Contemporary architecture, rooted in the Outer Hebrides
About Durie Architecture
Durie Architecture Ltd continues the work and values of Fraser Architecture, an established award-winning practice founded in 2008 by Robert and Janice Fraser. Based in the Outer Hebrides, our practice has grown from a deep understanding of island life, exposed coastal environments and the practical realities of building in remote rural places.
Led by Alex Durie, Durie Architecture brings continuity, fresh energy and a long-term commitment to thoughtful, sustainable and technically rigorous design. We work closely with clients, consultants, contractors and communities to create buildings that are contemporary, resilient and carefully rooted in their setting.
Our work ranges from bespoke homes and community buildings to commercial, tourism and rural development projects across the Outer Hebrides, the Highlands and Islands and beyond. Every project begins with listening: to the client, to the landscape, to the climate and to the opportunities of each site.
Our Ethos
Durie Architecture is based in the Outer Hebrides, and that shapes how we work. Island projects need buildings that are practical, well detailed and able to stand up to the weather - this approach can help deliver outstanding architecture anywhere. Our projects always work with the context in which they site and benefit the people who use them.
Our ethos is simple: listen carefully and focus on the things that matter. We put the quality of the building fabric first, so our buildings are comfortable, efficient, durable and offer good value over the long term.
Working here is a strength. The Outer Hebrides gives us direct experience of exposed sites, changing weather, local materials, small communities and remote delivery. That makes us practical, nimble, resourceful and robust in how our projects are built.
We enjoy working across a broad range of projects, from homes to community, commercial and tourism buildings. The Outer Hebrides is a fantastic place to live and work.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainability credentials are not simply a statement of intent; they are embedded in the way we design, test and deliver buildings. Through our work establishing 7-22 Systems Ltd, we have helped develop an ecological construction approach created in response to the challenges of building high-quality, environmentally responsible buildings in the Outer Hebrides.
7-22 Systems grew directly from architectural practice in one of Scotland’s most demanding climates. The system uses architect-designed, super-insulated structural components, environmentally sustainable materials and off-site prefabrication to improve quality, reduce waste, speed up site assembly and provide greater cost certainty.
This practical experience gives Durie Architecture a grounded understanding of low-impact construction. We know that sustainable design must perform in real buildings, real budgets and real weather. Our aim is to create architecture that uses less energy, lasts longer, supports healthier living and responds responsibly to the climate emergency.
Meet our Team
Durie Architecture is led by experienced registered architects, we are a growing team with a diverse range of projects on the drawing board.
Alex Durie
Partner & Architect
Durie Architecture is led by Alex Durie, an experienced architect and established member of the former Fraser Architecture leadership team. Alex brings a strong combination of design judgement, technical knowledge and confident presentation skills to every project.
Over the past decade with Fraser Architecture LLP and now Durie Architecture, Alex delivered a wide range of projects across diverse sectors, leading notable schemes from inception to completion. His project experience includes the refurbishment of the UHI North West and Hebrides Campus in Stornoway, Eabhal Business Park in Benbecula for Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and award-winning domestic work including The Bird Hide in North Uist, delivered through 7-22 Systems Ltd, of which Alex is a co-founder.
Before moving to the Outer Hebrides, Alex built valuable experience on major public and civic projects, including work as project architect for the new Barnsley Public Library as part of the award-winning regeneration of Barnsley town centre, and within the architectural team for the award-winning redevelopment of Kirkgate Market in Leeds.
Alex’s leadership is shaped by both professional experience and a personal connection to the landscapes and communities Durie Architecture works within. Living on a croft in North Uist with his family, he understands the character, climate and practical demands of island life first-hand. That insight informs an architectural approach that is grounded, technically robust and responsive to landscape and context.
Alex enjoys travelling with his family to Sweden, were he has ties, which informs his approach to design. Outwith practice Alex lives on his croft in North Uist with his wife, two children and ever-increasing number of animals. He enjoys outdoor pursuits and can often be found walking, swimming or cycling in the wonderful landscapes and beaches of the Outer Hebrides.
Natalia Karvouni
Architect
Natalia Karvouni is an architect who brings to Durie Architecture a broad range of experience across bespoke residential, education and commercial projects. Having joined the practice in 2025, Natalia adds strong technical capability, thoughtful design and a collaborative approach to project delivery.
Her professional background includes work with Batterham Smith Architects, Siemens Architecture & Stride Treglown giving her experience from intimate residential renovations through to major commercial schemes of up to £50 million construction value.
Her project experience includes the detailed delivery of rural homes, Passivhaus residential projects in the Cotswolds and West Country, school extension work, student accommodation, office refurbishment and large-scale mixed-use commercial schemes. She has contributed to projects across all RIBA stages, from early briefing and planning through to tender, technical specification, contract administration and construction coordination.
Natalia’s strengths lie in translating client aspirations into buildable, well-resolved architecture. She combines strong Revit and BIM skills with traditional drawing, modelmaking and written communication. Her experience with planning, building regulations, construction and consultant coordination makes her a valuable member of the team.
Raised in Corfu, Greece, and shaped by a longstanding interest in historic buildings, craftsmanship, landscape and material detail, Natalia brings a rich contextual awareness to her architectural work. Her appreciation for conservation and environmentally responsible design aligns closely with Durie Architecture’s commitment to place-led, fabric-first and sustainable buildings.
Work With Us
Based in the Uists, we offer the chance to work on thoughtful, varied projects while living close to beaches, open landscapes, strong communities and the everyday benefits of island life.
Our priorities are simple: support our team, communicate clearly and deliver the best buildings we can for our clients. We value open conversations, manageable growth and a working culture where family and life outside the office are respected.
As a small practice, everyone has the opportunity to make a real contribution. Our work covers homes; community engagement and projects; commercial, education and healthcare projects; tourism and rural development - so the role is varied and closely connected to the needs of the places we serve.
We welcome enquiries from people who are practical, thoughtful and interested in how buildings are made. We are open to island-based, remote and hybrid working where it suits the role, and we actively encourage anyone who wants to make Uist their home.
For speculative applications, send your details, cover letter and portfolio link to info@duriearchitecture.com – we can’t promise to get back in touch straight away, but we will keep any applications on file for 6 months.
Keep up to date with RIAS Jobs where we post any vacancies that we have open.
Chartered Practice
Durie Architecture is a chartered practice with RIAS - our Architects are chartered with both RIAS and RIBA, and are ARB registered, giving us access to industry standard practice support and providing assurance to our clients.
