Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Shetland Architects for Sustainable Rural Design
Richard Gibson Architects, established in 1972 as Richard Gibson Architects, has evolved into a leading architectural practice rooted in the Shetland Islands. Our expertise spans five decades, focusing on innovative design tailored to rural and island environments. We prioritise sustainability, integrating Passivhaus principles and energy-efficient solutions to meet evolving building regulations. Our team combines creative problem-solving with technical precision, delivering projects from concept to completion while maintaining transparency in budgeting and client communication.With an accredited Passivhaus designer in-house, we offer specialist advice on low-carbon construction methods suited to Scotlands remote landscapes. Our work has garnered national recognition, including awards for housing developments and retrofit projects, reflecting our commitment to enhancing both urban and coastal settings through regionally sensitive architecture.
Services
Architectural Design
Sustainable Architecture
Passivhaus Consultancy
Heritage Renovation
Rural Development
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of specialist experience in Shetland's challenging climate.
- Our team includes a Passivhaus-accredited designer for energy-efficient projects.
- Award-winning expertise in housing, heritage, and community buildings.
- Transparent fee structures tailored to project scope and client needs.
- Proven track record in securing planning approvals for complex sites.
Associations and certifications
- ARB
- RIAS
- RIBA
- SEDA
What people say
Sympathetic designs
Local climate knowledge
Energy-efficient expertise
Award-winning results
Collaborative approach
Services
Architectural Design
We provide comprehensive architectural design services tailored to Shetland's unique environmental and cultural context. Our approach balances creativity with practicality, ensuring buildings harmonise with their surroundings while meeting modern standards. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of local materials, planning regulations, and construction techniques suited to coastal climates.
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainable architecture services focus on reducing carbon footprints through energy-efficient designs and locally sourced materials. We incorporate Passivhaus principles to create buildings that require minimal heating, aligning with Scotland's 2025 regulatory changes. This approach ensures long-term cost savings and environmental responsibility without compromising aesthetic quality.
Heritage Renovation
Specialising in the sensitive restoration of historic buildings, we blend traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality. Our team navigates listed building constraints to preserve architectural integrity while upgrading usability. Recent projects include award-winning transformations of Shetland's traditional 'haa' houses into contemporary living spaces that respect their historical significance.
People
Adrian Wishart
Architect & Practice Director
Director since 2019, Adrian leads with 25 years of Shetland-focused architectural experience. He studied in Aberdeen and worked in Edinburgh before joining the practice in 2005. His expertise spans award-winning social housing and complex heritage projects, ensuring designs respond to local climate and culture.
Joe Serrano
Architect & Passivhaus Designer
A Chartered Architect with Passivhaus accreditation, Joe joined in 2016. His international experience informs innovative low-carbon solutions tailored to Shetland's environment. He combines urban planning expertise with hands-on project delivery, advancing the practice's leadership in sustainable rural architecture.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in sustainable rural design, heritage renovation, and Passivhaus-standard new builds across Shetland, Orkney, and the Scottish mainland.
How do you address Shetland's challenging climate in designs?
We use durable materials and construction methods proven in coastal environments, combined with energy-efficient Passivhaus principles to withstand harsh weather.
Can you work on listed buildings?
Yes, we have extensive experience in sensitively renovating listed properties while meeting modern usability requirements and planning regulations.
Do you offer services outside Shetland?
We work across Orkney, the Scottish mainland, and the Outer Hebrides, applying our island-specific expertise to diverse rural environments.
How are your fees structured?
Fees depend on project complexity and scope. We provide transparent, upfront costings tailored to each client's specific requirements and budget.