Studio LBA
LBA is an award-winning architectural practice based in Edinburgh and Kinross-Shire. Owner Lynsay Bell Manson has always had a strong vision for Studio LBA, who are about to open their second office in one of the converted outbuildings of the Kinross-shire farm she shares with husband Jeff, an accountant and FD of LBA. They come with an impressive portfolio that includes large scale rural and urban redevelopment projects to smaller family homes like the stunning 17th-century Williamstone Farmhouse and barn – featured on BBC’s Scotland’s Home of The Year.
Their approach to every project is rooted in the same values. To be open, innovative and challenging so that the distinctive and unique designs they create unlock the full potential of the client’s vision. For them, understanding the physical site first and then creating a design that reflects that space and location while drawing on the vision and brief of the client to create something spectacular.
Their approach is honest and transparent – good design and strong relationships drive everything and good design is all about clarity and accountability.
‘We operate as a family with everyone that we work with both internally and externally. Our business is based on our long-term relationships. We strive to inspire our clients and take them on an exciting and enjoyable collaborative journey through the entire design process.’
The challenges of the last year have been a time for deep reflection for many, and Lynsay credits LBA’s success at navigating those challenges with an already strong collaborative and supportive ethos across the organisation.
‘In a collaborative environment like ours, that lack of face-to-face interaction could have had really damaging results. We recognised that and determined that no project or person would be compromised. We put together a range of wellbeing activities that strengthened the team dynamic and gave us all the opportunity to build deeper relationships. Architecture and design for us is all about understanding, not just the client and their vision, but each other, so that all the working parts of any project come together seamlessly to realise the best version of what that vision is.’
LBA are always evolving and looking forward. Future plans include a full turn key design and build consultancy that would draw on the knowledge and expertise in-house, and combine it with the vision of homeowners across Scotland.