Meet the Team

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  • Founder & Managing Director | BA (Hons), Dipl. Arch, ARB

    James Sanderson is an RIAS-accredited Architect in Conservation and the Founder and Managing Director of JWGS Associates. The award-winning Edinburgh architecture practice specialises in conservation architecture, heritage buildings, listed buildings, and contemporary design. With over 30 years of experience, James is recognised for his expertise in the conservation, regeneration, adaptation, and sensitive restoration of historic buildings across Scotland and the UK.

    Working with private and public sector clients, James has led the delivery of complex conservation, masterplanning and regeneration projects involving listed buildings, cathedrals, universities and other nationally significant heritage assets. He has secured substantial funding for heritage projects and led multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable architectural solutions that respect historic significance while meeting modern needs.

    Before founding JWGS Associates, James was a Regional Partner at Purcell, where he was responsible for the Edinburgh, Manchester and Liverpool studios. From 2001 to 2022, he also served as Cathedral Architect (Surveyor to the Fabric) at Blackburn Cathedral, overseeing its conservation and leading the delivery of a £35 million regeneration masterplan. His expertise has led to regular invitations to speak at national conferences on heritage-led regeneration and cathedral architecture.

    As Managing Director, James continues to lead the practice while remaining closely involved in many of its most significant conservation and heritage projects. He also serves as Deputy Chair of the Glasgow School of Art Board of Governors.

    Favourite Architect: Carlo Scarpa

    Choice of Tipple: Red Wine

    Favourite Building - Villa Savoye (Poissy), Le Corbusier

    Favourite Place - Venice

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  • Associate Director | BSc (Hons) MCIAT

    Elliot Dickson is an Associate Director at JWGS Associates and a Chartered Architectural Technologist with extensive experience delivering architectural projects across the residential, commercial, education and heritage sectors throughout Scotland and the UK. Since graduating with First Class Honours in Architectural Technology from Robert Gordon University, Elliot has developed a reputation for combining technical expertise with a practical, client-focused approach.

    Working across all stages of the RIBA Plan of Work, Elliot leads projects from initial feasibility through to completion, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, statutory approvals and construction delivery. His expertise includes conservation architecture, listed buildings, historic environments, adaptive reuse and the sustainable repair of heritage assets, helping clients protect and enhance historic buildings for future generations.

    As Associate Director, Elliot oversees the day-to-day management of the studio, including project resourcing, programme planning and the delivery of a diverse portfolio of work. He also leads the practice's digital strategy, managing BIM implementation, IT systems and digital technologies that support efficient project delivery and collaboration across the team.

    Known for his attention to detail, collaborative approach and practical problem-solving, Elliot works closely with clients, consultants, contractors and statutory authorities to deliver high-quality architectural solutions that balance technical excellence with commercial objectives.

    Favourite Architect: William Pereira

    Choice of Tipple: Negroni

    Favourite Place: Kyoto, Japan

    Favourite Building: Benesse House Oval - Tadao Ando

A smiling man with glasses and dark hair standing outside a building with a brick facade.

  • Architectural Assistant (Part 2) | B.Arch, M.Arch (RIBA Part 2)

    Dhanush is an Architectural Assistant (Part 2) at JWGS Associates, supporting the delivery of projects across the residential, commercial, heritage and interior architecture sectors. A qualified architect with an international background, he graduated with a Merit in Architecture (RIBA Part 2) from the Glasgow School of Art and has experience working across all stages of the RIBA Plan of Work.

    His experience includes residential, commercial, interior design and experimental architecture projects, with a strong interest in craftsmanship, materiality and creating spaces that enhance the way people live and interact. Dhanush is particularly passionate about detail-led design, believing that thoughtful architecture is shaped through careful consideration of both people and place.

    At JWGS Associates, Dhanush works closely with James and Elliot to develop architectural drawings, 3D models, technical information and project documentation, while coordinating with consultants and suppliers to support the successful delivery of projects. His collaborative approach and enthusiasm for learning continue to contribute to the growth of the practice.

    Alongside his professional work, Dhanush's final-year thesis project was selected for exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy New Contemporaries in Art & Architecture 2026, recognising the quality and creativity of his architectural design.

    Favourite Architect: Lina Bo Bardi

    Choice of Tipple: Whiskey Sour

    Favourite Building: MASP (Museum of Art, Sao Paulo

    Favourite Place: Barcelona

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  • Architectural Technologist

    Catriona is an Architectural Technician at JWGS Associates, bringing experience across a range of sectors throughout Scotland and the UK. Her background includes retail, workplace and residential architecture, giving her a broad understanding of both commercial and residential project delivery.

    At JWGS Associates, Catriona works closely with the architectural and heritage team, providing technical support across projects and helping to translate design concepts into practical, deliverable solutions. She coordinates with consultants and other disciplines to resolve technical challenges, while liaising with local authorities to support statutory approvals and ensure projects meet relevant regulations and technical requirements.

    With a practical, detail-focused approach, Catriona plays an important role in the coordination and delivery of projects across the practice. She is currently working towards her CIAT professional qualifications, with the ambition of becoming a Chartered Architectural Technologist and continuing to develop her technical expertise

    Favourite Architect: Alison Brooks

    Favourite of Tipple: ​Piña Colada

    Favourite Place: Paris

    Favourite Building: Alhambra, Granada

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  • Head of Marketing (Part-time)

    Jackie leads the marketing and digital strategy at JWGS Associates, helping to raise the profile of the practice and communicate its expertise in conservation architecture, heritage buildings and contemporary design. She oversees the firm's brand, website, SEO, social media and marketing communications, supporting the continued growth of the practice across Scotland and the UK.

    With over 20 years' experience in marketing, business development and working with businesses across the public and private sectors, Jackie has worked with organisations ranging from multinational companies to start-ups and growing SMEs. Her experience includes strategic marketing, client engagement, communications and supporting businesses to identify opportunities for innovation and growth.

    Alongside her role at JWGS Associates, Jackie works with businesses across Scotland, helping them develop innovation projects and connect with universities and academic expertise. She brings this wider commercial perspective to JWGS, helping to strengthen

    Favourite Building: University of Glasgow

    Choice of Tipple: Limoncello Spritz

    Favourite Place:  Anywhere in France

    Favourite Architect: James Sanderson (obviously!)

Derek Binnie Non-Executive Director at JWGS Associates

  • Non-Executive Director

    Derek is a Non-Executive Director at JWGS Associates, bringing extensive experience from a successful career across the property and interiors sectors. As a business owner and director, he has developed and led businesses, giving him a strong understanding of the commercial landscape in which architectural and property projects operate.

    Alongside his involvement with JWGS Associates, Derek maintains a number of business interests and supports ambitious companies and individuals through investment, mentoring and practical guidance. He particularly enjoys working with businesses at key stages of their development, helping them identify opportunities, build valuable relationships and make informed decisions about their future direction.

    At JWGS Associates, Derek provides an independent perspective to the Board and supports James and the team as the practice develops. His knowledge of the property sector, extensive business network and understanding of client needs bring an important commercial dimension to the practice, supporting our focus on building strong relationships, creating new opportunities and delivering a high-quality service to our clients.

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  • Loki is the four-legged member of the JWGS Associates team and takes his role as Chief Barkitect very seriously. Specialising in office morale, client welcomes and quality control of lunchtime snacks, he can often be found supervising meetings, inspecting drawings from a comfortable spot, or ensuring everyone takes regular breaks.

    A firm believer that every successful project starts with a walk and ends with a biscuit, Loki brings enthusiasm, loyalty and plenty of tail wags to the studio. While he has yet to gain his architectural qualifications, he has an excellent eye for spotting squirrels and an unrivalled ability to brighten even the busiest day.

    Favourite Architect: Frank Lloyd Bite

    Choice of Tipple: Paw-secco (or water if HR is watching)

    Favourite Building: Anywhere that isn't the Vets

    Favourite Place: Wherever my humans are

Otis Dickson Barkitectual Technologist Apprentice at JWGS Associates

  • Barkitecturial Technologist (Apprentice)

    Otis is the newest recruit to the JWGS Associates team and is currently completing his apprenticeship under the watchful eye of Chief Barkitect, Loki. Full of enthusiasm, curiosity and boundless energy, Otis believes every office chair should be investigated, every shoelace is a toy and every meeting is improved by an unexpected appearance.

    Although still learning the finer points of office etiquette, Otis is already developing his skills in welcoming visitors, boosting team morale and ensuring nobody spends too long sitting at their desk. His training programme currently focuses on reducing zoomies during working hours and resisting the temptation to "borrow" unattended stationery.

    With time, patience and plenty of treats, Otis is expected to become an excellent Barkitect. Until then, he keeps the team entertained and reminds everyone not to take life too seriously.

    Favourite Architect: Pawtrick Geddes

    Favourite Building: Any that’s not the Vets

    Favourite Place: Wherever the fun is happening

    Choice of Tipple: Puppyccino (strictly as an occasional treat!)