ARPL Architects

Conservation Architecture and Historic Building Restoration

ARPL Architects is an established architectural practice based in Ayr, Scotland, specialising in the conservation, repair and sensitive adaptation of historic buildings, alongside contemporary architecture and regeneration projects.

Established in 1989, the practice has experience working with listed buildings, scheduled ancient monuments, historic churches, traditional houses and buildings of architectural significance. Its conservation projects extend throughout Scotland, including Ayrshire, Glasgow, the Scottish Borders, Orkney and the Western Isles.

The practice works with private clients, church organisations, building preservation trusts, local authorities and heritage bodies. Its conservation services combine architectural design, technical investigation, traditional building knowledge and project management.

Historic Building Conservation and Repair

The conservation of existing buildings forms a significant part of ARPL Architects' professional practice. Its work includes the assessment, repair, restoration and alteration of historic structures dating from the medieval period through to the twentieth century.

Historic buildings frequently contain a complex combination of original materials, earlier repairs and subsequent alterations. Appropriate conservation requires an understanding of these elements and their contribution to the building's architectural and historical significance.

The practice develops repair and adaptation proposals that respond to the condition, character and construction of individual buildings. This may involve the investigation of defects, preparation of architectural drawings, specification of repairs and coordination of specialist conservation consultants.

Particular consideration is given to retaining significant historic fabric and ensuring that proposed interventions are appropriate to the building's construction and continued use.

Ecclesiastical Architecture and Church Conservation

ARPL Architects has substantial experience in the conservation, maintenance and adaptation of historic churches and other places of worship.

Director Rebecca Cadie is an RIAS architect holding Advanced Conservation Accreditation. She has extensive experience of ecclesiastical buildings and has served for more than twenty years as Diocesan Architect for the Scottish Episcopal Church Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway.

The practice's church conservation work includes repairs to traditional roofs, stone masonry, towers, spires, windows and other architectural features.

Its experience extends to developing repair programmes for buildings exposed to severe weather, including traditional Scottish churches with slate roofs, lead flashings, stone gables, bell-cotes and towers.

Projects may involve assessing deterioration, specifying appropriate materials, coordinating specialist contractors and developing alterations that support the continued use of historic places of worship.

Traditional Building Materials and Fabric Conservation

Conservation work requires an understanding of traditional construction materials and how they respond to weathering, structural movement and environmental conditions.

ARPL Architects has experience with historic stone masonry, traditional timber construction, slate roofing, leadwork and associated building fabric.

Its published technical work includes discussion of the repair of traditional church roofs in western Scotland, where prolonged exposure to rainfall and severe storms can affect roof coverings, structural timbers, flashings and decorative architectural elements.

Conservation repair strategies should consider the compatibility of replacement materials, the retention of sound original fabric and the significance of traditional construction details.

Careful investigation and accurate specification can help avoid unnecessary replacement and support the long-term maintenance of historic buildings.

Scheduled Monuments and Protected Historic Buildings

The practice has experience working with buildings and structures protected through statutory designation, including listed buildings and scheduled monuments.

Such projects can require detailed consideration of architectural significance, historic fabric, structural condition and the impact of proposed alterations.

ARPL Architects works with specialist engineers, archaeologists, conservators and other consultants where projects require additional technical or historical expertise.

The practice's portfolio includes work associated with Alloway Auld Kirk in Ayrshire, a historic ruined church designated as a scheduled monument and Category A listed building.

Conservation proposals for protected structures must take account of relevant statutory consent procedures and the requirements of the responsible heritage authorities.

Historic Building Adaptation and Reuse

ARPL Architects undertakes the adaptation of existing buildings to accommodate new uses while retaining their architectural character and historically significant elements.

Projects may involve introducing improved accessibility, building services, fire safety provisions and environmental performance within traditional structures.

Such interventions require consideration of the relationship between contemporary building requirements and the conservation of original architectural fabric.

Appropriate adaptation can help secure the continued occupation and maintenance of historic buildings, particularly where their original use has declined or changed.

West Boathouse, Glasgow

One of the practice's documented conservation projects is the restoration and adaptation of the Category B listed West Boathouse on Glasgow Green.

Originally constructed in 1905, the building had suffered extensive deterioration affecting its timber structure, foundations, roof, windows and external finishes.

ARPL Architects was appointed to the project by Glasgow Building Preservation Trust. Rebecca Cadie oversaw the conservation design and repair strategy.

The project combined the repair of historic building fabric with improvements to accessibility, facilities and environmental performance.

Works included the repair of the timber structure, reinstatement of architectural details, replacement of inappropriate roof coverings and repair of original windows and doors.

Historical research, original drawings, archival photographs and specialist investigations informed the conservation and adaptation proposals.

The restored building reopened in 2023, providing improved facilities for rowing clubs and community activities.

Town Centre Regeneration and Community Architecture

Alongside historic building conservation, ARPL Architects undertakes regeneration, community architecture and residential development projects.

Its work includes the sensitive redevelopment of existing town centre buildings and the introduction of new accommodation within established urban settings.

The practice's approach considers the relationship between new development, historic streetscapes and the social and economic needs of local communities.

Community-led regeneration is particularly relevant where neglected historic buildings require investment and viable new uses to secure their long-term future.

The Standard, Dumfries

ARPL Architects designed The Standard, the first completed development within the Midsteeple Quarter regeneration programme in Dumfries.

The project combines the refurbishment of an existing High Street building with new residential, enterprise and community accommodation.

The development includes affordable housing, flexible workspace and community facilities intended to support the regeneration of Dumfries town centre.

The project received a Gold Award in the Affordable Housing category of the 2025 Scottish Design Awards and was recognised in the Glasgow Institute of Architects Design Awards.

It provides an example of the practice's work combining existing building adaptation, contemporary design and community-led regeneration.

Architectural Design and Project Delivery

ARPL Architects provides architectural services for historic and contemporary building projects, including residential, community, educational and commercial development.

Its professional work includes the development of architectural proposals, design coordination and the preparation of technical information appropriate to individual projects.

For conservation commissions, the practice works with specialist consultants and contractors to address the technical challenges associated with existing structures.

Its project experience includes complex refurbishment and adaptation schemes involving historic fabric, modern building requirements and multiple stakeholder interests.

Conservation Accreditation and Professional Expertise

ARPL Architects includes architects with professional qualifications and experience in both contemporary architecture and historic building conservation.

Director Rebecca Cadie holds Advanced Conservation Accreditation through the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).

Her experience includes the conservation of historic churches, traditional building materials and the maintenance of significant ecclesiastical structures.

The practice also contributes professional knowledge to conservation education and discussion, including technical publications and professional seminars concerning historic building repair.

Conservation-Led Architectural Practice

ARPL Architects' services are relevant to owners of historic properties, church organisations, conservation trusts, local authorities and community groups undertaking building conservation and adaptation projects.

Its work combines the investigation and repair of historic fabric with architectural design and the practical requirements of continued building use.