Awards & Recognition

JWGS Associates is an award-winning architectural practice based in Edinburgh, specialising in conservation architecture, heritage buildings, listed building conservation and contemporary design. Working across Scotland and the UK, our team brings extensive experience to the conservation, restoration, adaptation and regeneration of historic buildings, alongside the delivery of high-quality residential and contemporary architectural projects.

Led by James Sanderson, an RIAS-accredited Architect in Conservation with over 30 years' experience, the practice combines specialist heritage knowledge with creative architectural design and technical expertise. Our work encompasses listed buildings, ecclesiastical architecture, heritage-led regeneration, adaptive reuse, residential development, masterplanning and new design within historic settings.

Our track record has been recognised by leading professional and industry organisations. This includes winning the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) North West Region Conservation Award and receiving a Commendation from the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) for Excellence in Planning for Communities for St George's Gardens in Stockport. The heritage-led residential scheme sensitively restores the former Arts and Crafts St George's Vicarage within the setting of a Grade I listed church, demonstrating how conservation and contemporary residential development can work successfully together.

The logo of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) with text 'RIAAS Accreditation Conservation'.
The logo of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) with text 'RIAAS Accreditation Conservation'.
Logo of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, featuring maroon text and border with white letters "IHC" on a maroon background.
Logo of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, featuring maroon text and border with white letters "IHC" on a maroon background.
Letter arrangement spelling 'SEE' with varying font sizes and colors
Text reading 'URBAN REALM' in black and white block letters
Logo for the LABC Building Excellence Awards 2020 featuring the LABC logo, the event title, and a star icon.
Logo for the LABC Building Excellence Awards 2020 featuring the LABC logo, the event title, and a star icon.
Modern multi-story apartment building with black and white exterior, large glass windows, and balconies, set against a clear sky.
A row of traditional and modern houses, with the traditional brick house on the left and the modern dark gray house on the right, under a clear blue sky.
Modern multi-story building with black and white exterior, illuminated windows, and parked cars in front, nighttime with cloudy sky.
Modern black multi-story house with large windows and a balcony, adjacent to a traditional brick house on a sunny day.
A view of a small town with modern and historic buildings, a church with a tall steeple, parked cars, green lawns, and a clear blue sky.
Modern multi-story residential building with white and black exterior walls, multiple windows, and a small landscaped area.
Modern courtyard with cobblestone pathway, rectangular water fountain, landscaped flower beds, white apartment building with several windows, and a small garden area with lush greenery and a tree, under a cloudy sky.

Our residential architecture has also received industry recognition. Lochford Gardens in Dunbar, East Lothian, was named Best Luxury Residential Development Project 2025 – Scotland by BUILD Magazine. The 37-home development combines contemporary architectural design with considered masterplanning, landscape design and placemaking to create a distinctive new residential community.

The team's work has also been shortlisted for the LABC North West Building Excellence Awards and recognised by the Northern Housing Awards, further demonstrating experience across conservation, heritage regeneration, residential architecture and housing development.

These awards and commendations reflect our wider approach to architecture: understanding the significance of a building or place, developing sensitive and sustainable design solutions and working collaboratively with clients, consultants, planning authorities and conservation professionals to deliver successful outcomes.

From the conservation of significant historic buildings and heritage planning applications to adaptive reuse, residential development and contemporary interventions within sensitive settings, JWGS Associates is committed to creating architecture that respects the past while responding confidently to the needs of today.

Planning a conservation, heritage or architectural project?

Whether you're restoring a listed building, considering the adaptive reuse of a historic property, preparing a Heritage Impact Assessment or planning a contemporary development within a sensitive setting, our experienced team would be delighted to discuss your project.

Contact us

Discuss Your Project

Contact JWGS Associates