mi architects

MI Architects is an architectural practice based in the Scottish Highlands, specialising in sensitive rural design, renovations and contemporary new-builds. We work closely with our clients to deliver thoughtful, well-crafted buildings that respond to their landscape, enhance everyday living and stand the test of time.

Our experience includes working with traditional stone buildings, remote and challenging sites, and modern extensions that sit comfortably alongside existing homes. Each project is approached with care, balancing practical requirements, sustainability and design quality, while respecting the character and setting of the place.

From early concepts through to detailed design and construction, we provide a collaborative and considered service, helping clients turn ideas into well-resolved, liveable spaces rooted in the Highlands.

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Customers reviews

W hat People Say

I approached mi architects for a house extension design, having struggled to find a helpful architect locally, and helpful they were, right from the start. All the required planning and building approvals were obtained painlessly and in quick time. Our specific requirements were incorporated and good, sensible, cost saving advice was offered, and completion was obtained without any trouble. Along with the recommended first-class local builder, the whole project was completed to schedule and within budget. I would not hesitate to recommend Margot and Iona and will be very happy to use them again should I need an architect.
Extension to House, PORTMAHOMACK
mi architects’ local knowledge and thorough professionalism helped ease our project through the planning and building control system without a hitch.
House Extension, DORNOCH
We were very happy to be introduced to Margot and Iona’s practice through the recommendation of another architect. Since then we have had two lengthy meetings, and one very thorough home survey. We have absolute confidence that all our concerns and requirements have been considered and met (including off the cuff changes of mind by us!) and we are delighted both with the drawings they have produced, and the smooth passage through the planning process which followed shortly afterwards. We would have no hesitation in recommending mi architects to others in need of their services, and we look forward to working with them on the next stages of our project.
House Extension, PORTGOWER
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Sunroom extension - ARDGAY

This sunroom extension connects to the existing Lounge of the house and provides a stronger connection to enjoy the surrounding countryside and changing of the seasons.

Internally the finishes are simple to allow the eye to be drawn outwards.

Externally the roof form mimics the existing house, and gives internal volume, while the wall and roof finishes contrast.

Main Contractor: R M MacKenzie Ltd

 

Renovation and extension - SCOURIE

This complete renovation and extension brought new life to this house ensuring its longevity for decades to come.

The existing entrance extension was removed and a new lean-to formed to create a circulation hall and new generous entrance area. This allowed the bedrooms in the rear wing to take full advantage of the width between the existing stone walls. Portions of stone wall were retained as exposed in the entrance area.

The kitchen and living room wing was reformed to create a new kitchen diner and snug, in addition to an additional bedroom, all taking advantage of a higher ceiling giving more volume and light opportunities.

The construction work included the roof and floor structures having to be completely replaced. This however gave the homeowner full control of the fabric of the house allowing it to be reformed to be extremely energy efficient and warm through insulating to new home standards throughout and, the use of new underfloor heating with air source heat pump with mechanical ventilation heat recovery system.

New windows and doors have enhanced the views out with a larger opening for a new sliding door created to access the new patio space overlooking the water.

Externally the existing house walls have been patched and repainted and the new roof finished in slate. The windows and doors are aluminium clad windows and composite doors to a high thermal specification. The extension walls completely contrast the existing house visually with use of black corrugated metal sheet cladding. The lean to roof form is finished in slate.

Main Contractor: K. MacRae & Sons, Durness

Renovation and extension - SCOURIE

This house has been in the same family since it was built and has now been completely renovated and extended bringing it up to date in terms of use and thermal efficiency.

The existing house has been stripped out, insulated and redecorated. The rear kitchen extension was removed and a new extension added to provide a new kitchen with sitting area, utility room and bathroom. The extension now relates and connects to the garden giving views into the Dornoch roofscape.

The house sits within a Conservation area and externally the existing house finishes have been retained with the new extension walls contrasting in a pre-treated timber cladding with timber windows and doors. The new extension roof is finished in slate to match the existing house.

Main Contractor: R M MacKenzie Ltd

New House, DORNOCH

This new house, built on the outskirts of Dornoch, adopts an upside-down layout in a simple rectangular form.  

On the ground floor is the master bedroom suite with dressing room and ensuite, two further bedrooms, family bathroom, and plant room. The master bedroom has direct access to a south facing external seating area, sheltered by the balcony above.  

On the first floor is the kitchen; open-plan lounge /dining room; separate snug; study and accessible shower room. After moving in, our clients were delighted to confirm that one of their favourite spots in the house is the window seat in the projecting bay, located to take full advantage of views to the open countryside and spectacular sunsets.  

The asymmetrical slate roof is extended to provide shade and weather protection to the south facing balcony – a sheltered, outdoor social space to enjoy a morning coffee or relax in the evening with friends, accessed by a patio door from the dining room.  

Externally the house is finished with white smooth cement render on the ground floor and blue cement board cladding on the first floor. The projecting bay is finished with a copper coloured standing seam metal cladding to contrast with the simple palette of colours on the main house.   

Main contractor: JJ Vass & Sons Ltd.

New House - DORNOCH

This four-bedroom house, located near Dornoch, was completed in the summer of 2023. 

The house adopted the form of blocks representing differing functions: living areas, master bedroom suite, additional bedrooms, utility and garage, all linked with a central circulation spine and feature oak staircase.  

The ground floor provides for an open plan social space linking to the garden whilst the upper floor sitting area creates a more intimate retreat. A covered area to the main glazed gable allows for the addition of an outside social space with feature external fireplace.   

Heating is sourced by an air source heat pump and power generated and stored with PV panels and battery.  

Wall finishes are a mix of Thermopine timber cladding by Russwood alongside stone cladding and the roof is finished in a standing seam sheet. 

Main Contractor: R M MacKenzie Ltd  

Photography thanks to:  

Niven Photography @nivenphotography  

Eva Reid @evareids 

New House, INVER

This new house near Inver replaces a derelict cottage that was previously on the site. It was completed in the last year and is finished to a high standard. Our clients employed separate trades directly and undertook the process as a self build project with us on hand for any ongoing queries.

The house enjoys an amazing elevated view north out over the Dornoch Firth and has four generous bedrooms and a study, alongside an open plan kitchen diner with separate lounge. The public rooms are orientated to make the most of the view with storage and utility to the  rear with close access to the detached garage.

The finishes are simple in nature using smooth white render, slate roofing and dark windows and door. The resulting finish is a home that sits low into the landscape, makes the most of the outlook and is finished well with clean sharp lines.

Photography thanks to @evareids 

New House - TAIN

The house has a simple rectangular form and adopts an upside-down layout, with the main living areas enjoying feature windows to soak in the light and optimise on the views out to the Dornoch Firth.   

The sharp external finishes of zinc roofing and black cladding contrast with the light interiors and exposed oak trusses, made in Tain by the Contractor, Marcus Ubych, Ace Highland Joinery & Construction Ltd.  

Being within Tain’s  Conservation Area, the principle of a house in this location was at first a concern to the local authority and not one that they could immediately support. Through working with the Planning Officers and the Historic Environment Team, this contemporary addition to the landscape was not only supported but received positive comments within the permission.  

‘The proposed design is well considered and, in terms of materials and finishes (particularly the intention to finish the timber cladding with a dark recessive colour), will integrate itself well into the existing site and tree cover without appearing overly ostentatious, thereby not significantly detracting from the existing rural approach into the Conservation Area.’  

Alongside the design and sensitive choice of materials, the skill and attention to detail by Marcus and his team brought this house to fruition. They worked closely with our client to achieve this highly finished home.  

Main Contractor: Ace Highland Joinery & Construction Ltd 

Photography thanks to @evareids 

New house, DORNOCH

This four bedroom house, located near Dornoch was completed in autumn 2022. The T shape form allows for a mix of formal reception room, open plan dining hall and contemporary kitchen sitting area. Large glazed areas to the more informal spaces allow for views out towards Struie Hill.  

A covered canopy to the rear door provides functional protection whilst the larger canopy at the dining hall patio doors extend the protected area out to the level access patio.   

Heating is sourced by a traditional oil boiler with power being generated and stored with PV panels and battery. The high levels of insulation through the fabric of the building result in low heat loss throughout.  

The finishes are traditional smooth white render contrasting alongside slate roofing and dark grey timber work, windows and doors.   

Main Contractor: JJ Vass & Sons Ltd, Fearn 

Photography thanks to @evareids