Who We Are

Taft Architects are an energetic and thoughtful practice with specialist knowledge and experience of historic buildings and their successful transformation for the benefit of the community.

We are an Edinburgh based architecture practice, set-up in 2021 with the aim of working with clients to find the potential of their buildings and deliver crafted and high-quality projects.

Taft n. A homestead and the land attached to it, embodies the design approach for our projects. Viewed as circular diagram of resources, materials and interactions in order to strive to incorporate elements of self-sufficiency that benefit the building and its occupants for the long term.

Our Philosophy

We take great joy in unwrapping the history of a building and using the unexpected to evolve our designs. Crafting new experiences in historic spaces by altering the walls around you, we maximise the potential of existing structures while respecting their past and envisioning their future. We believe in creating inherently sustainable buildings, adapting past applications to modern design-led ideas, and incorporating elements of self-sufficiency that benefits both the building and its occupants in the long term.

Success for us is derived from the relationships we build with our clients and collaborators. We value these partnerships as they are essential to delivering the best final results and making the process enjoyable for everyone involved. By breathing new life into historic buildings, we ensure their legacy by adapting them to contemporary use, creating spaces that honour the past and serve the present and future needs.

Services

  • Architectural and Interior Services

  • Fabric Surveys

  • Support projects requiring Grant Applications

  • Fabric Repair Scheduling, Detailing, and Specifications

  • Stone Scheduling

  • Listed Buildings and Scheduled Monument Applications

  • Change of use applications

  • Feasibility Study and Conservation Management Plans

Our Approach

We believe that investing time in thoroughly understanding a building can be invaluable for navigating the approvals and grant application process. This allows our clients to proceed with confidence when embarking on an ambitious architectural proposal or a routine repairs program, whether it be for a medieval castle or a townhouse in an urban setting.

Our passion drives us to collaborate with a diverse range of professionals and contributors. This way, we are able to bring projects of all shapes and scale to life, expanding our knowledge and sharing our enthusiasm along the way.

This approach enables a broad range of conservation principles to be applied and tested through research and testing of the most appropriate methods of saving and restoring our built heritage.

Our Team

Edward Eastham

Director / Principal Architect

Our Principal Architect at Taft Architects, Edward brings over a decade of rich experience in the field. He is Conservation Accredited with the AABC, committed to preserving and enhancing historic structures, with a portfolio that includes award-winning conservation projects like the renowned restoration of St Mary at the Quay Church.

Driven by a profound respect for historical context and a vision to create sustainable, high-quality buildings that serve their occupants for generations, Edward founded Taft Architects in 2021. His approach is rooted in construction detailing and design strategies that embody the firm’s commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency. Edward’s leadership ensures that every project not only respects the past but also meets the highest standards of environmental stewardship and modern functionality.

Valerie Wan

Architectural Assistant

Valerie is a Part 1 having completed her Degree at the University Of Edinburgh ESALA and has worked on a range of large to smaller scale projects of various stages. Her hands on experience includes both technical and administrative management; refining design requirements through AutoCAD and Rhino3D and coordinating data from the team into reports under tight schedules.

Her passion extends beyond architectural design. At Taft, she’s delved in rebranding, creating sleek new business cards and curated a range of marketing materials to enhance user interaction. As well as expanding our network by managing our social media platforms and optimising our LinkedIn presence. She enjoys blending creativity with business strategies.

Collaborators

  • Freya Heath

  • Bob Heath

  • Jan Hajek

  • Laura Meek

  • Lee Boyd Architects

  • Narro

  • Historic Environment Scotland

  • Caledonian Timber

  • Michael Laird Architects