Aberdeen architectural firm undergoes management buyout

Aberdeen architectural firm undergoes management buyout

Pictured (L-R): Caroline McBain, Ian McGregor, and Elena Pampana

Albyn Architects, an Aberdeen architectural practice, has undergone a management buyout – resulting in its rebranding to Ian McGregor Architects.

Founded originally as Albyn Architectural in 2015, by departing director Mark Dellaquaglia, the company expanded in 2018 with the appointment of principal architect Ian McGregor, rebranding at the time to Albyn Architects.

This latest change allows Mr McGregor to build on the success of the past eight years and advance the practice further.



“Having achieved the goals set out as part of the joint venture, scaling the business with growth of the team and client base,” said Ian, “the time is right to take the next step and allow us to each capitalise in our specific areas of expertise.”

This new chapter in the firm sees Ian McGregor Architects relocate to new premises at Neospace on Riverside Drive, Aberdeen, with Albyn Design & Build continuing to operate from its office on Chattan Place.

“Both businesses have enjoyed increasing success of the past five years,” said Mr Dellaquiglia, “and since joining, Ian has been the driving force in taking the architecture business forward. Taking this next step is the correct decision for the growth of both practices.”

While the name will change, all current Albyn Architect projects will continue under the new Ian McGregor Architects brand, with the existing staff associate architect Caroline McBain and architectural assistant Elena Pampana continuing to work alongside Mr McGregor.

As part of the deal, Blair Cunningham has transferred to Albyn Design & Build in the role of architectural project manager.

“While it will be business as usual in terms of our ongoing projects, I’m very much looking forward to seeing where I can take the company in the years ahead,” said Mr McGregor.

He continued: “We’ve built a solid foundation as Albyn Architects, and I’m excited about the next chapter of the business.

“We have a good balance of staff experience, technical knowledge and creativity in the team, and we will bring that combined expertise to bear on existing and new projects across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and more widely across the rest of Scotland.”

Since it was formed, the architectural practice has carried out a wide range of residential projects, primarily in Aberdeen and surrounding areas, as well as a varied mix of commercial projects from office refurbishments, dental practices and bars/cafes.

As well as several house extension projects in Aberdeen, upcoming projects for Ian McGregor Architects include new build houses in Bridge of Don and Perth, the conversion of a steading into a wedding, event and accommodation venue and the conversion of a care home in Banff into flats.

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