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 University of Edinburgh. 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 nearly 20 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 is accredited in Architectural Conservation at Advanced level by the RIAS and was appointed practice Director in 2021. Zoe continues to focus on sustainability issues in the studio. Her current workload includes several conservation & adaptation projects in the north of Scotland and numerous smaller-scale domestic projects.

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.

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.

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. With the end of 2024, Stewart transitioned into the role of Heritage Consultant, enabling him to bring his extensive expertise to an even broader spectrum of projects.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

David joined GRAS in 2023. After initial period of academic research in Scandinavia David commenced his professional practice working as a MNAL architect whilst based in Oslo Norway. Over a 10-year period David worked professionally delivering a number of projects at differing scales across various sectors including Education, Residential, Public and Commercial.

In 2013 he returned to the University of Edinburgh to commence a further period of academic research. He then returned to professional practice initially working for established offices based in Edinburgh delivering international projects with a focus on sustainability in the UAE and new build Education schemes across Scotland. He then took the position as consultant for a London based practice focusing on mixed used commercial and the higher end developer/private client residential sectors in London and the South East of England where his responsibilities covered early stage project development and client liaison extending to the internal management, resourcing and delivery of schemes.

Since graduating from the Mackintosh School of Architecture David has worked in Christchurch, New Zealand and Edinburgh. Through working in varied practices on numerous project types he has gained a breadth of knowledge and technical skill.

David has a strong interest in regenerative, sustainable practices and the use of natural materials. Recognising the urgency of the climate emergency he qualified as a Passivhaus Designer and will use this expertise to advise on projects throughout the studio.

David studied Architectural Technology at the Dublin Institute of Technology before studying Architecture at the University of Dundee. He has 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.

Having studied art and design at Leeds College of Art, Andrew turned to architecture undertaking both Part 1 and Part 2 of his architectural studies at the Mackintosh School of Architecture. He qualified as an architect in 2016 at the Bartlett School of Architecture.

Before joining GRAS in 2023, Andrew worked for a small studio that enjoyed a long-term commitment to working locally in east London. He oversaw the delivery of a range of projects from concept design, through planning, construction, and completion. Much of which involved creatively adapting and extending existing and historic buildings to meet their future needs. Passionate about sensitively conserving and adapting buildings, Andrew is also an Accredited Conservation Architect.

Estefanía studied Architecture at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina, where she obtained her full Architecture degree in December 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. For her work at the MSc she was awarded the Gus Astley Student Award 2018 by IHBC. Between 2020 and 2025 she obtained her UK Parts 1, 2 and 3 qualifications and registered as a UK architect in March 2025.

Estefanía joined GRAS in February 2020 and she is eager to continue to develop her career within the Heritage Conservation sector. She is also an active member of ICOMOS CIF.

Ellie joined GRAS in 2022 as a Part 2 Architectural Assistant having graduated with an MArch from the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment. Her masters thesis explored sustainable community placemaking in the context of remote and rural Scottish islands.

Prior to joining GRAS, Ellie has worked for practices in both Cambridge and Edinburgh where she has had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects ranging from university campus masterplans to listed building alterations and extensions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kirsty graduated from the University of Dundee in 2020 with a dual-accredited Masters in Architecture with Urban Planning and a keen interest in the design, construction and occupation of community spaces. Kirsty joined GRAS in 2021 with prior experience in Edinburgh working on residential and commercial projects, and a passion for gender, queer and disability equity in the built environment.

After qualifying as an Architect in 2023, Kirsty started a PhD in 2024 on inclusivity and accessibility in historic environments. Their work in this area has been instrumental to the practice’s approach to accessibility, and she is now working with the practice to extend their services to support clients in achieving better accessibility within their projects.

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.

Nathan graduated from Edinburgh Napier University in 2021 with a BSc with 1st Class Honours in Architectural Technology, a degree that promotes a technical, logical mindset with a focus on delivering projects. Between trimesters, Nathan spent time working for numerous architectural practices building up practical experience to sit alongside the knowledge from university. During this time, he was commissioned to produce architectural models for public consultations and exhibitions. He has had 3 models exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy.

Joining GRAS in April 2024, his focus has been on project delivery and technical output. This has allowed him to strive for perfection, pursue his passion for good design, and find a particular penchant for snagging recently completed projects. Prior to joining GRAS, Nathan worked in several sectors including commercial, healthcare and education, with projects at home in Scotland, across Europe and in the Middle East. He is currently working towards CIAT membership. (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists).

Andrew completed his undergraduate degree at The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture in 2019 before graduating from the Mackintosh School of Architecture in 2022. Throughout his studies and professional experience, Andrew has developed a strong focus on context-responsive design and a deep recognition of architecture’s responsibility in the climate emergency. These principles manifested in his thesis project, where he examined the effects of global unrestricted carbon output and climate instability on the city of Glasgow in the 2100s, delineating the duty and power of the built environment to address this new reality, examining macro climate effects at a human scale through a series of interventions between the urban form and the sea.

Before joining GRAS in July 2022, Andrew had professional experience in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Birmingham, where he focused on residential and commercial projects throughout the United Kingdom.

Gabriela’s current portfolio focuses on conservation and adaptive reuse. She is most engaged when on site: undertaking condition surveys, recording historic fabric, or navigating scaffolding to observe construction details taking shape. A deep interest in the intersection of historic structures and contemporary intervention drives her methodology, informing how she reads and responds to the built environment. Her approach to design is defined by focus and deliberation—whether resolving a complex detail, painting, or competing in ultra-trail marathons. Each discipline demands the same fundamental rigour: clarity of thought, precision and endurance.

Having graduated from the Kent School of Architecture in 2018, Gabriela was awarded an MArch with Distinction from the University of Strathclyde in 2022. She joined GRAS in 2019, and we are incredibly proud to see her achieve this culmination of her architectural training in 2026.

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.

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.

Mike joined GRAS in August 2022. He is a part qualified CGMA accountant and has 15 years’ experience working within commercial businesses. After spending the last 5 years within the construction industry Mike is now the Finance Manager for GRAS. He is responsible for monitoring the day-to-day financial operation, supporting the growth of the business and forming structure in our creative environment. He is also focused on enhancing our use of data to improve our analysis and decision making as we continue to grow and develop GRAS.

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.

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 works across architecture, interior design, visual communication and research, shaping how ideas, materials and spaces are communicated and experienced.

She leads branding, marketing and visual communication at GRAS, crafting the studio’s narrative presence through strategic storytelling, design direction and public engagement. Her work extends into interior architecture, where she brings a refined, materially sensitive approach to spatial projects, balancing conceptual clarity with crafted detail.

Since joining GRAS in 2018, Paula has contributed to a wide range of commercial and residential projects while cultivating the practice’s visual identity. Alongside this, she develops initiatives that explore craftsmanship, collaboration and raw materials — including Talks at The Lane, an event series co-organised with Custom Lane residents, and The Gathering Hand, a GRAS project led with Alistair Byars that explores object-scale design and artisanal production.

Paula is a doctoral candidate in Architecture by Design at the University of Edinburgh, where her research examines the spatiality of books, archives and publishing. She also curates BOOK—SPACE, an ESALA residency and public programme focused on spatial reading, interdisciplinary dialogue and experimental forms of knowledge-sharing.

Antonín is an EU qualified architect based in Liberec, graduating with honours at TUL Liberec in 2017. He worked for award-winning offices in Liberec and Prague where he participated in a wide range of projects. There he gained experience in both architectural design and obtaining building permits in socially and historically exposed locations.

He has a passion for details as well as for solving the complexity of the urban environment. This dichotomy in his approach is reflected in professional motto: architect as a universal soldier in the field of architecture.

Jakub is an EU qualified architect based in Prague, having completed his architectural education at the Academy of Fine Arts and the CTU Prague. His formative years in the field were spent working in Czech’s renowned offices like OV-A and Studio Perspektiv, where he gained exposure to a wide range of projects spanning residential to public institutions. 

With over six years of professional experience, Jakub has developed a deep passion for crafting spaces that are deeply rooted in its surroundings. He’s keen in understanding the unique context of each project, considering the historical, cultural, and social aspects that shape the built environment. His approach to design is driven by a commitment to functionality and aesthetic coherence.  

Jan graduated with distinction from ESALA in 2017 (March). During the studies, he took part in a student-led humanitarian project Build Our Nation that culminated in an exhibition at the Architectural Venice Biennale in 2012. Prior joining GRAS in 2016, Jan worked at Christ & Gantenbein where he found passion in public architecture and helped winning a competition for Lindt Chocolate Centre in Zurich. Over the years, Jan adopted a sensitive approach towards architecture and design that draws its strength from deep understanding of its context through to the smallest detail of the project.

Jan 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.