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About us

Our busy office is in the Leith area if Edinburgh close to The Shore. Founded in 1988 Dignan Read Dewar Architects became DRD architects Ltd. in 2016 when Glen Wade became the sole director. 

We are a small team of experienced and skilled designers with a wide portfolio of projects including residential developments, specialist adaptations, interior design, sports facilities, Conservation of historic buildings, industrial units, education and healthcare buildings completed for both private and commercial clients.  

 

We have worked extensively on Listed Buildings and within Conservation Areas.

Sustainability is an important part of our design ethos and we are dedicated to creating healthy, low energy buildings to ensure the comfort of the occupants.

 

Please see our Portfolio for some examples of recently completed projects. 

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The Team

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Glen Wade

director

BArch(Hons) DipArch RIBA ARIAS ARB

Glen graduated from ECA/ Heriot Watt University in 1995 and spent several years working as a project architect in other Edinburgh Practices before joining Dignan Read Dewar in 1999.  Glen became a partner in 2004 and in 2016 he became the sole director of DRD Architects.

Glen is an experienced architect and skilled designer with a breadth of knowledge across numerous sectors.

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Joanna Smith

senior architect

BSc (Hons) Arch PgDip ARB

Joanna studied architecture at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture in Aberdeen.

As a principal designer, Joanna works closely with clients and to engage with their requirements to create innovative contemporary design solutions. 

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Liz Wilby

senior architect

BA(Hons) MArch ARB

Liz studied architecture at The University of Edinburgh where she graduated in 2001.  She has gained many years experience taking projects from inception to completion, predominantly in the residential sector

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Stuart Robinson

architectural technician

BSc(Hons)

Stuart is a valuable member of our team and offers support in the office on a wide range of projects.  Along with Douglas Read, Stuart also completes many specialist adaptations including level access wetrooms, ramps and larger extensions.  

Our Services

DRD architects can provide a full range of architectural services to take your project from inception to completion.  We will ask questions, listen and understand what you would like to achieve and then guide you through the design, planning and construction process.
An outline of the services we can provide are listed below and we can be commissioned for all or some of the stages as needed. 
•   Project appraisals and feasibility studies  
•   Measured surveys
•   Prepare a project brief and concept design
•   Develop agreed design including coordinating the work of other consultants
•   Planning applications
•   Building warrants
•   Prepare technical drawings and specifications
•   Prepare tender information and invite tenders
•   Contract administration during construction
•   Handover and Practical Completion
We have long standing working relationships with numerous Consultants and Contractors to complete the team when required to deliver your project.
The RIAS website is a useful guide to help potential clients understand the design process and to explain the different stages.
https://www.rias.org.uk/for-the-public/why-use-a-chartered-architect
We offer a free, no obligation initial consultation to discuss your ideas.  Please use our contact details to get in touch.
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