McWilliam Lippe Architects

04/06/2026

We're exhibiting at the Inverurie Trade Show.

If you're planning a self-build, extension, renovation or home improvement project, come along and have a chat with us.

We'll be available throughout the day to discuss your ideas, answer questions and provide advice on everything from feasibility and planning applications through to detailed design and construction.

It's a great opportunity to meet a range of local trades and professionals all under one roof.

📍 Thainstone Centre, Inverurie
📅 Saturday 29th August
⏰ 10:00 – 16:00

We look forward to seeing you there.

01/06/2026

From Planning in Principle to full approval. ✔️

We're pleased to have secured detailed planning approval for this contemporary rural home, following the granting of Planning Permission in Principle in 2023.

The design takes inspiration from traditional agricultural buildings, breaking the accommodation into a series of linked forms that reduce visual impact and allow the house to sit comfortably within the landscape.

Views towards Bennachie were a key driver in the design, informing both the layout and positioning of the principal living spaces. A restrained palette of black-stained timber cladding, anthra-zinc roofing and dark-framed glazing further helps the building integrate into its setting while maintaining a contemporary architectural identity.

With planning now secured, we're looking forward to seeing the project move forward and begin its journey from drawing board to reality.

28/05/2026

A great morning for a quick visit to the Riverside Fishing Bothy. ☀️

We are currently progressing proposals for a modest extension to the existing bothy to provide new changing facilities, supporting the continued use of the building while carefully responding to its historic character and riverside setting.

Projects involving historic buildings require a sensitive and considered approach, balancing practical improvements with an understanding of the building’s existing form, materiality and relationship to place. Our proposals aim to preserve the identity of the bothy while allowing it to continue serving future users for years to come.

Alongside the current site photographs, it has been particularly interesting to look back at the historic image of the bothy. Revisiting archive photographs is an important part of understanding the story of a building, how it has evolved over time, how it has been used historically and the role it continues to play within the local landscape and community.

It’s exciting to be involved in the next chapter of the Riverside Fishing Bothy’s history.

26/05/2026

Last Friday, we were pleased to sponsor the goodie bags at the 2BAMPOD charity golf day, which raised an incredible amount for local charity Rainbow Rogues. ⛳

Rainbow Rogues is a community-led charity supporting children, young people, adults and families navigating neurodiversity, disability and emotional wellbeing challenges. Through early support, inclusive community connection and accessible counselling, they create safe spaces where people feel understood, supported and less alone.

A huge well done also to the team behind 2BAMPOD - Dunc, Barrie, Mike and Shed. Who have recently been shortlisted for the inaugural Scottish Podcast Awards in Glasgow this June. A fantastic achievement and a reflection of the hard work and dedication they continue to put into the podcast and local community.

We’re proud to have supported such a positive local event and cause.

22/05/2026

Old Fire Station, Student Accommodation – Reception & Social Space

We recently had the opportunity to go back and see the completed reception and student social space within the Old Fire Station student accommodation development for Every Student.

It’s always valuable to return to a completed project and see how the spaces are being used in practice. Experiencing the finished result firsthand offers an important moment of reflection on the work delivered, from early design stages through to completion, and how it performs beyond drawings and visuals.

The transformation of the former fire station into a welcoming communal hub has created a key social focus for the development, supporting interaction and day-to-day student life.

Seeing the space in use reinforces the importance of designing with longevity, adaptability, and user experience at the forefront.

19/05/2026

Planning approval secured in Insch. ✔️

We’re pleased to confirm planning approval has been granted for a contemporary residential extension in Insch.

The proposal significantly improves the way the home functions, reworking the ground floor to create a cohesive open-plan kitchen–living–dining space, resulting in a more open and connected layout that better supports modern day living.

The extension uses timber cladding to give the addition warmth and tactility, creating a contemporary addition that contrasts the existing house while remaining visually cohesive. Generous glazing maximises daylight, capturing south-west sunlight and drawing natural light deep into the new living space.

This approval marks a key milestone, allowing the project to move into technical design and construction detailing.

05/05/2026

From the studio to the pitch.🏉📐

Last weekend, our teammate Cameron Moore swapped his sketchbook and set square for a whistle and boots, running out at The Hive, Scottish Gas Murrayfield to referee the National Shield Final on Silver Saturday

It was a close match between Carrick RFC and Haddington RFC, decided by a single score.

While refereeing and architecture may seem worlds apart, there are clear parallels. Both require strong leadership, confident communication and the ability to make decisions under pressure. Cameron brings these qualities into the studio, where it’s equally about building trust, guiding people and delivering a shared vision.

A great achievement, and a reminder that skills developed beyond the studio often strengthen those within it.

05/05/2026

A big thank you to Andy for all his hard work over the past two years. Congratulations to Ruari and Kat. We look forward to working with you both to promote Architecture in the City and Shire over the coming weeks and months.

We would also like to offer congratulations to the newly qualified Architects. It takes a massive amount of work to get to that point. Enjoy the success while you can, it’s well deserved.

A brilliant afternoon celebrating Aberdeen’s architectural community at this year’s Aberdeen Society of Architects AGM.

It was a pleasure to recognise seven of our newly qualified architects within our chapter, a fantastic achievement and the beginning of exciting careers ahead. Congratulations to you all.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Andrew McNair for his outstanding leadership and dedication over the past two years as President. As one chapter closes, we’re delighted to welcome Ruari Campbell as incoming President, alongside Katrina Denholm as Vice President.

Thank you to Wild Goose for the wonderful hospitality, and to everyone who joined us for such a well-attended afternoon of celebration, connection and conversation, a great reminder that architecture is always about people as much as places.

06/04/2026

Fabric repair works at Kingswells House.

We are pleased to see works progressing on site at this B-listed building, following the successful grant of Listed Building Consent in 2024.

The current phase involves the careful removal of the existing cement render, revealing the original fabric beneath for the first time in decades and allowing a more informed assessment of the building’s condition.

Each element uncovered provides valuable insight into how the building was constructed, how it has aged and where targeted repair is required. This forms part of a wider fabric maintenance scheme, with future repairs including the roof and decorative stonework.

Alongside this, localised repairs to damaged slates and architectural details are being undertaken, addressing areas of deterioration while retaining the building’s character.

A clear understanding of the existing condition is essential to inform a considered approach to repair and replacement, ensuring the building’s heritage is respected while improving its long-term performance.

19/03/2026

A great evening spent at the ASA Annual Dinner. 🏆

Some of the McWilliam Lippe team attended The Aberdeen Society of Architects (ASA) Annual Dinner this weekend, a fantastic opportunity to connect with others across the profession and celebrate the quality of architecture being delivered across the North East.

It’s always valuable to step away from day-to-day project work and engage with the wider architectural community, sharing ideas, exchanging perspectives and reflecting on the evolving design landscape within the region.

Well done to all those recognised on the night! A strong showcase of projects, ideas and talent across Aberdeen and beyond. A great reminder of the strength of our local industry.