Our studio of architects and interior designers — meet the team

As Ica's Managing Director and an Architect, Susannah is a creative problem solver adept at unravelling complex challenges in design, construction, and studio management. Her commitment to achieving the best outcomes for our clients and our team inspires her approach to every project.

Driven by a passion for innovation, Susannah explores new ideas, technologies, and methods of working to create exceptional designs and buildings that resonate with beauty and purpose. Under her leadership, the team consistently achieves outstanding results, reflecting Ica's dedication to excellence and a shared vision of transformative design.

Ian is one of the founders of Ica. He is passionate about hospitality, and how we use design to enhance it. A graduate of Glasgow School of Art, Ian favours a pragmatic design approach so that customer, financial and operational aspects are integrated. Ian has wide interests outside Ica in hotel ownership, property development, education, and charities which focus on poverty, social justice and urban regeneration.

Chris welcomes new challenges, creating energy through collaboration and creativity. A founding director, his drive and passion for finding innovative solutions has helped Ica become one of the leading hotel design practices in Europe — producing creative, innovative, award-winning buildings. He provides continuity between our teams and projects within the studio, steering and guiding these to meet client and design aspirations. Chris’s leadership and team building skills are an invaluable asset to the studio and he is renowned within the industry for dexterity of thinking and aptitude for ingenious design solutions.

A perfectionist with a relaxed style, Alistair has gained respect from both contractors and clients alike. One of our founding Directors, Alistair has decades of experience gained on projects across a wide range of sectors and has specialised in hotel design for 20 years. He has established a strong reputation for technical excellence. Overseeing and ensuring that the highest quality of technical expertise is fed into our designs and the construction process, Alistair provides a vital role that is too often neglected by architects and designers.

Amanda leads our talented team of interior designers with a keen understanding of the hotel industry and an exceptional eye for design. Her expertise is vital to the success of our studio, as she combines meticulous attention to detail with a passion for creating stunning spaces.

At the heart of Amanda's approach is a commitment to building strong relationships. She thrives on helping clients realise their visions, creating environments that both they and their guests will adore. Her leadership inspires creativity and collaboration, ensuring every project reflects the unique aspirations of our clients.

Good-natured. Good-humoured. Hospitable. Eleanor sets the tone of the office. With years of experience in office administration and finance, she handles clients’ accounts and is always approachable — just pick up the phone or drop her an email — she is happy to resolve any query.

In architecture, good communication is key to the smooth running of projects. Acknowledging this, Douglas is adept at leading teams to deliver the most complex and demanding buildings. From holding onto the big picture to the minutiae of the details, he’ll ensure that your vision is translated into reality — whatever hurdles and challenges that a particular project presents.

Gillian is a true creative, committed to designing memorable experiences. With a passion for unique and inspired concepts, she brings enthusiasm to every project. Her approach is grounded in successful teamwork and strong client-focused relationships.

Having led design teams on numerous prestigious, award-winning projects across the Middle East and Asia, Gillian ensures that excellence and quality are consistently delivered in all her work.

As a Creative Lead, Janice specialises in conceptual development, bringing her enthusiasm for great design, quality finishes, and craftsmanship to every project. She plays a vital role in collaborating with our teams to deliver design concepts at the highest level.

Always in tune with current trends, products, and finishes, Janice keeps the team informed and inspired. Her strong relationships with brands and clients across the globe are essential for creating successful interiors that resonate with style and sophistication.

Very few things phase Kerry. She leads our teams to ensure that every building project is smoothly brought to life; she has the expertise and experience to lead and deliver the most complex developments. Where others falter, Kerry finds a natural habitat in fast-paced organisation and multi-tasking.

In addition to her project and team leadership, Kerry is committed to architectural education and serves as a Director on the Board of the Architect’s Professional Examination Authority in Scotland, further contributing to the advancement of the profession.

Lorraine manages key client relationships on projects across Europe and beyond. She has taken the lead on several exciting global initiatives, thriving on collaboration with clients, manufacturers, and consultants to ensure a seamless process from concept to completion.

Always eager to try new activities, Lorraine has a knack for persuading her colleagues to join in on her adventures. A keen runner, she is constantly seeking out new challenges, both in her personal life and in her professional endeavours.

Lorraine's passion for design and her significant contributions to the studio have led her to spearhead some of ICA’s most notable large-scale new builds and refurbishment projects. A strong and creative individual, she brings a wealth of experience to her work in interior design.

Lorraine embraces life with enthusiasm, from motorcycling across the Americas to road-tripping through Australia in a campervan. Her adventurous spirit and zest for exploration inspire her team of designers, motivating them to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

With a heavy design focus, Nick always has a stack of coloured pens and a roll a tracing paper to hand. Responsible for a large part of the design direction within the office he brings with him over 10-years of hospitality design experience which has manifested in a diversity of projects from remote island retreats to Olympic village get-aways.

Andrew is actively involved in all aspects of the pre- and post-construction design stages. With over 25 years’ experience, he provides lead technical support to the clients’ representatives and project team. Andrew is a highly motivated individual who will generously share insights while fully recognising the needs of clients and the practice.

Originally from Newcastle Upon Tyne, Caitlin studied Interior Design at Glasgow School of Art and graduated in 2020. There, she found a passion for applying her creativity to designing spaces.

Caitlin is passionate about creating interiors that leave a lasting impression, bringing people together to relax, celebrate and make memories. She approaches each new project as an opportunity to craft spaces that not only look beautiful but function to provide an immersive experience.
At Ica, Caitlin enjoys working collaboratively on hospitality projects, which have a local and global impact and reach. She also likes the diversity of narrative stories that can be woven into hospitality design to tell a story with warmth and style.

In her spare time, Caitlin likes travelling, exploring new places, and discovering new galleries, food, and culture. She enjoys photography, socialising, and spending time outdoors, especially by the coast.

Driven by a fascination with how architecture influences people's lives, Cara explores the intricate relationship between buildings and their environments, shaping perceptions of both internal and external spaces.

She began her academic journey at Dundee University before earning her Master's degree with distinction from Strathclyde University. A highlight of her education was a transformative six-week outdoor program in northern Thailand, where she worked alongside local hill tribe communities on projects such as bridge construction and water cooler installation.

Skilled in creating compelling visual narratives, Cara excels at communicating design concepts through everything from initial sketches to detailed 3D models and renders. When she's not designing, you can find her crocheting, running, or practicing aerial acrobatics, often hanging upside down as she enjoys life to the fullest.

Cindy brings extensive experience to her role, merging a proactive attitude with a meticulous, detail-oriented approach and a strong sense of responsibility. She thrives on the challenges presented by large-scale builds and the complexities of refurbishments.

With a collaborative and engaging style, Cindy excels in problem-solving, ensuring that projects run smoothly and efficiently. Her passion for delivering high-quality results fuels her dedication to getting the job done right, every time.

A stalwart of ICA since 2006, Ewan has successfully delivered a wide range of hotel, leisure, and residential projects. With his extensive experience, he is the go-to expert for considered, technical design solutions.

Outside the studio, Ewan enjoys spending time in his garage, fine-tuning competition motorcycles and cars, or chasing his kids through the forests on their mountain bikes.

Gus is a talented architect, known for his approachable demeanour and collaborative spirit. He has successfully overseen the design and delivery of several high-profile projects, from luxury hotels to the development of listed buildings within UNESCO World Heritage sites. With a passion for design, a keen eye for detail, and a love for technical coordination, Gus consistently brings excellence to every project he undertakes.

Janelle holds a Bachelor of Design with Honours from Massey University in Wellington, where she honed her skills across both residential and commercial projects. Notably, she played a key role in the New Zealand National Archives facility (Heke Rua), a project of national significance. Since 2023, Janelle has channeled her creativity into the hospitality sector, where her passion truly flourishes.

Driven by curiosity and a love for new challenges, Janelle embraces opportunities for innovation in her work. She thrives in collaborative environments, partnering with like-minded professionals to craft captivating spaces that tell our clients' unique stories.

With a keen eye for detail, Janelle explores the intricacies of each project, unveiling subtle design elements that invite a sense of discovery and charm. She is committed to creating functional environments that exude the perfect ambience, ensuring visitors are drawn back time and again.

Outside of her design work, Janelle enjoys immersing herself in new cultures and landscapes. On sunny days, you’ll find her hiking the scenic hills around Scotland’s lochs, while rainy days are perfect for exploring local culinary hot spots.

As one of our Lead Interior Designers, Jennifer excels in planning, researching, specifying, coordinating, and managing projects. Her passion for innovative FF&E design drives her to collaborate closely with suppliers, keeping our team inspired and ahead of trends.

With strong experience in the entertainment, retail, leisure, and residential sectors, Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project, ensuring exceptional results and a unique vision for each client.

Jilly is a valuable team player recognized for her excellent communication skills and her ability to deliver design solutions under tight deadlines. Proficient in the latest software and skilled in beautiful hand-drawn sketches, she plays a crucial role in preparing concept development and presentation documents.

Beyond her creative talents, Jilly offers flexible technical input across a diverse range of interior projects, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully considered and expertly executed.

Kara is an ambitious, trusted, and creative designer dedicated to connecting people with places through engaging and inspiring interior design. Her passion for innovative thinking and team collaboration has been recognised throughout her career, starting with her first-class honours degree and now by her colleagues and Clients.

She prides herself on being a versatile designer, a fast learner, and a quick thinker, bringing an enthusiastic and optimistic approach to all aspects of her work and life.

A polite, friendly, and enthusiastic Studio Host. Lauryn ensures that anyone that steps into Ica studio is greeted with a smile. Attentive to the needs of clients and colleagues alike, she works hard to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making the studio a pleasant space for all.

Nicki graduated with a BA (Hons) in Interior Design from Edinburgh College of Art and brings over a decade of experience across various sectors. As a natural people person, she thrives in the art and design world, passionately creating spaces that reflect, inspire, and elevate the user experience through thoughtful design.

A conceptually driven designer, Nicki excels in communication and intuition, forging strong relationships with clients and being a dedicated team player. Her diverse background in exhibition design, hospitality, heritage projects, visitor centers, commercial office design, and retail management enriches her creative thinking and enhances her ability to deliver immersive spaces. She enjoys guiding clients on a journey from initial concepts to the exciting practical implementation of their new environments.

When she's not at work, Nicki is busy managing the delightful chaos of a young family, two dogs, and a spirited husband. She finds time to stay active, travel, indulge in trashy rom-coms, and stalk the latest fashion trends.

Nicola is a designer with a wealth of experience and a key team player. She has played a vital role in the successful delivery of many of our projects, working closely with designers, Brands and contractors.

Her dedication to maintaining design quality ensure that each project meets the highest standards and client expectations. Nicola also brings that focus to work with our team, to improve knowledge and skills and to find new and better ways of working.

With an international background, Oskar has long been intrigued by hospitality and its cultural significance, as well as how we experience different places. He graduated with a Master of Architecture, where his thesis explored loneliness in cities through urban play and subcultures, while his dissertation focused on applying design principles from the restaurant industry to primary school dining halls to enhance children's well-being. Oskar also spent a year in Norway, gaining valuable experience with a local architecture practice.

As a young professional, he is eager to contribute to the enjoyment of visiting and experiencing new spaces. Open to new ideas and enthusiastic about collaboration, Oskar is dedicated to transforming visions into reality. Outside of the office, you can usually find him skateboarding or bouldering, experimenting in the kitchen, or enjoying great meals out.

After graduating from the University of Manchester with a degree in Classics, Phoebe discovered her profound love for interior design and chose to pursue it further. She has cultivated an authentic and organic approach to creating thoughtful, beautiful spaces.

A key part of her work is telling a story through design, which she finds particularly rewarding. Phoebe finds great joy in crafting spaces that are full of character and individuality. She thrives in collaborative environments, working alongside like-minded, innovative individuals.

In her spare time, Phoebe enjoys traveling and has had the opportunity to immerse herself in the rich and vibrant cultures of various countries, continually fuelling her inspiration. She also loves experimenting with new recipes and spending time in nature.

An experienced technologist, Raymond has a strong technical background with a keen eye for detail. He specialises in the progression of initial design concepts through to full detailed design solutions. He prides himself on his integrity, professionalism, and commitment to quality.

A committed and experienced project interior designer, Rona offers a balance of a creative imagination combined with a detailed analytical mentality. Rona is focused on ensuring the design intent is seen through to completion; she believes that every phase of the project has a key contribution. She enjoys working in close consultation with our clients to create an environment that satisfies all their aspirations and requirements — aesthetic, functional, and budgetary.

Ross was our colleague, but also a friend and a pleasure to be around; a gentle soul with a wonderful sense of humour. We all miss his cheerful and positive approach to everything he did and the fun he brought to our studio.

Many of you will have known Ross well during his career as a highly respected Architect. He brought passion and dedication to his work and the quality of the buildings that he delivered remain as testament to his skill.

Ross is passionate about architectural conservation and restoration, bringing over a decade of experience in hospitality projects. Specialising in converting existing buildings into new and exciting uses, he thrives on the challenges of repurposing historic structures. Ross’s commitment to preserving the integrity of these buildings while infusing them with modern functionality makes him an invaluable asset to any project.

Samantha serves as Lead Interior Designer, drawing on extensive experience gained from years in the hotel sector. An intuitive and creative designer, she combines her strong technical knowledge with innovative thinking at every stage of a project. Often found exploring the outdoors, Samantha channels this inspiration into her work, embracing challenges both at home and in the studio. Her enduring passion lies in creating beautiful spaces for people to enjoy.

Sara is a dedicated Part 2 Architectural Assistant who excels in storytelling through powerful visuals. Sara brings architectural and interior concepts to life through impactful visuals that capture the essence of each project. Her keen eye for detail and creative approach ensures her designs are presented with clarity and impact, making her an essential part of the team.

Sophie is an Architect with a strong passion for architectural place-making and environmental design, nurtured during her studies in the UK and the US. Her experience on various complex refurbishments and new build projects has refined her keen eye for detail, enabling her to craft thoughtful and impactful designs. While her organisational skills may not always take the spotlight, they play a crucial role in ensuring the success of every project she undertakes.

Tamás believes that design is a powerful storytelling craft, skillfully weaving together the narrative threads that unify a project and uncover its big idea. His own multicultural journey began in Transylvania, Romania, before leading him to Scotland, where he studied interior design at Edinburgh College of Art and graduated with a first-class degree.

Tamás has brings his unique perspective and creativity to every project, infusing each space with a rich narrative that resonates with those who experience it.

Zoe is a creatively driven interior designer with a passion for the hospitality sector, specialising in Food & Beverage spaces. Her friendly and approachable nature allows her to build strong relationships with clients, ensuring their vision comes to life.

In her spare time, her love for design and interiors takes her on global adventures, where she explores new spaces, discovers culinary delights, and enriches her creative perspective.

Brodie’s passion for Interiors began at a young age, spending many weekends in antique shops and hospitality venues with hotelier parents, seeking out new ideas and design inspiration.
With a strong belief that design is good when it is functional for all, Brodie loves crafting spaces that bring people together, whether that be commercial and hospitality spaces, public space, or residential.

When not working, you can find Brodie up one of the 7 hills in Edinburgh hiking, out at a local bar with friends, or planning trips near and abroad.

Ryan's passion for design and construction traces back to his roots in Glasgow and frequent visits to family in Italy, where his love for architecture began. Surrounded by historic buildings, he developed a fascination with how structures are crafted and stand the test of time. This curiosity has only deepened with his growing interest in exploring new cities and cultures, expanding his perspective on architectural styles and techniques.

With hands-on experience in the construction industry and a degree in Architectural Technology, Ryan combines practical knowledge with innovative design thinking. His focus is on creating structures that are not only durable but also functional and forward-thinking.

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys playing football, training for marathons, and connecting with friends. His drive and energy on and off the field mirror his approach to design—dynamic, purposeful, and always looking to the future.