Wilson Paul Award-Winning Chartered Architects In Dundee
Wilson Paul is a multi-disciplinary team of Chartered Architects, Chartered Planners and Interior Designers based in Dundee, since 1980. We create bespoke, site-specific designs tailored to our clients’ unique needs. Our focus is on delivering inspiring, design-led architecture with a keen eye on costs and a pragmatic approach.
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We specialize in elegant and intelligent solutions for complex and challenging projects and have won a number of awards for our work. We pride ourselves on being personable, innovative, and responsive, undertaking a wide range of projects across Scotland, regardless of size or budget. Our client-first approach ensures your aspirations are at the heart of every project.
Approach
We see every project as a collective effort, where the client, architect, and builder share a common vision. Our collaborative approach encourages input from all parties, ensuring the best possible outcome. We are highly driven, but above all friendly and down to earth.
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We believe in creating considered, simple, and elegant buildings that integrate seamlessly with their context, responding to the site and surroundings in a thoughtful way. Every project we undertake is given the same high level of care and thought.
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At our core
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Meaningful creativity
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Pragmatism
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Time honored craftsmanship
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Reliability & relationships
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Effectiveness
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We prefer to design buildings that are truly responsive to their local environment and to the specific needs of our clients. For us every project is unique because every site and every client is unique.
Our Story
Our roots /
Wilson Paul Architects, originally James Paul Associates, was founded in 1980 by Professor James Paul in Broughty Ferry. After studying architecture at the University of Aberdeen, James worked in London before returning to Scotland in the late 1950s to join the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee. There, he played a pivotal role in developing the Department of Architecture, eventually designing the Matthew Building (pictured right) to accommodate its growing student body.
Completed in 1974, the Matthew Building is a celebrated example of contemporary concrete architecture, recently awarded Listed Building status by Historic Scotland. It continues to house the University of Dundee’s Architecture department, inspiring future generations of architects including several members of the Wilson Paul team.
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James Paul was appointed Professor of Architecture in 1983 and served as Head of School at the University of Dundee until his retirement in 1994. His sons, Roddy and Angus Paul, both studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College, with Angus pursuing Town & Country Planning and Roddy following in his father’s footsteps to study Architecture. Together, they worked alongside James to build a diverse portfolio of projects across Scotland.
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Today /
In 2022, the practice entered a new phase, becoming Wilson Paul Architects. Architect Sam Wilson took on the role of Managing Director and owner, after several years serving as partner and design lead. Roddy and Angus continue their work within the practice.
Prior to Wilson Paul, Sam worked for a global architectural practice and brings with him the skills gained from his work on major international projects, including the RIBA Award winning £145 m Mann Island project in Liverpool. Sam leads the studio with a focus on creative, innovative design, with integrity. Sam designs 'from the inside-out' and prides himself on producing simple, elegant and thoughtful design solutions to complex and challenging projects, ensuring each project reflects the client’s vision.
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Sam completed his Master’s in Architecture at the University of Dundee with distinction, receiving the Best in School award. He was later honored with the RIAS Silver Medal for Architecture and has exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy.
Team
We have a close-knit and multi-talented staff team, all of whom share the same passion to deliver above and beyond for our Clients.
We pride ourselves on being a local practice, with national level skills.
To achieve this each of our staff members also has particular expertise in their specialist field; this knowledge is then shared across the team to ensure that we deliver exactly to the requirements of your brief.
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As Chartered Architects, We Prioritize Quality and Integrity. We are fully registered with the ARB and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland. With comprehensive Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance, we are equipped to handle projects of all sizes.
Our technical expertise and commitment to quality ensure that your designs are executed to the highest standards of craftsmanship on site. This provides you with the peace of mind that we are a reputable, qualified practice. We would always encourage you to verify credentials and accreditations to ensure you're working with a trusted professional.
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It is often commented that our studio has a family atmosphere and all of our staff members pride themselves on having both a helpful and friendly approach.
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Team Members
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Sam Wilson
Stephen O'Loughlin
Roddy Paul
Angus Paul
Scott Birtles
Jorge Velasco
David Burns
Cheryl Wilson
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Specialist Skills
While our office handles projects of all sizes across a range of sectors, we have developed specialist expertise in areas such as Education and Care.
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We have successfully delivered several high-profile, multi-million-pound projects for universities and schools, including both refurbishments and new builds, some of which are the first of their kind in the UK.
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Our extensive experience in the care sector spans several decades, enabling us to complete numerous projects for care providers across Scotland, ranging from new builds to facility upgrades.
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A significant area of our practice includes both residential and commercial developments. We take great pride in our ability to add tangible value to each project, regardless of challenges such as site complexity, specific client briefs, or project constraints.
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