Dunoon architect sustains growth plans
BUSINESS Gateway support is just one of the building blocks for a Dunoon architect’s sustainable design practice. Architeco has recently expanded, moving into larger offices and taking on additional staff.
The firm, which was founded by Colin Potter in 2011, has also launched its own range of standard houses – Caber House – which aim to provide zerocarbon kit houses for self-builders across Scotland.
And with support from Business Gate- way Argyll and Bute, the company has now invested in cuttingedge technology to ensure it remains at the forefront of sustainable design.
Colin said: ‘I set up Architeco in 2011 as a sole practitioner after I became one of the first architects in Scotland to be certified as a Passivhaus Designer and gaining accreditation in sustainable design from the Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland. My dream was to run a practice with sustainability at the fore and by bringing a fresh approach and solid eco credentials to the market, I was able to launch Architeco.
‘In the past six years, we have continued to grow, working on projects across the country, until demand meant we had to move into larger offices in Dunoon town centre to accommodate our growing team. We are now a team of five architectural and two support staff.’
So far, the feedback on Architeco’s Caber House has been extremely positive with the houses soon to be seen in the Outer Hebrides, Cowal and Aberdeenshire.
Architeco has recently been awarded a Business Gateway Local Growth Accelerator programme grant, supported by the European Regional Development Fund, which will allow Colin to invest in Building Information Modelling (BIM) software.
BIM allows projects to be modelled, rather than drawn, and includes detailed energy modelling that can accurately predict a building’s performance.
Colin added: ‘This is a huge investment for a small business and Business Gateway was essential in helping us access the funding to purchase additional licences and hardware.
‘Our adviser, Donald Melville, has been incredibly helpful and we are now looking at other opportunities to explore, such as staff training which will bring new skills to our practice.’
Mr Meville said: ‘As a growing business, we have assisted Colin with one-to-one advice along with our knowledge of funding avenues, which are helping him develop Architeco.’
For more information, visit www.architeco.net.
To find out more about the Business Gateway Local Growth Accelerator programme or how Business Gateway can help set up and develop a business, call 01546 808363 or visit www.bgateway.com/ argyll-and-bute.