Jamie Anderson

Reason for nomination

Jamie joined Johnston-Harris Architects in 2015, having graduated from Newcastle University with Distinction and an RIBA Silver Medal nomination. Since joining, he has helped drive the development of the practice and its architectural output. Jamie’s ability to engage clients and take a holistic and pragmatic approach to design challenges has contributed to growth of the practice and in 2019 he was appointed a director aged 27.   Jamie championed the integration of BIM software into our workflow – this has expanded our capabilities in 3D visualisation and data modeling. In turn this allows us to provide a superior, all-round service to clients.   Jamie has led many projects from concept to completion, from high-end domestic extensions to mixed-use flatted developments. He has an excellent ability to manage a diverse range of clients, consultants and stakeholders. His understanding of all stages of the RIBA Plan of Work allows for a comprehensive approach to design and construction.   While Jamie has earned a reputation for designing and delivering inventive solutions in the high-end domestic market in Edinburgh, he has also developed an ability to apply the same level of detail and rigour to medium scale property developments.   Beyond practice, Jamie remains committed to architectural education and plays his part in motivating the next generation of architecture students. He has maintained ties with Newcastle University and frequently returns to the Architecture School as a guest reviewer and design tutor.   We will always be grateful to Jamie for his contribution to JHA and look forward to collaborating with him in future as he embarks on a new venture as principal of Pend Architects. Jim Johnston, Johnston – Harris Architects.

Description of work

Bernard Street Development. Project Architect – Stages 0-7. In 2020, Jamie completed the residential development of a Grade B listed office building within the Leith Conservation Area. The clients acquired the office space in poor condition with no water, gas, electricity or drainage. Jamie was able to work within a tight budget and complex network of stakeholders to deliver two contemporary apartments which retained much of their historical character.  Working within the existing office layout as far as possible, a single structural opening was provided to each flat to form the open plan kitchen/living area and a new service zone housed the bathroom and ensuite. Historical elements such as cornicing, timber panelling, shutters and architraves were often damaged or missing and these were carefully restored and salvaged where possible. A particular challenge was ensuring the listed building was able to comply with contemporary fire and acoustic regulations and with a full interior, architectural and project management scope, Jamie was able to provide simple and cost-effective solutions to these challenges.   Inverleith Extension. Project Architect – Stages 0-7.   Jamie was project architect for this contemporary extension to a Grade B listed Georgian Villa within the Inverleith Conservation area. The family needed a space that better connected the house to the garden and an offset steel column allowed the glazing to open fully at the corner and maximise the connection. This was further emphasized by hidden sliding doors which were concealed within a pocket wall. The structural strategy was expressed with an eight metre galvanised steel beam that carries the monopitch zinc roof. Clerestory glazing to the south east allows morning sunlight to flood the space whilst maintaining maximum privacy to the neighbouring building. The material palette was chosen to complement the listed building. Natural sandstone was used to match the existing villa and zinc was used as contemporary yet complementary material for the roof and south-east wall. Since its completion, the extension has housed 3 family christmases, 4 christenings, countless summer parties and even a hen do – sign of a job well done!