20 years of experience who manages projects in both our Inverness and Glasgow offices. He has extensive experience of various sectors including residential, education, conservation and hospitality.

Since qualifying John has managed from inception to completion over 200 projects and has developed skills in managing deadlines and leading design teams.

Out with work John has keen interests in classic cars, drones and spending time with his two dogs.

Simon Praill

Architectural Technologist

Simon completed a BA (Hons) in Architecture in 2004 and spent several years working in small architectural practices, mainly in the residential, commercial, and building conservation sectors. He joined CRGP in 2022 after completing a BSc (Hons) degree in Architectural Technology at UHI. Simon has also worked in construction on small private residential projects learning various skills in the trades.

Simon has extensive knowledge in residential design, building conservation, sustainability, and timber technology.

Away from the office, Simon enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, amateur landscape photography or out on a mountain bike scaling the local hillsides.

Jody Smart

Architectural Technologist

Jody joined the CRGP team as a Graduate Architectural Technologist in June 2022 after achieving a First-Class Honours degree in BSc Architectural Technology at Inverness UHI.

He has found his first full-time architectural role challenging, very motivating and rewarding. He is enjoying assisting the rest of the team on various projects that range from small scale extensions and conversions to larger scaled industrial, commercial, and high-end domestic buildings.

Outside of work, Jody enjoys weightlifting in the gym, photography, art and watching Formula 1 motorsport.

David McIntosh

Director, Architect

With CRGP for 18 years and counting, David is a Director of the company – and practically part of the furniture – who loves seeing creative visions become buildings that influence their environment and people’s lives. Having delivered countless impressive and successful projects for our clients, he still fondly remembers a small restaurant extension at Camphill Vaults in Bothwell as his first full design project. Just 10 minutes from his home he even celebrated his 40th birthday lunch there.

Out of the office, David has two young children. So, their hobbies are his hobbies.

Connor McGinley

Project Director

Connor Graduated from Queens University Belfast in 2012 and first took up post with Architecture + Design Scotland as a graduate programme officer and then onto CRGP in 2014 to complete his formal professional education. Connor has worked across sectors as varied as education, residential, Industrial, Insurance Reinstatement and Leisure. Never short of enthusiasm, he brings great energy and open discussion to every project. He has a love for many sports, the great outdoors and a constant wanderlust for travel with his young family at any opportunity.

Gareth Merser

Technical Director

Gareth joined CRGP in 2003, progressed to the position of Associate in 2016 and to Technical Director in 2023. Gareth has obtained a comprehensive, technical skill base and knowledge through a range of projects and challenging building typologies. He is methodical with an enthusiastic approach to all project he undertakes which has seen him successfully support and deliver small to multi million pound projects across the UK. Pre Contract specialisms include detailed design through to production information with full team collaboration and coordination of the design. Through site operations Gareth then excels through his organisation skills and technical expertise to support the site teams ensure delivery of the project is fully realised. Gareth is also responsible within the office to support the IT systems and has been instrumental in CRGP’s move to an integrated BIM environment.

Charlotte Stewart

Part I Architectural Assistant

Charlotte has finished 3 years of studying at the University of Dundee and is currently doing her Part I. She is looking forward to learning as much as possible about the design process here at CRGP and increase her knowledge of all aspects of projects. Outside of work she enjoys getting to know Glasgow and travelling.

Madeline McIlreavy

Architectural Trainee

Madeline has been a part of CRGP since June 2022, and during this time has also been studying part-time and working towards her degree at GSA.

Getting the chance to help and assist her colleagues in a multitude of ways for many ongoing projects, including the likes of some MoD facilities, is a feature she loves most about her role. Not only does it aid the critical growth and development skills necessary for her position, but it also ensures the opportunity to use and apply the knowledge gained in the workplace throughout her time at University.

Outside of work, Madeline can mostly be found exploring new places, or in a park or café with a book in hand.

Mhairi Kerr

Part I Architectural Assistant

Mhairi joined in 2023 after completing 4th year at the University of Strathclyde. She was also given the opportunity to study architecture abroad at Ku Leuven in Brussels for 6 months. She is keen to learn and develop her architectural skills with the Practice. Outside of work, she enjoys socialising with friends and family. As well as this, she loves to travel and explore new places.

Rachel McLure

Part II Architectural Assistant

Rachel joined CRGP in 2022 after graduating from the University of Strathclyde with a Masters in Advanced Architectural Design with Distinction. She is strongly interested in sustainability within the built environment after exploring Scotland’s biodiversity crisis through an architectural lens within her Masters projects.

Rachel has worked across a variety of sectors gaining experience in hotel developments, sports facilities, listed building conversions and private domestic work. Outside the office Rachel enjoys being a Brownie leader and is a keen traveller always looking to explore new places.

Ross Geddes

Architect

Ross joined CRGP in 2017, having graduated from the University of Dundee with a Masters in Architecture. Ross is a key member of the team and takes every opportunity possible to express his creative ideas via sketching and 3D modelling. For Ross, process is key, and working closely with the client throughout the full design process ensures quality architecture.

Out with the office, Ross runs a very active lifestyle, taking part in Badminton tournaments, enjoying ski holidays, walking up Scotland’s many Munro’s and some Bagpiping on the side.

Paul McDonald

Architectural Designer

Paul has been based in our Inverness office for two years. He is currently leading a number of projects across the Highlands, taking them from concept to completion. His favourite to date has been the redevelopment of 53 Castle Street in Inverness. Paul believes strongly that understanding all aspects of a project’s context (physical, social, economic, etc.) is fundamental to its successful delivery, and enjoys helping clients understand how their needs and aspirations can be fulfilled.

Away from the office, Paul is involved in several local sports clubs as a tennis and squash captain as well as a keen curler and golfer. He is also a committee member of the Inverness Civic Trust.

Aileen McGann

Architect

Aileen has been with CRGP for two years now and believes the best thing about being an architect is that – from hand-sketching to site visits – no two days are the same (she has even learned about the conservation of endangered fish species on the job.) Her favourite project has been the Manwood Almshouses homes for the elderly. She really enjoyed engaging with both the client and the residents during the design process and hearing how they loved living there after completion.

Away from the office, Aileen loves staying active, from gardening and walking to kayaking and rock climbing. The outdoors is her happy place. Especially if the Scottish sun decides to come out.

Blair Anderson

Architectural Technician

Blair is an Architectural Technician who joined CRGP in August 2018. Having graduated from New College Lanarkshire with a HND in Architectural Technology, Blair followed it up by undertaking his full degree. Studying remotely at UHI whilst also working for CRGP, he has gained ample practical experience to aid his theoretical learning, having worked on numerous social housing projects – his favourite so far being Slaemuir and St. Stephens.

Outside of work, Blair is a huge fan of motorsports and likes to travel the world and explore sunnier places.

Eilidh Miller

Interior Designer

Eilidh joined CRGP after graduating from Glasgow Caledonian University with a (BA) Hons Degree in Interior Design in 2017. With a keen eye for materials, textures and spatial design, she specialises in 3D visualisation and can model just about anything in Revit! Outside of the office you will find Eilidh at the gym, going on adventurous walks and enjoying the many great food places Glasgow has to offer.

Jemma McBride

Part 2 Architectural Assistant

Jemma has been with CRGP for almost three years and is now a qualified Part 2 Architectural Assistant with a Masters in Architecture. She really enjoys site visits and getting out of the office to see what she has drawn in real life. Her particular favourites are the Broxden and Sutherland Avenue projects. As well as her great work, we love having her around to cheer up the team with her delicious baked goods.

When she’s not in work Jemma is usually busy expanding her ever-growing plant collection, bagging Munros across Scotland, or admiring more plant life in the Botanics!

Jim Small

CRGP Engineering Director

James, or Jim Small to those who know him, joined CRGP at the start of 2020 to set-up and manage the CRGP Engineering Division. His favourite part of the job is working with a client to understand their needs and vision, and then developing that into a plan that will bring everything to life.

Out of the office, Jim keeps it cool as the President of Calder Curling Club and as an avid skier. As a Motherwell season ticket holder, you’ll often find him at home in the stands at Fir Park, although he loves getting away too, exploring far-off lands on holiday.

Kody Connelly

Administrative Assistant

Kody has been part of the CRGP admin team since late 2019. He fits right in and is already progressing well as he works towards his HND in Business with HR. His favourite part of the job so far is the variety it offers, with each day being different and never knowing what to expect.

Away from CRGP, Kody loves cooking at home or finding somewhere new to try with friends. He also enjoys going on adventurous walks with Lola – his very spoiled Welsh terrier – as well as travelling to discover the world one bit at a time.

Laura Paton

Architect

Laura studied at Strathclyde University, and has spent her career working in Glasgow ever since. With CRGP for a little over a year, she loves being part of a team and has already applied her talents working with our clients across a wide range of projects. Her favourite to date has been Keppochhill Road, for which she was the Project Architect. She is also mentoring our Part 3 students ahead of their professional exams, with her other key roles including advocating coffee morning baking and co-hosting the infamous office Quiz Nights!

Outside of the office, Laura can often be found out on an adventure with her dog or working away on an upcycling project with furniture she picks up here and there.

Bryan McFadzean

Director

The most enjoyable part of Bryan’s job as Director of Architecture at CRGP is the team approach to business. Continually evolving the business to champion the business and team strength in the markets we deliver in and promoting CRGP to the market place and securing new project commissions. Bryan’s passion lies in giving our clients the confidence and guidance to partner with CRGP on their project journeys together – from the first conversation with our potential clients to the final hand over and portfolio photographs.

Bryan’s hobbies outside work include travelling, spending time with the family, gardening and of course passionately following F1 motor sport!

Jordan McNeilage

Architectural Technologist (ACIAT)

Jordan joined CRGP’s Inverness office while studying for an Honours degree in Architectural Technology. After graduating in 2019 with a 1^st class He started assisting with projects across a variety of sectors in the Highlands taking them from concept stage to completion. Jordan now works across a number of sectors in the highlands, his current focus is education where he provides the lead consultants role for a number of our education projects.

Neil Kirk

Architectural Technician

I have been in involved in project such as AECC including Hilton Hotel, New NHS Balfour Orkney Hospital and MOD training facilities. Wide ranging experience form Education, Retail, Hospitals and military premises.

Studied and worked in Edinburgh for over 12 years which also included a part-time stint in Usher hall experiencing the great and the good the music industry. Keen mountain biker, part-time runner and photographer.

Richard Walker

Director: Architect

Richard joined CRGP in 2003 and following the successful design and realisation of many complex and challenging projects across the UK was appointed a Company Director in 2008.

With over 25 years’ experience, Richard has an extensive & varied architectural portfolio and specialises in major projects for the defence, leisure & education sectors. Through a strategic skillset, Richard maintains operational responsibility and leads teams through collaborative project success while his analytical skills result in expert witness commissions. These combined skills expertly bridge the gap between design and construction / client and contractor, and drive his passion to optimise every project outcome.

Outwith work, Richard keeps active with a love for the outdoors whether walking with his family and dog or, skiing the slopes of Glencoe and finds mindfulness through the practice of yoga.

Robbie Glenn Lowe

Part 2 Architectural Assistant

Robbie studied at the University of Strathclyde where he achieved a First Class in his BSc (Hons) in Architectural Studies, during which he also was awarded the opportunity to study abroad at the Bauhaus-Universität in Weimar, Germany. He also earned a Masters with Distinction in Advanced Architectural Design, focusing predominately on integrating modular prefabrication and additive manufacturing into the construction industry. His Masters Thesis researched the feasibility of automating on-site construction to modernise the industry. He also has had the opportunity to mentor students at Strathclyde during his last two years at University and sometime after he finished his studies.

Outside of work, he loves charcoal drawing and digital painting to creating illustrations, he particularly enjoys life drawing. The illustrations can be of past academic works, places he’s visited or places he envisions. He also reads and writes, ranging from architectural theory to philosophy to science fiction and a bit of everything in between. Limited amount has been published but he hopes this will change in the near future.

Besides the serious things, he also relishes some geeky past times such as table top games and video games. And despite his interest in sci-fi, has a guilty pleasure of buying old relics such as typewriters, cameras and vinyl records.

Scott Duncan Brown

Part 1 Architectural Assistant

Scott is a new addition to the team following his completion of 3^rdyear from the University of Strathclyde. At Scott’s stage of his career, learning and development is key and he is keen to soak in all we have to offer. Outside of work he is kept busy with his dog, exploring the great outdoors or cleaning up his messes! He is trying and failing to convince himself to get back to the swimming pool.

Jenna Sherriff

Architect

Jenna joined CRGP in 2017 after graduating from the University of Dundee with a Masters in Architecture with Merit. Enthusiastic and a true people’s person she loves to communicate with all facets of the design team and equally within the office. A key team member, Jenna has become instrumental within our social housing team. Her most recent role as Project Architect of James Watt Dock social housing development was just successfully handed over this year. Outside of work you’ll find her taking part in workouts or sampling the local brunch spots with friends.

Gemma Sommerville

Architect – Associate

Gemma relish’s in taking a client’s brief and working out ways to deliver it and exceeding their aims and expectations. Also a strong leadership and organisational skills allowing Gemma to manage a team and always keeping in mind the main objectives of achieving a high quality end product.

Gemma’s hobbies include following the formula one from home as well as travelling to a few races. Also have a young son who means the world to Gemma, so travel to races may be limited for a while.

Derek Brown

Managing Director

Derek has 30+ years experience in Architecture and Project Management with CRGP.

He manages a dedicated team who have a track record in delivering strong design solutions that are practical and buildable.

The ethos of achieving excellence in design and improved functionality in the environment is strongly adopted in each project.  Each project is led with a focus on achieving all the objectives individually for the project, and to drive for efficiencies throughout the process.

Derek is currently managing over 30 projects ranging from the small scale, one off to the large scale repeated construction.

Derek was appointed Managing Director of CRGP Ltd in 2004, and has overseen the growth of the practice and the opening of a branch office in Inverness, to one of the leading providers of Architectural Services in the UK

Julie Thompson

Senior Architectural Designer

Julie joined CRGP as a GSA student in 2000 and completed her studies part-time while an integral part of the team.

She has worked in many sectors but her passion is in community-based projects, she thrives on tight constraints and finding ways to add value to a project.  Julie loves to work closely with a client to develop their vision, while aiming to exceed their expectations and offer them greater flexibility.

Julie divides her time for CRGP in her architectural role and running Elements Community Consultants – A Social Enterprise which assists communities through the design process.

When not trying to keep up with her children, Julie has been hard at work building a floatation tank in her garage and growing a lot of courgettes!

Karen Wyatt

Senior Interior & Architectural Designer

After graduating with a BSc(Hons) in Interior Design from Glasgow Caledonian University, Karen worked in private practice, developing Interior Design schemes within the Education Sector. Karen joined CRGP in 2006 working as an Interior and Architectural designer with a diverse portfolio of projects across all sectors, and wide ranging experience within the interior design, architectural and construction processes.

Passionate about brilliant design, Karen enjoys working closely with clients during the early design stages, and works particularly well when dealing with contractors on site.

Outside of work, Karen enjoys playing team sports and can regularly be found on court with her local netball team.

Grace Aitchison

Senior Administrator

Grace has a great group of crazy friends. She loves to meet up with a few of them a couple of times a week for Zumba, Sh’bam and a laugh (good exercise and something you just can’t take seriously).

Grace joined CRGP in 1997 as an office junior and she has learned many different things over the years not only about herself but also life in a busy office. She has recently taken on the task of helping with accounts which she finds quite challenging. She has been here that long she feels a bit like the mother hen of CRGP. She likes to make sure the kids are okay J.

Ellin Kouvaras

Trainee Architectural Technician

Having joined CRGP almost a year ago, Ellin is progressing well towards an Architectural Technician degree at City of Glasgow College. He loves the process of taking a project from its most conceptual phase through to a fully-fledged plan. His favourite project to date has been a Garage Conversion at Prieston Hill – having worked on all the early stages of the project. This provided him a great experience of the whole start to finish process.

At home, Ellin can be found on the couch with a good book, or in the kitchen baking and trying his hand as a chocolatier.

Colin Dair

Quantity Surveyor

Colin favourite part of his job is helping companies and individuals to recover business/life offer insurance incidents

Colin enjoys skiing every single christmas break, takes any opportunity to golf and is lead part of his local scouts group!

Claire Moran

Senior Accounts & Admin Assistant

Claire joined CRGP in 2013 as a junior finance assistant and proceeded to learn many different stages over the years. Recently she has moved to a senior position in Finance and Accounts and enjoys the variety of work this job has to offer.

Outside of work Claire enjoys spending quality time with her family and socialising with friends, and occasionally letting her adventurous side out with fun day trips away.

Ann-Chris Murray

Architect

Ann-Chris joined CRGP, moving north in 2018 having previously worked in private practice within the central belt for 12 years. Ann-Chris has been involved in various project types from large scale commercial, residential and defence buildings to small scale village schools. Ann-Chris believes the key to successful projects is open communication within the office, with the client and the site team.

Ann-Chris has enjoying the move to the Highlands, getting to know a different client base, working on the hotel development and is looking forward to working on projects in some very scenic locations.

Adam Burns

Trainee Architectural Technician

Adam has worked with CRGP for almost a year now. Coming straight from school into work has been a massive learning curve for him and he is enjoying studying at City of Glasgow College one day a week. Supporting the team on a variety of projects has allowed Adam to get to know everyone in the office and gain valuable industry exposure so far.

Outside the office, Adam can be found in the gym or going out and spending time with his friends (on the weekend of course)!

Claire Moran

Senior Accounts & Admin Assistant

Claire joined CRGP in 2013 as a Junior Finance Assistant. Like many at CRPG she has since learned and developed a lot, with many different stages in her career here. Most recently she has moved to a senior position in Finance & Accounts and is really enjoying the variety of work this new role has to offer.

Outside of work, Claire enjoys spending quality time with her family, socialising with friends, and occasionally letting her adventurous side out with fun day trips away.

Connor Murray

Architectural Technician

Connor joined our CRGP Inverness office in 2016, having just graduated from Robert Gordon University. Developing well in his professional career, Connor has since worked on an extensive variety of projects; from small domestic houses to large commercial developments. He particularly enjoys the challenge of solving complex problems and taking each project from its initial stages right through to completion; his favourite to date being Fortrose Care Home.

Away from work, Connor is an avid Rugby fan who enjoys cooking and even dabbles in home brewing! When he’s not off travelling somewhere, that is.

Gary Forster

Senior Architectural Technician

Having worked in private practice for eight years, Gary joined CRGP in 1997. Working his way up to Associate in 2005. In 2012, Gary took a role as a Project Engineer in the Oil & Gas Industry, but he couldn’t stay away – returning to the team in 2015 armed with a wealth of experience in the Offshore Energy Environment. As a champion for embracing new technologies, Gary developed the use of Revit into an integral part of our service delivery.

Away from the office, Gary trains in Krav Maga and is working to become a self-defence instructor. He also loves riding his motorcycle on the daily commute, and further afield, despite the Scottish weather!

Stay in touch

As well as our news page, we regularly send out key updates in our newsletter. If you would like to stay up to date on current or future projects, fill out our form and we’ll make sure you always stay in the know.

To us, each client is another member of the team and together we will bring your vision to life. The first step, is getting to know us…

Paul Linden

Part II Architectural Assistant

Alastair Stirling

Architect

Calum Weir

Part II Architectural Assistant

Jack Malloch

Admin Assistant

John Wright

Senior Architect

Simon Praill

Architectural Technologist

Jody Smart

Architectural Technologist

David McIntosh

Director, Architect

Connor McGinley

Project Director

Gareth Merser

Technical Director

Charlotte Stewart

Part I Architectural Assistant

Madeline McIlreavy

Architectural Trainee

Mhairi Kerr

Part I Architectural Assistant

Rachel McLure

Part II Architectural Assistant

Ross Geddes

Architect

Paul McDonald

Architectural Designer

Aileen McGann

Architect

Blair Anderson

Architectural Technician

Eilidh Miller

Interior Designer

Jemma McBride

Part 2 Architectural Assistant

Jim Small

CRGP Engineering Director

Kody Connelly

Administrative Assistant

Laura Paton

Architect

Bryan McFadzean

Director

Jordan McNeilage

Architectural Technologist (ACIAT)

Neil Kirk

Architectural Technician

Richard Walker

Director: Architect

Robbie Glenn Lowe

Part 2 Architectural Assistant

Scott Duncan Brown

Part 1 Architectural Assistant

Jenna Sherriff

Architect

Gemma Sommerville

Architect – Associate

Derek Brown

Managing Director

Julie Thompson

Senior Architectural Designer

Karen Wyatt

Senior Interior & Architectural Designer

Grace Aitchison

Senior Administrator

Ellin Kouvaras

Trainee Architectural Technician

Colin Dair

Quantity Surveyor

Claire Moran

Senior Accounts & Admin Assistant

Ann-Chris Murray

Architect