Business Details
10 Years
experience
Award-Winning Sustainable Architecture & Conservation
Established in 2016, Loader Monteith is a Glasgow-based architectural practice dedicated to creating meaningful, sustainable spaces that respond to people, place, and heritage. Our team combines conservation expertise with innovative design to deliver award-winning projects across the UK and beyond. With a focus on circular design principles, we prioritise energy efficiency, material reuse, and disassembly flexibility. Our directors, Matt Loader and Iain Monteith, bring over 25 years of combined experience in heritage architecture and contemporary design. Recognised by RIAS and RIBA, we specialise in transforming historic buildings while integrating low-carbon technologies.Our collaborative approach involves clients and communities throughout the design process, ensuring spaces that enhance wellbeing and cultural continuity. Certified Passive House designers within our team demonstrate technical excellence in sustainable construction. From educational facilities to private residences, each project reflects our commitment to creating buildings that are both emotive and enduring. Our work has received multiple accolades, including Scottish Design Awards and RIAS Conservation Awards.
Services
Architectural Design
Conservation Architecture
Sustainable Architecture
Project Management
Heritage Consultancy
Passive House Design
Cultural Spaces
Educational Buildings
Residential Projects
Circular Design
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We are RIAS and RIBA chartered architects with conservation specialism
- Our team includes Certified Passive House designers
- Award-winning expertise in heritage building transformation
- We employ circular design principles for long-term sustainability
- Collaborative approach involving clients throughout the design process
Services
Architectural Design
We create bespoke architectural solutions that harmonise contemporary needs with contextual sensitivity. Our approach combines technical expertise with creative vision to deliver spaces that enhance user experience while maintaining environmental responsibility. Projects range from private residences to large-scale cultural institutions.
Conservation Architecture
Specialists in preserving historic buildings while adapting them for modern use. Our conservation work maintains structural integrity through traditional methods while integrating sustainable technologies. We handle listed buildings and conservation area projects with meticulous attention to historical accuracy.
Sustainable Architecture
Pioneering eco-conscious architecture that exceeds standard energy efficiency requirements. We implement circular design principles, material reuse strategies, and low-carbon technologies to create buildings with minimal environmental impact and maximum long-term value for clients.
Passive House Design
Certified Passive House designers delivering ultra-low energy buildings with superior comfort. Our expertise combines rigorous technical standards with creative architectural solutions to achieve exceptional thermal performance and reduced operational costs.
Project Management
Comprehensive project management from concept to completion. We coordinate multidisciplinary teams, manage timelines and budgets, and ensure seamless execution of complex architectural projects while maintaining design integrity throughout the construction process.
People
Matt Loader
Co-founder and Director
Chartered architect with 15+ years' experience in contemporary design within historic contexts. Conservation specialist leading award-winning projects across diverse typologies. Former RIAS trustee and experienced rowing coach.
Iain Monteith
Co-founder and Director
Architect with 25+ years' experience managing complex projects from housing to healthcare. Leads distillery projects in Scotland's north and contributes to architectural education as a Mackintosh School tutor.
Jamie Begg
Architectural Assistant
Passive House designer with focus on mental healthcare spaces and embodied carbon reduction. Graduated from Mackintosh School of Architecture and works on sustainable residential projects.
Catherine McCartney
Project Architect
Experienced in conservation projects including Westminster Abbey and Edinburgh Playhouse. Specialises in addressing environmental challenges through architectural solutions while maintaining historic integrity.
Michael Southern
Architect and Passive House Designer
Certified Passive House designer with experience in cultural and residential sectors. Teaches sustainability-focused architecture at University of Strathclyde and applies experimental design methodologies to projects.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in sustainable architecture, heritage conservation, Passive House design, and project management for residential, cultural, and educational buildings.
Do you work outside the UK?
While based in Glasgow, we undertake projects internationally, applying our expertise in sustainable design and heritage conservation to diverse contexts.
What is your approach to sustainable design?
We employ circular design principles, material reuse, and low-carbon technologies to create buildings that exceed standard sustainability requirements while maintaining aesthetic quality.
Can you handle listed building projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with listed buildings and conservation areas, combining traditional techniques with modern sustainability solutions.
What project sizes do you handle?
We work on projects from small residential extensions to large-scale cultural institutions, with a minimum construction budget of £200,000.
How do you involve clients in the design process?
We use a collaborative approach, treating clients as partners throughout the process to ensure designs reflect their needs and aspirations.
