About Us

Architectural Services Scotland

Built on Confidence - Integrated Design and Structural Engineering with Unbiased Local Advice for Edinburgh, Fife and the Lothians.

We're your local Architectural and Structural Engineering team, ensuring every project across Fife, Edinburgh and the Lothians is feasible, compliant, and cost-effective.

We believe that clarity and commitment comes before profit. From the first sketch to final sign-off, we provide a seamless service that eliminates the delays and risks associated with hiring separate consultants. Start your project with guaranteed structural certainty and unbiased advice.

Our Firm Foundations

Led by Darren Beresford - Our MD

Our firm's commitment to clarity and competence is directly guided by our MD, Darren Beresford. As a highly experienced architectural professional based in Fife, Darren manages every project personally, ensuring the advice you receive is consistent, accurate, and tailored to the nuances of local regulations.

Founded in 1985 by Gordon Dunn. We believe that expertise shouldn't lead to complication. That's why we maintain a small, highly qualified team dedicated to providing friendly, direct communication throughout your journey.

Our Guiding Principle

We understand that a home alteration or extension is a significant investment. Our guiding principle is simple, honest, and client-focused:

We would rather lose a job than misguide anyone; clarity and commitment before profit is our promise.

This means we provide an unbiased assessment during your initial Feasibility Study. If your project isn't structurally sound, doesn't meet Scottish Building Standards, or isn't financially viable, we'll tell you upfront. We empower you with the facts needed to proceed with genuine confidence, we do not believe in hopeful assumptions.

Architectural Services Scotland - About Us - Our MD Darren Beresford

Darren Beresford
MD Architectural Services Scotland

Years Experience

Planning Applications

Building Warrants

Our Ethos & Values

Integrity, Sustainability and Clarity

Unbiased Clarity is Paramount

We are dedicated to providing unbiased advice. Our pledge is to confirm the feasibility and affordability of your project before engagement. We guarantee clear, honest communication at every step, ensuring you understand the process without unnecessary jargon or complication.

Design Excellence & Sustainability

Our Architectural Design is focused on maximising value and livability. We prioritise creating light-filled, spacious environments while maintaining a strong commitment to modern energy efficiency and compliance with Scottish Building Standards. We ensure the new design perfectly complements the existing structure, adding aesthetic and functional value.

Local Commitment & Personal Service

We pride ourselves on being a local firm deeply familiar with the unique architectural styles and planning requirements of Fife and the Lothians. You benefit from a personal, direct service where you deal with the same expert from the initial concept to the final, compliant design. We are your dedicated, non-complicating partner.

Our Customers Say It Best

See Our 5-Star Google Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The true measure of our success is the positive experience of our clients across Fife and the Lothians. We are incredibly proud of our consistent 5-Star Rating on Google, a direct reflection of our commitment to clarity, competence, and integrated expertise.

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Stuart Harden profile picture
Stuart Harden
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We had to get drawings done for a building warrant during the sale of our house. Darren, with assistance from his team, worked with us and the Council to get the required documents passed by the Council. It was all carried out in a very professional manner, with Darren keeping me up to date with the progress. I would highly recommend this company!!
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Adam Bawol profile picture
Adam Bawol
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Really happy with the garage conversion – the whole process was smooth and professional from start to finish. Darren and the team were great to work with, always helpful and responsive. Would definitely recommend!
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Kris Boyd profile picture
Kris Boyd
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Darren and the team successfully took us through the Building Warrant Application process for our garage conversion. From the first email, to the site visit, to drawing up the plans and submitting the application, every step was explained and carried out in a friendly and professional way. Great service.
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Chris profile picture
Chris
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Very smooth process with Darren and team. We were unsure of what exactly we wanted and Darren was able to talk through numerous options with us, helping us land on a final plan. Darren was there to support throughout the build as needed and everything concluded without issue. Very happy with the end result.
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alan wilson profile picture
alan wilson
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Fantastic service from start to finish. Supported close out of Building Warrant for property extension and liaised with planning department to close out outstanding issues to achieve building completion certificate
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Helen Farquhar profile picture
Helen Farquhar
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First class excellent service from the team. From initial thought and ideas to the completion of all building drawings, the service has been amazing. With planning approval and building warrant granted we are now ready to move onto the next stage. Thanks to you all.
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Murray Hogg profile picture
Murray Hogg
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Darren and the team produced the drawings to obtain our building warrant without any hassle. They were a pleasure to work with and can't fault in any way.
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Jan Nowak profile picture
Jan Nowak
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I was advised by a building contractor to contact Architectural Services Scotland to prepare drawings for a home development project. This advice turned out to be excellent. After an initial telephone conversation, followed by a site visit for detailed measurements, and the discussion of a couple of technical problems, an initial set of drawings was produced. A small number of changes were agreed via telephone and the finalised drawings were produced the next day. The plans were submitted to the Council by the company on my behalf and planning permission was approved without any difficulty. Throughout the process the three team members I spoke to were helpful and friendly. Costs were clearly explained at the outset and were accurate (no hidden extras.) I would recommend Architectural Services Scotland without reservation to anyone about to undertake a building project and would be delighted to work with the team again. Jan Nowak
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Paul O profile picture
Paul O
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Best architect and planning permission experts I’ve ever worked with. Highly recommend!
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Detlef Lorenz profile picture
Detlef Lorenz
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Services delivered as agreed and within agreed time scales. Happy to recommend Darren and his company.
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Ready to Unlock Your Home’s Potential?

Don't let unused space remain a source of uncertainty. Take the first step toward a beautiful, value-adding building project with a team that guarantees clarity. We'll assess your project's feasibility, structure, and budget with unbiased, expert advice.

Take the First Step

Where Innovative Design Meets Purpose

Our Architectural Projects

See how our integrated architectural design and structural engineering brings clarity to your project.

Start Your Project with Absolute Certainty

Don’t risk your investment on guesswork. Our integrated Feasibility Study provides a professional roadmap for your project, ensuring your vision is both buildable and affordable. What we provide during your study:

  • Preliminary Drawings: We provide initial design sketches to help you visualise your layout and explore different floor plan options.
  • Structural Assessment: We identify load-bearing requirements and technical constraints early.
  • Planning & Compliance Review: A clear strategy for securing Planning Permission and Building Warrants in Fife and the Lothians.
  • Fixed-Price Quote: A transparent project fee with no hidden costs.
  • Expert Advice: Direct access to a team that is both Architecturally and Structurally qualified.

Fill out the form below, and our team will contact you within one business day to schedule your site visit. Cost From : £80