Meet the Team

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

    James Sanderson is the Founder and Managing Director of JWGS Associates, an award-winning Edinburgh architectural practice specialising in conservation architecture, heritage buildings and contemporary design. With over 30 years' experience, James is recognised for his expertise in conserving, regenerating and adapting 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 Place - Venice

    Favourite Building - Villa Savoye (Poissy), Le Corbusier


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

Architectual Assistant


  • 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 Place: Benesse House Oval - Tadao Ando

Associate Director | BSc (Hons) MCIAT

  • Marketing & Business Development Lead (Part-time)

    Jackie Sanderson leads the marketing and digital strategy at JWGS Associates, helping to raise the profile of the practice and showcase its expertise in conservation architecture, heritage buildings and contemporary design. She is responsible for developing the firm's brand, website, SEO strategy, social media presence and marketing communications, ensuring clients can easily discover and engage with the practice.

    With over 20 years' experience in sales, marketing and business development across both the public and private sectors, Jackie has worked with organisations ranging from multinational companies to start-ups and growing SMEs. Alongside her role at JWGS Associates, she supports businesses across Scotland to develop innovative projects and build collaborations with universities, helping organisations bring new ideas to market and drive sustainable growth.

    At JWGS Associates, Jackie is leading the ongoing development of the practice's digital marketing strategy, including website optimisation, search engine optimisation (SEO), content creation and client engagement. Her focus is on strengthening the firm's online presence, communicating the quality of its work and supporting its continued growth across Scotland and the UK.

    Favourite Building: University of Glasgow

    Choice of Tipple: Limoncello Spritz

    Favourite Place:  Antibes

    Favourite Architect: James Sanderson (obviously!)

Marketing & Business Development Lead

Architectual Technologist

  • 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

Chief Barkitect & Wellbeing Officer