OUR WORK DRAWS FROM THE TRADITIONS OF SCOTTISH ARCHITECTURE 

 

Our conversation shifts to the design process. “Every project begins with learning from the client,” Andrew shares. “We start by understanding what they like and dislike, how they want to live, how they spend time together or alone, what their interests are, and so on. From this foundation, we begin forming a picture of how a home can be designed around these elements. Context is also central to our work—getting to know the land, understanding how a building can integrate into the landscape is crucial for us.”

 

I ask whether there is a particular architectural movement that inspires Brown&Brown. Andrew’s answer is clear: “Our work draws from the traditions of Scottish architecture, particularly those that respond to natural materials and the surrounding landscape. Additionally, we take inspiration from many mid-century modern buildings.”

 

Sustainable architecture is a widely discussed topic among architectural studios, yet for many, it remains theoretical rather than practical. I know that one of Brown&Brown’s key focuses is minimizing their projects’ carbon footprint, but I’m curious about the other sustainable strategies they implement. Andrew explains: “We adopt a ‘sustainable by design’ approach, rather than buildings only being sustainable by the addition of renewable technologies. These systems are important, of course, but a home works best when simple sustainable strategies are integrated into the design from the outset. Considerations such as orientation, thermal mass, natural cross-ventilation, and locally sourced materials create the conditions that allow technologies such as sustainable heating and ventilation systems to function at their best.”