19.07.2024

We're Hiring!

Architectural Technician
Location: Montrose, Angus

KSA Chartered Architects is excited to welcome a new Architectural Technician or Technologist to our friendly team of five! If you’re passionate about design and eager to work on a variety of projects in the beautiful North East of Scotland, we’d love to hear from you.

About You:

You hold an HNC, HND, or Degree in Architectural Technology or a related field.
You’re proficient in CAD drawing software (bonus points for Vectorworks!).
You live within a commutable distance to Montrose.
You’re a team player with excellent attention to detail.
You have solid technical knowledge.
You have 2+ years of experience as an Architectural Technician/Technologist.

Why Join Us?

Work in a close-knit, design-focused practice.
Engage in diverse and exciting projects.
Be part of a supportive and collaborative team environment.

If this sounds like the perfect fit for you, send your CV and portfolio to kerry@ksa.scot

18.06.2024

Classlochie Farm Development: A Blend of Rural Charm with Contemporary Living

Nestled around the existing Classlochie Farm steading, our development transformed the heritage of the site into four converted houses, with 8 new residences arranged in an L-shape to embrace and capture breathtaking views of Loch Leven and Benarty Hill.

A variety of house types make up the new development with book-ends to either end, a large corner house and terraced houses in between. The buildings are connected through the use of lower out-buildings and timber screens which pulls the new-build development together into a cohesive whole, sheltering the inner side from the landscape. The material palette reflects the vernacular materials of the area with a mixture of terracotta tiles and slates on the roofs, blond sandstone, white render and timber cladding to the dormers and walls.

11.06.24

Our Re-designed Shopfront

Following our recent rebrand, we are excited to unveil our newly refurbished shopfront at KSA in Montrose! The face of our practice has been redesigned to serve as a gallery and client meeting space. Come take a look!

24.05.2024

The redesign journey of Beam Orthodontics

Transforming a Grade C listed building into a contemporary dental practice, while preserving its historic charm.

24.05.2024

The Salmon Bothy

We are thrilled to showcase one of our past projects, "The Salmon Bothy," a finalist for Scottish Home of the Year in 2015!

Situated in the picturesque fishing village of Johnshaven, this tiny new build house stands on the site of a former derelict salmon bothy, just meters from the sea. Completed in 2012, this private residence beautifully blends traditional and contemporary design elements.

Inside, the bedroom is located on a mezzanine overlooking the double-height living and dining area, offering expansive views of the sea. The kitchen and ancillary spaces are thoughtfully tucked away at the back of the plan. The building’s form and materials reflect the local context, featuring rough white render walls and a steeply pitched slate roof.

This project holds a special place in our hearts as it exemplifies our commitment to creating spaces that respond sensitively to their surroundings while providing unique and functional living environments.

22.05.2024

Thoughtful Sustainable Architecture.

Our work is rooted in the local context, every building crafted around the needs of it's occupants, creating beautiful spaces that will stand the test of time.

We recently undertook a brand refresh to perfectly reflect these principles:

Sustainability: Emphasising eco-friendly practices, We design buildings that minimise environmental impact, utilising renewable resources and energy-efficient systems.

Contextual Design: Each project is tailored to its specific location, ensuring that the architecture complements and enhances the surrounding environment and community.

Client-Centred Approach: By actively listening to clients, we create bespoke designs that reflect individual needs and aspirations, ensuring functional and tailored spaces.

Conservation: We specialise in the adaptive reuse and restoration of traditional and listed buildings, preserving historical integrity while integrating modern amenities.

17.05.2024

V&A Staff Room

We are delighted to announce the opening of the V&A Dundee Staffroom!

It was a pleasure working within the renowned building designed by Kengo Kuma. The new staffroom, crafted by KSA in collaboration with AUTHOR Interiors and brought to life by DB Christie Joiners, provides a perfect place of respite for the V&A staff.

Our design incorporates natural materials and plants, providing a soothing environment to counter the hustle and bustle of the museum. Upcycled furniture and items from local makers further enhance the space, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

We are thrilled to see the V&A staff enjoying their new space, and we look forward to more projects that bring comfort and inspiration to those who use them.

Photos: David Barbour

04.02.2022

Snowdrop House

The dwelling is conceived as three over-lapping forms, offset in section and plan, anchored into the sloping ground. The over-sailing first floor wing has expansive views of the North Sea and St Cyrus beach from the cantilevered balcony. The two ground floor wings are on different levels, rising with the site, creating a clear definition between the front facing public spaces and the private family wing behind. With Denfind stone, natural larch cladding and crisp white render the 3 different elements of the building contrast materially with each other and create sheltered outdoor spaces around the building, capturing sun at different times of the day.

The project is nearing completion.

01.01.2022

Reflecting on KSA’s first project: Muirmills

House on a sloping site

The first KSA project, a house on a left-over bit of land, a sloping site caught between an old railway, a road and a burn. Although constrained, the site is beautiful, surrounded by mature Ash & Scot’s pine trees. The land slopes steeply down to the south-west, where a burn runs through the trees. The proposed dwelling is anchored into the higher ground with a low solid block, and then perched over the slope with a glulam post and beam structure, opening up to the south-west and the garden. Entrance to the dwelling is through the solid anchoring structure at the top of the site, containing the cellular functional spaces of the house. The visitor enters through this low dark space into the open plan living areas facing onto the balcony and the garden.

18.11.2021

Winner of DIA Best Interior Design Award, 2021

We were delighted to receive a Dundee Institute of Architects Award for Best Interior Design at the 2021 DIA Awards dinner.

This project represents all that we love about our job – the re-use and re-invigoration of a listed building, some challenges to the brief with a tight site and lack of natural daylight, and a dedicated and inspired client. KSA worked closely on this project with Author Interiors, whose approach to materiality and quality is wonderful. We believe the most successful projects involve open collaboration and team-work, and this is a good example. We hope that the patients that visit Beam Orthodontics enjoy the experience of visiting this luxury clinic.