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7 Wellington Square
Ayr
KA7 1EN
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Wherever we go, whatever the need, we get there together.
Our people-centric approach takes us closer to our clients to ‘get’ their needs and exceed their ambitions.
With an eclectic blend of skills and expertise across our studio, we fuse multiple perspectives to design modern buildings and make great architecture accessible for all.
Progression
We work with like-minded clients who share our commitment to producing more sustainable buildings and contributing to the circular economy.
Innovation
Through the Building Information Modelling process, we can create intelligent 3D models that help stakeholders understand what buildings will look like before they're built.
Collaboration
We offer a flexible and tailored service following the RIBA Plan of Work. Where possible, we are involved in projects from beginning to end, working closely with project teams to guarantee the vision becoming reality
A place where every opinion counts.
We are genuine, down-to-earth, hard-working people.
We have a progressive approach to our workforce culture, treating all as equals. Helping them to realise their own potential while delivering on yours.
Steven Denham
Founder and Managing Director
Colin Reynolds
Architect
Joanne Cowan
Architect
Chris Youd
Architect Director
Ryan Dyer
Part 2 Architectural Assistant
Lloyd Robertson
Architect
Chris Finlay
Architect
Heather Cuthbert
Finance Manager
Lottie Convery
Architectural Assistant
Paul Lessing
Architect
Steven Denham
Founding and Managing Director
Stevie’s personable and down to earth approach sets the tone for the relaxed and collaborative environment we work in. The team take encouragement from his energy and progressive nature.
For me, it’s all about unlocking potential. Architecture gives us the opportunity to push creative boundaries and improve people’s lives, whether that's by designing considerate homes or helping businesses realise their full commercial potential.
As a qualified Architectural Technician, I worked mostly within the housing sector but eventually took the chance to develop a career on my own terms back in 2007 by setting up my business.
As a busy Dad of two young boys, there is never a dull moment out of the office. When the opportunity is there I love to get out on the bike and discover what's changing in the nearby towns and villages.
Q:What do you think are the most important traits in this line of work?
The realisation that designing places for people to live, work or play in is a big responsibility. Listening and understanding the clients' needs with compassion should come naturally, alongside the ability to stay motivated to help improve our built environment for the future.
Q:Summarise your career in one sentence?
Its been a challenging but rewarding journey to get to this point in my career and I am excited about the future and the adventures that lie ahead!
Joanne Cowan
Part 2 Architectural Assistant
Joanne has an easy-going nature, a keen eye for design and brings good energy into everything she does which makes her the go-to when we need to make things happen on a project. The one that everyone wants to work with.
Since working with Denham Youd, nailing down my own style of effective communication has been important. We approach every project with the clients' vision at the forefront, and working very closely with them means meeting expectations is our number one priority.
With a keen interest in the online presence of the business, I update our social media platforms with a spotlight on our most recent work to show the breadth of our experience across projects large and small. I have spent time researching the role of reusing existing buildings and brownfield sites in regeneration projects, which has highlighted how powerful great architecture can be in contributing to re-energising an area.
Q:Detail some projects you have worked on?
I find working on distillery projects interesting due to their specialist nature. I've learnt a lot about the distillation process and how to maximise the efficiency of the building layout to facilitate the staff, the tour guides and the visitors in equal measure.
Q:What do you think are the most important traits in this line of work?
I think it is important that an architectural assistant is adaptive and resilient, as sometimes existing constraints and changing circumstances require quick thinking and the ability to problem-solve. Being creative and having natural empathy are useful qualities that will allow you to work in harmony with clients.
Q:What is your architecture philosophy?
Thoughtful design has the potential to positively impact people's lives and the way in which they live and work - great architecture should consider the site and surrounding context to create a proposal that complements and contributes to the built environment.
Chris Youd
Architect Director
A passionate advocate for good design, Chris is constantly looking at ways we can innovate as a practice. Honed by decades of following the mixed fortunes of Stockport County FC and the England Cricket Team, he leads by example when it comes to dealing with the day to day challenges of architecture.
I'm a registered architect and member of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). I enjoy landscape architecture, designing outdoor spaces and DIY projects at home.
Placemaking, sustainability and making the best use of available resources are my focus when beginning any project. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with a wide range of clients and stakeholders, which include Health professionals and bodies, Educational Institutions, Developers, Local Government, Charities and Artists.
Q:Detail some projects you've worked on?
In my career, I have been fortunate to have worked on projects large and small for an array of architectural practices. Highlights of my career include my Part 1 placement in Australia and being part of the project team designing Edinburgh's Royal Hospital for Sick Children, and whilst working with Denham Youd I've enjoyed designing distilleries on both the Isles of Arran and Barra.
Q:What's the most important trait for someone in this line of work?
The ability to engage in constructive collaboration and communication are key in our profession; from the formulation of a brief, through initial ideas, concept development, construction, occupation and use.
Q:What is your architecture philosophy?
For me, architecture has been an outlet through which I can express creative concepts and designs. I get a lot of inspiration from collaborating with clients, consultants and contractors to create thoughtfully designed places for people to work and live.
Colin Reynolds
Architect
Combining his travels with an encyclopaedic knowledge of design, Colin has his finger on the pulse of all things new and cool. Always upbeat, he is both fun to be around and highly professional. A great guy to have in our corner.
I'm a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, and part of the Architects Registration Board. I also have plans to become a certified Passivhaus designer in the near future!
Away from work, travel is a passion of mine. Visiting buildings or spaces of architectural interest when globetrotting keeps me inspired in an ever-changing industry. I also enjoy building architectural models at home and at work; I find creating something physical to be a great way of testing ideas and showcasing a project.
Q:Detail some projects you've worked on?
Housing projects of all shapes and sizes. Housing satisfies the social responsibility part of my brain, whilst one-off house designs allow us to test more ideas and work closely with clients to create their dream home. I also have experience in Community and Educational projects.
Q:What is the most important trait for someone in this line of work?
Some architects love to work in the early Concept Design phases of a project where it's all about testing and discussing ideas, others thrive in the detailing of a project or administering a contract. All of these processes require you to be methodical, both in your thinking and how you work.
Q:Summarise your career in one sentence?
A good breath of experience in various sectors, on projects of varying scales, with a great mix of clients.
Chris Finlay
Architect
Always ready with a witty one-liner or the odd impersonation - his Ronnie Corbett is particularly good - Chris is a fine architect and his experience coupled with his ability to produce beautiful hand-drawn sketches is invaluable to our team.
I am a member of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA); the one hobby I have which relates to my job is sketching (which I should make more time for!)
I have recently joined the Passivhaus Trust, and later this year I will begin training to become a Passivhaus designer. This will hopefully bring me a new level of environmental design knowledge that I can share with the team and use in the practice going forward.
Q:What is your architecture philosophy?
Great architecture to me means many things – it is creating lovely spaces for people to enjoy, helping to build communities; it is fostering relationships with clients to provide a meaningful service that we can both learn from; it is creating a vibrant, sustainable workplace. It is ensuring sustainable design forms part of the core of a project, never the afterthought.
Q:Detail some projects you've worked on?
I have worked in various sectors over the years including private housing, social housing, individual dwellings, industrial, commercial and leisure. One area that gives me a great deal of satisfaction is social housing – you feel that in a small way you have helped to enhance the life of a community and its residents.
Q:What is the most important trait for someone in this line of work?
Being able to listen is really important, along with being flexible and willing to make changes when they are necessary.
Shaun Fallis
D8 Dev
For me, it’s all about unlocking potential. Architecture gives us the opportunity to push creative boundaries and improve people’s lives, whether that's by designing considerate homes or helping businesses realise their full commercial potential.
As a qualified Architectural Technician, I worked mostly within the housing sector but eventually took the chance to develop a career on my own terms back in 2007 by setting up my business.
As a busy Dad of two young boys, there is never a dull moment out of the office. When the opportunity is there I love to get out on the bike and discover what's changing in the nearby towns and villages.
Q:What do you think are the most important traits in this line of work?
The realisation that designing places for people to live, work or play in is a big responsibility. Listening and understanding the clients' needs with compassion should come naturally, alongside the ability to stay motivated to help improve our built environment for the future.
Q:Summarise your career in one sentence?
Its been a challenging but rewarding journey to get to this point in my career and I am excited about the future and the adventures that lie ahead!
Heather Cuthbert
Finance Manager
Self-confessed chocolate and caffeine addict with a penchant for numbers and spreadsheets
Q:Your industry philosophy?
I enjoy giving financial meaning to monthly figures for a creative business.
Q:The most important trait for someone working in our industry to have is?
Honesty, accuracy and good communication skills
Lloyd Robertson
Part 2 Architectural Assistant
Having gained experience to date across residential, workplace and urban design sectors, I look forward to exploring distillery projects and continued residential schemes at Denham Youd
Q:Your architecture/ industry philosophy?
To provide thoughtful, ambitious and well-crafted architectural responses that carefully consider the site, context and people that will occupy them.
Q:The most important trait for someone working in our industry to have is?
Creative flair, vision and an ability to communicate ideas well.