People

We love what we do. Our team are eager, energised and motivated to continually seek creative, award-worthy designs to reimagine the home in an urban, suburban or rural setting.

DIRECTOR ARCHITECT

Seán Gaule

Having studied architecture at the Scott Sutherland School, Sean graduated with distinction in 2010. Most notably exhibiting at the Royal Scottish Academy’s New Contemporaries exhibition and the prestigious RIBA Silver Medal of the same year.

In his professional career Sean’s work has also been recognised with a RIAS award for the best Heritage Project in 2017. His work regularly features in the national press.

As a director of Somner Macdonald, Seán’s passion for designing and delivering beautiful homes is borne out in every project he leads where he fosters long lasting, trusting relationships with clients and quality crafts people. Seán has an envious track record working with both heritage properties and new builds. Creating much more than just bricks and mortar.

DIRECTOR ARCHITECT

Tom Armistead

Tom graduated from The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture in Aberdeen, having earned his degree with distinction. His professional journey brought him to SMA in 2017, building upon a wealth of experience gained in diverse design-led projects across the realms of domestic, commercial and public spaces.

Tom's fervour for his craft extends to the heart of his work at SMA, where he channels his passion into creating homes that captivate and enchant. This commitment to crafting delightful homes becomes a guiding force, resonating through the very ethos and creative pursuits of the practice.

DIRECTOR ARCHITECT

Keith Macdonald

Keith is based in North Berwick, focusing on East Lothian and beyond, having worked in several parts of Scotland earlier in his career. He thrives on working with clients, seeking ways of shaping their homes to create change to their lives.

PART 2 ARCHITECTURAL ASSISTANT

Kirstin Forsyth

Kirstin joined SMA in 2021 after gaining her M.Arch from the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. She has worked at notable practices in both Scotland and Northern Ireland, always with a keen focus on the detailing and quality of space.

In 2018, her graduating project received commendation from the EAA McKay Student Medal. She is currently working towards her Part 3 Qualification.

CHARTERED ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

Oliver Hibbs

Oliver started with SMA at the start of 2021. Since graduating from the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture in 2012, Oliver has worked with a variety of practices in the north-east of Scotland and latterly Edinburgh, delivering both large social housing projects and smaller conversion and restorations to existing buildings.

Oliver is a Chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, with a keen interest in sustainability, conservation of historic buildings and their continuing use through adaptation.

ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

Emma Sanderson

Emma graduated from Scott Sutherland School of Architecture, Aberdeen in 2016. She joined us at the end of 2021, having previously gained valuable experience producing technical information packages for multiple large affordable housing developments in Edinburgh, Midlothian and the Borders.

Emma brings her technical expertise and interest in bespoke detailing to the team. She contributes to projects across all stages, with particular focus on the technical design stages. Emma is currently working towards becoming a member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

PROJECT ARCHITECT

Laure Humbert

Laure joined SMA in 2023, bringing her international experience from France, Sweden and Brazil. She graduated from the National School of Architecture of Nancy in France in 2017 with a focus on Architectural Theory and Critique.

Laure obtained her Part 3 qualification in Edinburgh in 2023 and is an active board member of the Edinburgh Architectural Association.

Projects

Whether heralding a new chapter in an existing building’s life or creating something completely new, we maximise the potential of every site and building to ensure it integrates seamlessly with its surroundings.

Projects