Julie Barklie

Julie studied History of Art (MA Hons) at the University of St Andrews and worked in a variety of roles before deciding to pursue a career in architecture.  After graduating from the Mackintosh School of Architecture in 2011, she gained experience working for a Glasgow based practice before joining Simpson & Brown in 2012, becoming an Associate in 2018

Julie has been involved in a wide variety of projects including the repair, extension and alteration of historic buildings, contemporary residential extensions and new build dwellings.  Her experience includes all stages of the design process from carrying out feasibility studies to delivering projects on site and to working with a diverse range of clients including private clients, community trusts, charitable and public sector organisations.  

As Project Architect, Julie’s experience includes works to Lews Castle in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.  This included comprehensive repair works to the external fabric of the Category A listed castle and conservation of the historic principal ground floor interiors to provide high quality hotel function spaces.  

More recently, Julie was Project Architect for the restoration of Fairburn Tower in Inverness-shire which was completed in 2022.  This Category A listed tower house, dating from the 16th century, required extensive repair work and carefully considered modern interventions to transform it from ruin to holiday accommodation for The Landmark Trust.  The project involved working closely with the client and the practice’s in house archaeology and heritage consultancy teams.  

Julie is currently working on the first phase of essential repair works to Errogie Church in Inverness-shire and proposals to upgrade and extend the building to create a community hub and heritage centre.

Julie takes pride in being a strong team player who pays close attention to detail.  She is passionate about historic buildings and securing their future through sensitive and creative adaptation and attained RIAS Conservation Accreditation in 2023.

KEY PROJECTS:

    

LEWS CASTLE / MUSEUM NAN EILEAN

This mixed use scheme includes the comprehensive fabric repair of the castle to form a high quality hospitality venue and the creation of a new contemporary museum. 

 

FAIRBURN TOWER 

Fairburn Tower is a rare example of a surviving tower house from the Scottish Renaissance. It was rescued from ruin by the Landmark Trust and transformed into a unique holiday let.