Our Story

MAAC Studio was created by conservation architect, Calum Maclean, to encourage a wider appreciation of the beautiful historic architecture that is spread throughout the Highlands and provide access to the expertise and skills needed to transform these older buildings into beautiful modern spaces fit for the 21st Century.

We love old buildings.They are beautifully crafted from high-quality materials and sit well in a landscape. They give owners a feeling of reassurance and belonging.  They have character and a sense of place that you just cant get with a modern building. 

Unlike other architects, that work on mostly on new building projects, here at MAAC Studio we work exclusively with historic buildings, enabling us to focus our energy and invest in the skills and expertise that these buildings need.

We are chartered architects with additional specialist conservation expertise that is accredited by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS). This allows us to work on historic buildings and projects supported by funding bodies such as Historic Scotland, the National Lottery and Inverness City Heritage Trust. 

Calum Maclean is a member of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland and an Accredited Conservation Architect with over 20 years’ experience working with private and public sector clients in both Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Calum grew up in Caithness in the North of Scotland before studying Architecture at Edinburgh College of Art. Throughout his life he has worked in towns and countryside that enjoy some of the finest examples of traditional buildings which have survived centuries of change. These buildings provide a richness and beauty to the culture and identity of each community.

This appreciation has ultimately inspired his guiding principle that architecture, whether traditional or contemporary, tells us the story of people’s lives. We should take care to ensure the story is told well and shared with others.

Calum is an active member of the RIAS Architectural Conservation Committee, helping to influence policy and contributing to development of conservation skills across the historic environment construction industry.

He is an active member of the Highlands and Islands Traditional Building Forum, a representative body for agencies involved in conservation across the North of Scotland, assisting in the delivery of professional training and skills development.

His is the author of “Renovating Traditional Buildings: The Owners Guide” published by Choir Press.