Stallan-Brand Architecture & Design

Stallan-Brand Architecture & Design was established in March 2012 by Paul Stallan and Alistair Brand. The firm's team has evolved over 25 years and includes architects, masterplanners, graphic designers, and model makers. The company promotes intelligent architecture and urban design, aiming for straightforward solutions to complex projects. Stallan-Brand operates with a strong belief in resilient design that supports social progression.

The practice champions transformational design, which is informed by dialogue and creative exchange. Its design approach is rooted in research and a deep understanding of the architect's role. Stallan-Brand emphasizes an understanding of place in its work, striving for intelligent architecture. The firm celebrates a contemporary architectural language that originates from a Scottish sensibility and has international application. This approach is inspired by the firm's specific location, wherever that may be, and considers the profound influence of climate on design culture.

Stallan-Brand's studio is situated within Oxford House, a historic building in Glasgow that was originally constructed in 1895 as a Police Station & Barracks. The practice moved to Oxford House in 2016, occupying a bright, contemporary space on the ground floor. The main studio space was formerly the canteen, envisioned as a place of conversation and activity. The firm maintains a commitment to research to support its project activities, taking time to understand the environments in which it operates. This research extends beyond architecture to consider social, political, and economic forces.

The practice focuses on several key areas, including regeneration, education, commercial mixed-use, and cultural projects. Within the education sector, Stallan-Brand has a commitment to advancing the design of new learning environments. The studio possesses an "intergenerational" appreciation for improving learner progressions, working on projects from early years provision through to higher education clients. The firm's school designs aim to be workshops, studios, and laboratories for social and creative interaction, challenging traditional school typologies. These designs create "freespace" student-centred learning environments that support dynamic cross-curricular activity and encourage greater intergenerational community use. The practice promotes learning places that support social cohesion and wellbeing, with a strong emphasis on accessible learning in its urban work to build stronger communities.

Paul Stallan and Alistair Brand first collaborated in 1995, working together to establish a Glasgow studio for Edinburgh architect RMJM. After a period of growth, they departed from RMJM in early 2012, leading them to establish Stallan-Brand. The firm quickly assembled a team of six and began securing projects, including the renovation of St Bride's church in East Kilbride and contracts within the education sector. The business has grown to achieve a turnover of approximately £1 million, with plans to maintain an optimal team size of around 25 individuals. The leadership team includes Alistair Brand as Managing Director, alongside Directors Ian Harper, Patrick Wilson, Alan Garland, Siobhain Forde, and Nicholas Ecob.