Kristin has practised architecture with her husband Nicholas Groves-Raines since 1972. The growth and reputation of the firm has been based upon the demands for excellence in design, and an on-going dedication to the conservation of our heritage.

Together, they have restored some fourteen listed properties themselves, amongst them three A Listed 16/17 century fortified houses. Architectural awards include the Europa Nostra Silver Medal, European Architectural Heritage Award, Civic Trust Award, Regeneration of Scotland Award, Saltire Society Award, Royal Institute of British Architects Regional Award, the Edinburgh Architectural Association and many other commendations.

During 6 years at Edinburgh College of Art from July 1999 Kristin divided her time between painting and architecture, becoming a director of GRAS in 1996.

Kristin has taken part in various exhibitions in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Crieff, London and Manchester. Her paintings are in private collections in Iceland, the Faeroes, France, Austria, Eire, Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.

Born to Architect parents and spending much of his upbringing on construction sites, Gunnar Groves-Raines has an intrinsic passion, drive and curiosity for creative exploration across multiple disciplines. He studied architecture at the University of Stratchlyde and École Nationale Supérieure D’architecture De Paris-La Villette, graduating with Masters with Distinction in Advanced Architectural Design. In 2006 , one week after graduation, he co-founded the design studio GRAS, and in 2009 qualified as an Architect. He is a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.

GRAS was conceived as an avant-garde division of the renowned Architectural practice, Groves-Raines Architects, which had developed expertise in the conservation and restoration of historic buildings. Working at-arms-length from its parent company, GRAS developed a portfolio of ambitious, progressive and often controversial projects exploring the fringes of design, architecture, place-making and future sustainability. In 2012, Gunnar became a director across both studios and in 2018 became the practice principal, overseeing their merging into GRAS.

Recognising an urgent need to focus, support and galvanise dynamic emerging creative practice in Leith, and with the support of GRAS, Gunnar established Custom Lane in 2016. Custom Lane is a non-profit centre dedicated to the advancement of design and making in Scotland which has grown to become a cultural landmark hosting a vibrant and diverse community. A public café, store, gallery and events spaces provide an ever-changing cultural programme of exhibitions, events, talks and workshops, while the studio space is an enriching environment for multi-disciplinary professionals.

His work has been recognised with awards and nominations from the Glasgow Institute of Architects, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, the Royal Institute of British Architects, Archiprix International, the Royal Scottish Academy, The Architects’ Journal, the American Institute of Architects, The Scottish Design Awards and The World Architecture Festival. In recognition of his services to the community Gunnar was elected a High Constable of the Port of Leith in 2018.

Zoe has specialised in Architectural Conservation since studying for an MSc at Edinburgh College of Art, now part of Edinburgh University. She is particularly interested in the overlap between sustainability/environment issues and architectural conservation, garden and landscape design, the importance of team-working and community in both architecture and heritage protection, and domestic architecture.

Since joining GRAS and qualifying over 15 years ago, Zoe has worked on projects ranging from conservation of scheduled ancient monuments, through to the adaptation of listed buildings and even construction of new buildings in sensitive historic settings. Several of these projects have won awards. Clients have varied from large estates and public bodies with multiple properties requiring major repair, to individual householders seeking to sensitively alter and improve their homes. These projects have included several on the Shetland Islands, Northern Ireland and all over the mainland of Scotland. Zoe was Accredited in Architectural Conservation by the RIAS in 2015. Within the office, Zoe also acts as Part 3 mentor to junior members of staff and focusses on our office environmental policies.

Nicholas Groves-Raines, has worked in partnership from 1972, but since 1979, has practised with his wife, the Icelandic architect, Kristín Hannesdóttir. The growth and reputation of the firm has been based upon the continuing demands for excellence in design, and an on-going dedication to the conservation of our architectural heritage. The directors have restored some fourteen listed properties themselves, amongst them three A Listed 16/17 century fortified Scottish tower houses. He serves as an executive for Friends of the Water of Leith Basin, dedicated to conserving and improving the Water of Leith and surrounding area.

Nicholas is also a former trustee of the National Trust for Scotland and a current board member for the Queen’s Hall. Over the past few years, he has given his free time to Leith Theatre and SS Explorer Preservation Society, advising on conservation matters. Nicholas was awarded the RIAS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 and MBE for services to Architecture, Heritage and Conservation in 2022.

Stewart worked for many years as a chartered building surveyor in private practice in both Edinburgh and London, gaining extensive experience in the survey, repair, refurbishment and alteration of historic buildings throughout the UK. He took up an academic post in 1992, during which he was responsible for the development and direction of Heriot-Watt University’s MSc programme in Building Conservation; he was also involved in wide range of research and consultancy projects, relating primarily to the technology and performance of older buildings, including his own doctoral research. Stewart has published widely and given many presentations on a variety of topics concerning the built heritage.

Stewart first joined Groves-Raines Architects Ltd in 2002, becoming responsible for some of the larger and more complex building conservation projects in the office including Cottier Theatre, Glasgow and Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and Visitor Centre in Shetland. He became leader of the conservation group before accepting the position of Director of Conservation in April 2014.

Before joining GRAS in 2018 Peter worked for 9 years as a partner of Platform 5 Architects, an award-winning architectural practice with a diverse portfolio of projects and an established reputation for excellent design. Peter shared the running of the practice, managing project teams, recruiting, and winning work, heading up a number of highly regarded, award winning projects.

Peter seeks to maintain an active role in all projects, balancing the needs of team management to deliver innovative architectural design through positive collaboration. Peter has extensive experience of designing and delivering projects for many further education colleges and enjoys end-user engagement and briefing. Peter maintains a good working knowledge of a wide range of software, allowing him to maintain an active role as part of the project team for both management and delivery.

Stephen’s approach to architecture is firmly grounded in a passion for understanding the past and a deep respect for the historic environment and its preservation. Stephen joined GRAS in 2001 where he worked on a wide range of conservation projects. In 2006 Stephen joined the National Trust for Scotland where he was responsible for the delivery of projects under the Little Houses Improvement Scheme, a revolving fund preservation trust which acquires significant buildings at risk, repairs them, and sells them upon completion.

Stephen returned to GRAS in late 2016 to continue to work on a wide range of projects with a particular focus on the sensitive repair and adaptive re-use of historic properties. His passion for archaeology continues through serving as architect for the American School of Corinth’s ongoing excavations at the ancient harbour town of Kenchreai in Greece and Rutgers University excavations of a Roman villa at Vacone in central Italy.

Matthew studied architecture at the University of Dundee and after graduating in 1996, he worked in Edinburgh to complete his professional training. Matthew has over twenty three years of post qualification experience in projects covering a wide range of sectors including hotel and leisure, private and commercial residential, and alterations and conversions of listed buildings.

He has worked in a number of established architectural practices and more recently had a role in the management of a small design studio specialising in hospitality and leisure projects with a collaborative approach between architecture and interior design disciplines. His knowledge and experience brings a holistic approach at strategic and detailed level to successfully deliver projects.

With 15 years post qualification experience, Andy brings strong design and presentation skills, coupled with experience and delivery of award winning projects at differing scales. His recent experience has allowed these skills to be focused and honed on a mixture schemes across various sectors both within the UK and internationally. Following graduation he joined RMJM, working with EMBT on the Stirling Prize winning Scottish Parliament for the final 3 years of its construction. He then joined another large established practice as they opened an Edinburgh office, before relocating to Glasgow.

For the past 10 years has worked on a variety of projects, mainly international, in the Philippines, India, Egypt, and more recently closer to home; Edinburgh, Islay, the Highlands, and the refurbishment of the Glasgow subway. Andy joined GRAS in 2017 as a Senior Architect.

David joined GRAS in 2017 as a Senior Architectural Technologist and gained promotion to Associate in 2019. David is a core member of the team where his technical and detailing skills are used broadly across the studio. David in also responsible for implementing & monitoring Building Information Modelling (BIM) skill set within the practice including training of staff in Revit software by regularly holding inhouse CPD sessions.

Gavin has been based in Edinburgh since 2000 and has a broad foundation of experience of different sectors from his varied career to date. He worked on a several conservation projects, both privately and publicly funded prior to joining GRAS to focus exclusively on the conservation and adaptation of listed and existing buildings.

He has a passion for detailing, both traditional and contemporary and understands the importance of passing on this knowledge, taking the time to ensure that less experienced staff understand the fundamental principles of traditional detailing. He fulfils the role of Principal Designer within the office in addition to being the Health and Safety manager. He has been an examiner with the Architects Professional Examination Authority in Scotland (APEAS) since 2017 and is currently working towards his conservation accreditation.

Caroline joined GRAS in 2021 after 14 years with Benjamin Tindall Architects, where she obtained her ARB professional qualification and gained a solid understanding and knowledge in the survey, repair, refurbishment, adaptation and alteration of historic and listed buildings. She has long held a fascination for the built environment having lived abroad and travelled widely. Caroline acquired her undergraduate degree from the University of Edinburgh and Diploma from ECA, where her courses included Contemporary Architectural Intervention.

Her approach is to intelligently and sympathetically adapt, enhance and improve a building, focussing on the client’s needs and aspirations following a thorough understanding of the building and site. Projects have covered a wide variety of types and style, and ranged in scale from domestic alterations up to multi-million pound contracts in the form of repairs, alterations, new build and regeneration in both traditional & contemporary styles. She was most notably Project Architect at Kelburn Castle for 11 years, and several recent Community projects, including St Peter’s Church Hall, Edinburgh. Non-building projects have included a number of naturalistic gates and other metalwork, most notably at Jupiter Artland & Bonnington House.

With over 20 years at GRAS, Tim has extensive experience designing and running projects that have involved the remodelling, refurbishing and extension of existing listed buildings in rural and urban locations. These have ranged in value from £40,000 to £2million. He has also worked on a number of mixed-use large scale developments and feasibility projects. He has collaborated with GRAS on projects and competitions such as the Galeria Temporanea, part of Scotland’s contribution to the Venice Architecture Biennale 2012, the shortlisted memorial for Scottish organ donors in Edinburgh’s Botanic Gardens and the British Council’s Maker Library Network project. Outwith GRAS he has created temporary and permanent art works worldwide.

Tim has created installations and exhibited in a wide range of venues, traditional galleries and public spaces including, recently, GRAS’s own Custom Lane gallery space. His architectural and artistic pursuits have also combined in a number of permanent installations in new buildings for the NHS in Scotland.

Natasha is an RIAS Conservation Accredited architect with over ten year’s experience in the creative adaptation of existing buildings. She is passionate about working with built heritage because of its representation of cultural identity and its intrinsic connection with sustainability. Natasha specialises in community engagement and has worked with organisations, such as the Old Town Development Trust, the Jedburgh Community Trust and the Shetland Amenity Trust.

Natasha is an external marker, guest lecturer and a design tutor at ESALA (University of Edinburgh). She has also co-developed ‘Talks at the Lane’, a series of themed lectures which brings high profile national and international architects and makers to Custom Lane to encourage a broader dialogue within the local design community. She is committed to promoting conservation, diversity and inclusion within general architectural practice and volunteers for groups such as the RIAS Education Group and the EAA Conservation Group.

Ken joined GRAS as the practice’s first in house Project Manager and Contract Administrator in March 2022 following over 25 years as an external consultant in London, Edinburgh and Hong Kong. Ken delivers a dual role within GRAS as PM on selected projects in combination with an operational role for the practice in support of the Directors. Ken’s dual qualification in Cost and Programme combined with a contractual understanding gained in practice gives him a rounded understanding of the diverse GRAS business which we utilize to ensure that projects are developed and delivered at their full potential, to exceptional quality.

Ken’s project experience is diverse and includes The Skye Crossing, Chesham Place Belgravia, The OMNI Centre Edinburgh and the Wynn Casino in Macau. One of Ken’s earliest projects was the St. Andrews in the Square in Glasgow which in turn is an exemplar project for GRAS.

John graduated from the Mackintosh School of Architecture in 2006 which gave an eductation and appreciation of broad architectural ideas, materials, techniques and technologies; with a particular focus on the value of multi-disciplinary collaboration.

Conservation has been a personal passion both within and outwith work in practice as a member of many built heritage organisations and continuing to learn through CPD and conservation architect accreditation.

Catriona joined GRAS as a Part 2 Architectural Assistant in July 2018 having completed both her Part 1 and Part 2 studies at the University of Edinburgh. She graduated with distinction from the MArch programme in 2018 receiving the George Simpson Postgraduate Prize. Her interest in sustainability and ecology led her to focus her MArch thesis on rewilding as a means of land management in London. She has since worked on a number of restoration and conservation projects in Sutherland.

Prior to joining the practice, Catriona worked on projects across Scotland within the residential and commercial sectors. At university, she volunteered as a committee member of the Edinburgh University Art Society organising gallery visits in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Kirsten graduated from the University of Dundee in 2017. Before joining GRAS in 2019 she worked on prominent new-build and refurbishment projects with Reiach and Hall Architects and Bennetts Associates, as well as gaining diverse hands-on experience through an internship with Malaysian-based practice Arkitrek.

Kirsten has a particular interest in promoting environmental and social sustainability through the re-use of existing buildings and traditional methods and materials. She qualified as an architect in 2020.

David studied Architectural Technology at the Dublin Institute of Technology before studying Architecture at the University of Dundee. He was worked throughout Europe in practices in Dublin, Germany and Belgium. He worked in Cambridge and London with Allies and Morrison before working with GRAS in Edinburgh.

David teaches at the University of Edinburgh and has been a guest critic in Cambridge and the University of Central Lancashire.

Lewis joined GRAS in early 2021, having previously worked at various deign led architecture firms in Glasgow. Trained at both the Bauhaus Universität in Weimar and the University of Strathclyde, he graduated with a MA in Advanced Architectural Design with distinction in 2017. Passionate about context, place and narrative, Lewis has functional and minimalist approach to architecture and design.

He has exhibited work at the Royal Scottish Academy on two occasions and won numerous awards through University. His masters thesis based in Brooklyn dealt with issues of flooding, transport and identity mapping out a sustainable future for the post-industrial area of Red Hook. Nominated for the RIBA silver medal, the project won the RIAS Andy MacMillan drawing award and the A&DS Urban Design Award in 2016. At GRAS, Lewis has become part of the growing design team, primarily focussed on developing design proposals for a major development in Denmark.

Estefanía studied Architecture at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina, where she obtained her full Architecture degree in 2014. After that she worked for companies based in Buenos Aires doing competition work, design work and also site-related work, gaining experience in a variety of contexts, building types and scales.

In 2017, following her true passion, she moved to Glasgow to study Historic Building Conservation at the Architectural Design for the Conservation of Built Heritage MSc in Strathclyde University, where she graduated with distinction. Estefanía joined GRAS in February 2020 and she is eager to continue to develop her career within the Heritage Conservation sector. At the moment, she is preparing her Examination for Equivalence to Prescribed Qualifications (Parts 1 and 2), that will enable her to sit the Part 3 exam and eventually become a fully qualified Conservation Architect in the UK.

Victoria joined GRAS as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant in September 2021. She studied at Northumbria University graduating in Interior Architecture before completing a Part 1 PGCert in 2021. Her time at university was spent working with historic and listed buildings, several of which were operated by the National Trust.

Previously Victoria worked for one year as a furniture designer for a Dutch-owned company based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Saigon), working predominantly for high-end American retailers. This role included engaging with factories and finishing labs in the development of products for several collections. Outside of work, Victoria is a qualified yoga teacher and keen runner, who also enjoys travelling and learning languages.

Originally from Sweden, Isabella graduated from the Glasgow School of Art in 2016 and joined GRAS in 2019. Passionate about historical buildings and the stories contained within their fabric, Isabella has developed a keen interest in conservation architecture and the sensitive adaptive re-use of existing buildings in both Sweden and the UK.

She has experience of working on a range of sectors, notably large-scale hospitality and mixed-used developments across the UK.

Lucy joined GRAS as a Part 2 Architectural Assistant in October 2018 shortly after graduating from ESALA with a distinction in the MArch degree. During her studies and time in industry, she has developed a keen interest in social, physical and economic infrastructure. This culminated in her MArch thesis proposing a collaborative approach to construction to act as a challenge to the social and political climate in Thamesmead, London. Lucy has experience across a range of sectors, from small domestic dwellings to the city-scale Crossrail & London Underground networks. She is particularly interested in the role that technology can play in the world of construction, and the challenge this offers architects to take an alternative approach to design.

Across all projects, large and small, she has seen the prevalent themes of social and economic infrastructure, and is excited to be working with GRAS on projects that respond directly to spatial and social conditions. Outside of work, Lucy is a keen cyclist & ex-elite gymnast, and enjoys a quiet afternoon painting, drawing or reading.

Matthew graduated from Robert Gordon University in 2013 with a BSc in Architecture where there was a focus on building methods using sustainable, massive timber construction. Matthew holds a keen interest in emerging and digital fabrication technologies and how this could be applied to future construction methods in architecture, furniture and product design.

He is responsible for 3D modelling and visualisations whilst also working on projects concentrated around making and contemporary craftsmanship.

Gabriela graduated from the Kent School of Architecture in 2018. As a school ambassador, she taught children in local primary schools about the basic concepts and tools of architecture. Her final year project re-designing the historic site of Chatham was exhibited in Public Museum of Chatham Historic Dockyard in July 2018. She worked in a few small practices in Edinburgh, before joining GRAS in 2019.

She is currently studying for master’s degree in Architecture at the University of Strathclyde. Gabriela is interested in the influence of architecture on human emotions. For her dissertation, she examined monuments from ex-Yugoslav territories and created an artefact – a sculpture creating a space bringing relief to students facing criticism and doubts.

Leo joined GRAS in March 2021. He completed his undergraduate studies at KTH, the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm before graduating with a Masters at the Glasgow School of Art. His final year thesis interrogated the future adaptability and resurgence of historic ruins around Scotland.

Leo’s diverse cultural background, living in Greece, Sweden and Scotland influences the way he views and conducts his work, with an acute passion for Architectural history and culture.

Charlie joined GRAS this year as a Part 2 Architectural Assistant having previously worked with the practice during their Part 1. They completed both portions of their architectural studies at the Mackintosh School of Architecture, at the Glasgow School of Art, where their thesis focused on the Belgian terrace and its various adaptations, repairs and reconsiderations as a housing typology.

In addition, Charlie has worked for practices in Stockholm and London where she has continued to focus on working with the reuse, adaptation and restoration of existing buildings and structures. This work includes Markelius’ Folketshus in Stockholm, retrofit policy with National Governments and local authorities, and teaching as part of Radical Practice, a final year professional practice module, at the Royal College of Art in 2020.

Leonie joined GRAS in January 2021. She has 8 years’ experience within SME’s and accountancy firms. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2017 and found herself move towards the construction industry. After 2 years financially managing a number of residential and commercial construction projects, she is now the Finance and Operations Manager with GRAS.

She is responsible for monitoring the day-to-day financial operations within the company, supporting the growth of the business, and forming structure in a creative environment. She is essential in developing a strategic direction for the company. She is a keen runner and water sports enthusiast, and she has recently joined the Dunedin Connolly’s Gaelic Football Team in Edinburgh.

Kirsty graduated from the University of Dundee in 2020 with a dual-accredited Masters in Architecture with Urban Planning, with a keen interest in the design, construction and occupation of community spaces. Her masters thesis explored existing community networks within Perth city centre, culminating in the design of infrastructure for vulnerable youths, alongside a collaborative masterplan subsequently publicly merited by the university. Following graduation, Kirsty has explored rural community empowerment, and was a speaker on the subject for the Academy of Urbanism. She has since spent time exploring feminist interventions within urban environments.

Kirsty has unique knowledge in mass timber systems, previously working on outputs for the Mass Timber Academy, as well as avid experience in graphic design and events management. She spends most of her spare time at the beach or up a hill with her dachshund, as well as reading and discussing feminist literature.

Shaun graduated as an Architectural Technologist (Edinburgh Napier University) in 2016 and later moved to Barcelona to obtain a Masters in Ephemeral Architecture (ELISAVA). Combining the two, he has developed a growing capacity for creativity, strategic thinking, material solution and project construction.

He Joined GRAS in 2019 and has since offered both conceptual and technical support to the Architectural Team, whilst maintaining a keen interest in fabrication, prototyping and architectural photography

Derek joined GRAS in 2016 having worked and collaborated with practice on various projects since 2008, including the renovation of Lambs House, as a self-employed Electrical contractor. The expansion and development of Derek’s working practice took him in the direction of Project Management. and since 2014 this and Electrical/Trade and Building Consultancy has been his substantive working role, and this experience is central to his position in GRAS.

Alongside his strength in project management Derek also brings a wealth of skills and knowledge of building and trade disciplines, which facilitate a very high standard of practical completion to any project which he is involved in.

Since beginning working within the GRAS team Derek has been involved in several installations and refurbishments and various art exhibitions, were he has managed the fabrication of in-house GRAS designed lighting and furniture. Derek is based at Custom Lane where he oversees facility management within the company.

Nikki graduated with an MA (Hons) in History from the University of Edinburgh in 1995. She has also studied filmmaking and has worked in a variety of admin roles, including the co-orindation of a contemporary archiving project at a regional film archive. She started at GRAS in 2001 and has since worked in a number of admin roles, becoming Office Manager in 2015.

Alistair joined GRAS as a Product Design Engineer in September 2021, having graduated Glasgow University and School of Art the year before with a First-Class Master’s in Product Design Engineering. Alistair is highly creative and skilled in aspects of furniture / object design and spends most of his time, both inside and out of the studio, on this passion.

With an interest and extensive knowledge of materials, Alistair also maintains the studio’s growing material library. Previously, he has interned with Studio Toogood in London, collaborated with GEO International Design House and has exhibited his personal work through gallery spaces in Edinburgh, including Custom Lane.

Paula graduated with distinction from ESALA, University of Edinburgh in 2017 (MArch), having received the George Simpson Postgraduate Theory Award. She has worked in London and Edinburgh prior to joining GRAS in 2018. Whether in visual communication, architecture, interior, or product design, she seeks balance between refinement and complexity, often bringing into focus materiality and design detail.

Paula refines her skills and design aesthetics through various commercial and residential interior projects, whilst overseeing the visual language of the practice. Paula is doctoral candidate in Architecture by Design at ESALA, University of Edinburgh, where she also contributes to postgraduate theory courses.