ABOUT US
Eòlas Architects is a dynamic and highly experienced practice based in Glasgow and Aberfeldy. We provide a full architectural service with commissions throughout Scotland, from the borders to Thurso focusing mostly on Highland Perthshire and in Glasgow.
We work in our own remodelled and purpose-designed offices within Aberfeldy Business Park, and also in the West End of Glasgow.
We enjoy working and developing a close relationship with our clients throughout each project, ensuring we fully understand their needs and aim to deliver within budget, on time and sustainably to their bespoke requirements.
JOHN DEWAR
MANAGING DIRECTOR
John Dewar became Managing Director of Eòlas Architects on 1st December 2023, when the company moved to an employee ownership trust (EOT). John is an architectural technician and started working with Bob Fearn in 2002 and Fearn Macpherson from 2010, prior to it becoming Eòlas Architects.
As well as running the practice, John provides technical advice, specification, and design across all our projects and holds particular skill in building regulations, 3D computer modelling and render presentations.
John lives in Aberfeldy with his wife and twin daughters. When he is not working, he will likely be undertaking his latest DIY project with his wife or trying to dream up new and fun ways of keeping his twin daughters entertained.
OLIVER HARDIMAN
BSC(HONS), DIP.ARCH, AA DIP. CONSERVATION RIAS RIBA – DIRECTOR
Oliver joined the practice in January 2022, having previously lived and worked in Sheffield and London. He has considerable experience in private houses and developer led housing schemes, as well as education and commercial buildings. Since joining Eòlas Architects he has worked on projects at completely different scales from domestic outbuildings to multi-unit housing developments, and on schemes at different stages from initial design right through to seeing our schemes taking shape on site. Oliver really enjoys being help to clients realise their aspirations for their environments, whether it is their home or their workplace, and seeing the benefits it can make to their lives.
Oliver completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation in 2013 and an interest in improving the energy efficiency and comfort of historic buildings without affecting their character and integrity.
Oliver enjoys walking and visiting historic places and buildings. He lives with his wife, son and little doggie in Aberfeldy in a house designed by Eòlas Architects.
ROB MACPHERSON
BA(Hons) D.ARCH (Kingston) RIAS RIBA – FOUNDER
Rob Macpherson is an Architect and founder of Eòlas Architects. Rob is a director of the Eòlas Architects EOT Trust. He and Bob Fearn formed Fearn Macpherson 2010 and he remained Managing Director until December 2023 before the company moved to an employee ownership trust (EOT).
Rob has over 30 years’ experience working primarily in Highland Perthshire but also in Glasgow, London and Australia, including specialising in school projects and large residential houses. This included the wholescale refurbishment and building of new boarding, performance and dining accommodation for the Grade 1 listed ‘The Royal Ballet School’, White Lodge in Richmond Park over a period of five years.
Rob and his wife live in Glasgow where he heads up the office there. His children and step children are in Scotland and Australia along with close family. He has interests in music and contemporary art and has completed remodelling their Victorian tenement flat in Glasgow’s West end, making best use of his experience in conservation and energy retention for a retained structure.
ANDY MCDONAGH
MArch, BSc, RIAS, RIBA – ASSOCIATE
After joining the practice in October 2020, Andy qualified and registered as an Architect in March 2022. He has many years of experience in architectural practice since graduating in 2016 with a Master of Architecture from The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture & Built Environment at Robert Gordon University. Andy is the Employee trustee director of the Eòlas Architects EOT Trust and was elected to represent the employee on the trust.
He works with projects of all stages, including the renovation and re-use of some characterful existing buildings, various concept-stage designs and managing projects on site. Andy also plays a key part in the marketing of the practice through branding, social media, publications and award entries.
When not working, Andy can be found out in the fresh air running, hiking or cycling. Living in the centre of Aberfeldy with his wife, he is also ideally located for playing tennis at Aberfeldy Tennis Club and 5-A-Side Football.
SAM BARTON
BSC Hons, MARCH, ARB, RIAS – ARCHITECT
Sam is a qualified architect and joined the practice in October 2021. He has previously worked in architecture practices in Edinburgh and Glasgow and has gained valuable experience working on private and affordable housing, renovation, hospitality, masterplan and commercial developments.
While at Eòlas Sam has broadened his knowledge of working with traditional and listed buildings and delivering high end residential homes and extensions. He has an interest in a wide variety of building sectors but particularly enjoys working with domestic clients and helping them achieve their unique project aspirations.
When not at work Sam enjoys reading, traveling, going on long walks and exploring the Scottish countryside with his wife.
RACHEL PATON
BSC (HONS) MARCH – ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT
Rachel first joined Eòlas Architects for her Part 1 year out in 2017, returning to her studies in 2019. After completing a Master of Architecture at Strathclyde University, Rachel rejoined the practice in September 2021 as an architectural assistant for her Part 2 and sat her Part 3 exams with the practice in November 2023.
Living in the west of Scotland, Rachel spends most of her time in the Glasgow office while working in Aberfeldy one week a month. She is particularly interested in working with existing buildings and work with refurbishment and extension of buildings from small scale single room extensions, to castle renovations across Scotland.
Rachel enjoys travelling, walking her dog, and exploring Scotland with her fiancé and has just bought her first home which they have just started refurbishing.
AVA
Ava is the youngest member of the team. Born in November 2019, she keeps us and any clients calm and happy, and is always the first to any biscuits that fall on the floor…
