studiomcmillanarchitects
About us
We’re an award-winning architecture practice focusing on designing, adapting and extending homes to meet modern day needs. We work on large and small projects within a range of different budgets, from new build homes, home extensions and alterations, conversions, garden studios and workspaces for organisations. We also specialise in accessible design – with expertise in designing or changing homes to make them inclusive for all – including wheelchair users and those with additional needs. We will work with you to help develop your thoughts and ideas and bring them to reality.
We believe good design is critical to any project irrespective of size and scale. It offers added value through flexibility, adaptability, as well an efficient use of your budget, material resources and energy consumption. But it can also be extraordinary, bringing us joy and a sense of wellbeing.
Initial consultations are completely free with no obligation. We’d love to hear about your project so please get in touch to discuss.
ARCHITECT DIRECTOR
IAN MCMILLAN
Ian is a qualified chartered architect with more than 25 years’ experience. He is a member of RIAS, RIBA and ARB and has exceptional experience and skills in both design and project delivery. Studying at the Mackintosh School at the University of Glasgow, he gained a first class honours degree, and qualified as an architect in 1996. He has worked in London, Berlin, Stuttgart, Glasgow and Edinburgh on large scale civic buildings – including the British Embassy in Berlin and The Lowry in Salford.
In 2013 he co-founded Chambers McMillan Architects, focusing on homes, including designing the award-winning accessible ‘Ramp House’, and leading on all the many successful projects from design through to construction. Several of his projects have won awards and been featured in magazines such as Grand Designs and Homes and Interiors Scotland.
He has now moved forward to launch Studio McMillan Architects.
You can contact Ian direct on 07484 638858 and at ian@studiomcmillan.com
Client
Testimonials
'Ian transformed our North-facing bungalow into a light-filled stunning home with his Innovative design. He exceeded all expectations with an extension that vastly improved the layout and energy efficiency of our home. He was professional, easy to work with and we were impressed with his creative solutions that gave us the home we really wanted. It’s 10 out of 10 from us.'
John and Susan Yates, Edinburgh
'Ian McMillan is an exceptional architect who is extremely personable, helpful, knowledgeable, speedy, and thorough. He produced for me a well-reasoned and highly imaginative design that exceeded all of my expectations! Do not hesitate to instruct!'
Dr Gavin Miller, Plastic Surgeon, Darras Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne
FAQs
Why use an architect?
An architect is professionally trained over 7 years in all aspects of building design. An architect will offer an overview of the problem and will come up with different solutions which may not be initially obvious, and based on your needs, they will focus on design, cost and timescale
Why is good design important?
We spend a lot of time in our homes, and the way we use them has changed radically since they were originally designed. As well as being practical, the spaces we use influence our wellbeing and how we feel. Through good design we can optimise our homes, to make them work more effectively, and make them feel lighter, brighter and to give us a better sense of wellbeing, connecting us to nature and the outside, and letting daylight and sunlight into our homes.
Is an architect expensive?
In comparison to the overall project cost, the cost of an architect is a small percentage. Getting a good design won’t cost any more, and given the amount of time we spend in our homes it’s always a good investment. We always offer fixed fees for our services so you know our costs from the outset.
What services do you offer?
There are eight different work stages to any project and we can be appointed to do any of them. The stages are:
1 – Survey and brief development
2 – Concept design and budget costing
3 – Planning
4 – Building warrant
5 – Construction drawings
6 – Tender to contractors
7 – Onsite and contract administration.
8 – Completion and handover
Some clients only appoint us to do planning and building warrant stages, getting the legal permissions, and then manage the project themselves, and others wish the full service. Each client is different in what they require, and our work is always on a stage by stage basis where we require client approval to move to the next stage, giving you control over the process.
Is my project too small?
Probably not. Most of our projects are invariably house extensions and alterations as opposed to new build homes. Sometimes, homes need ‘edited’ with internal adaptions and alterations rather than extended.
How much will my project cost to build?
At our initial consultation we will give you a cost indication based on recent costs of similar projects we’ve completed. Each project is unique so it can only be an indication as there is no design at that point in time, so it will be based on m2/ costs. If we were appointed, we would develop the concept design with you, and before we moved onto the planning drawings, we would have the design costed by either a builder or a quantity surveyor. This allows us to align the design and the budget before submitting to planning.
Do you offer initial consultations?
Yes, our initial consultations are free and without obligation. We will visit your home and discuss your project, listening to your needs and aspirations. We’ll take an overview of the design issues and give you sketch ideas, as well an indicative construction cost, a fixed fee for our services, other likely costs, and a project timeline.