A group of people working together
At Crew Architects, collaboration has been at the heart of our practice from the beginning. We believe the best architecture emerges through strong partnerships between our team, clients, consultants and contractors.
Our name reflects this shared approach to design, where collective expertise, creativity and teamwork drive every project. By working closely together, we create thoughtful, sustainable architectural solutions tailored to the needs of each client and place.
The name gained added significance in 2009 when the practice moved aboard Tectonica, a converted widebeam canal boat on Edinburgh's Union Canal. Although we have since relocated, the collaborative values that inspired our name remain central to everything we do.
Get to know the Crew
Gillian Hanley
Gillian founded Crew Architects in 2007 after seven years as an Associate at Oliver Chapman Architects, working across a wide range of residential, commercial and conservation projects. In 2006, she was named Scotland’s Young Architect of the Year in recognition of her design excellence and contribution to the profession.
Alongside leading the practice, Gillian has taught architecture at Robert Gordon University, the University of Dundee, Edinburgh Napier University and Edinburgh College of Art, sharing her expertise with the next generation of architects.
As Director of Crew Architects, Gillian is involved in every stage of each project, championing high-quality architecture, sustainable design and exceptional craftsmanship. Her attention to materials, detailing and construction continues to shape the practice’s approach to creating thoughtful, well-crafted buildings that stand the test of time.
Claire Stirling
Claire began working at Crew in July 2017 after completing her Masters of Architecture at The University of Edinburgh. Her Masters projects received a commendation in the SOM Foundation Fellowship Part 2 Category at the 2017 Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) President’s Medals awards.
Claire also received the RSA Medal of Architecture 2018, at the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) New Contemporaries Exhibition in March 2018, receiving the RSA Medal of Architecture 2018.
Having completed her Part 3 chartership exams at Crew, Claire has been a fully qualified Architect since March 2020, working on an array of residential projects, varying in scale, from inception to completion as project architect.
Gary Somerville
Gary studied Architecture at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen and completed his architectural education at Oxford Brookes University, qualifying to Part II level. He brings over 25 years of architectural experience, including 14 years as a Director of architectural practice Graham K Norman Architect in Cumbria.
Although a recent addition to Crew Architects, Gary has been a long-standing collaborator with the practice. He combines strong design, planning and technical expertise with extensive experience delivering projects across the UK.
Specialising in residential architecture, Gary has worked on projects ranging from bespoke homes and extensions to medium-scale housing developments. He is also a qualified Energy Assessor and Retrofit Assessor, bringing valuable expertise in sustainable design, energy efficiency and building performance.
Why employ Crew?
When you choose Crew, you take the first giant leap towards achieving your project aspirations. Rest assured that you're in capable hands and we'll work tirelessly to bring your vision to life.
