Our studio of architects and interior designers — meet the team

Susannah is a creative problem solver. She enjoys dissecting complex challenges in design, construction, or the running of the studio — always finding the best outcome for our clients and for our team. She has a drive to explore new ideas and ways to deliver exceptional hospitality products and leads our team to achieve exceptional results.

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 team of Interior designers. With a highly detailed understanding of hotels married with an exceptional eye for good design she is pivotal to the success of our studio. A focus on building strong relationships is at the core of Amanda's approach and she loves to help our clients realise their aspirations and create spaces that they and their guests will love.

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 super 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 designs experiences. With a passion for unique and inspired concepts — and injecting enthusiasm into every project — her approach is based on successful teamwork and client-focused relationships. Before joining Ica, Gillian directed design teams on a wide range of prestigious, award-winning projects across the Middle East and Asia. She guarantees that excellence and quality are always achieved.

As creative lead Janice specialises in conceptual development. An enthusiast of great design, quality finishes and craftsmanship, she plays a vital role, working closely with our teams to help deliver design concepts at the highest level. She is always on hand to keep the team informed on current trends, products, and finishes. Janice has built key relationships with brands and clients across the globe — relationships that are essential in creating successful interiors.

Very few things phase Kerry. She leads our design 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. She also has a wider interest in architectural education — Kerry sits as Director on the Board of Directors for the Architect’s Professional Examination Authority in Scotland.

Lorraine has provided the architectural lead on several exciting projects across the globe. She loves to work closely with clients, contractors, and consultants to create strong relationships, which ensure a smooth process from concept to completion. She is particularly proficiency in delivering good quality, cost effective architectural proposals — built within budget and on programme.

Lorraine’s passion for design and contribution to the studio has seen her lead some of Ica’s most notable large scale, new build, and refurbishment projects. A headstrong woman, boasting a creative flair for interior design gained from an abundance of experience across the globe. She grabs life with both hands and loves to explore, from motorcycling across the Americas to road tripping in a campervan through Australia. She inspires a team of designers with her enthusiasm.

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.

Extremely organised and always immaculate, Ashley has been described as the Monica Geller of the interior design team. Her design style has the same ethos. Establishing solid relationships with some of the most challenging brands and clients, Ashley excels in high intensity situations to deliver successful projects.

Intrigued by the impact of buildings on people’s lives, Cara delved into the relationship architecture has with its surrounding environment and how this shapes the perception of spaces, both internally and externally.

Having pursued her undergraduate studies at Dundee University, she furthered her academic journey at Strathclyde University, culminating in the attainment of her Masters with distinction. Cara also embarked on a transformative six-week outdoor program in northern Thailand, where she actively contributed to community projects alongside local hill tribe communities, involving tasks such as bridge construction, water cooler installation, and wall repairs.

Proficient in crafting compelling visual narratives, she thrives in producing imagery that effectively communicates design concepts, whether through initial sketches or intricate 3D models and renders. Cara’s post-work hours are often spent engaging in multifaceted activities such as crocheting, running, or hanging upside down while doing aerial acrobatics.

Cindy combines 16-years of job running experience with a proactive attitude, a team-oriented bias, collaborative (chatty) approach and a responsibility driven work ethic. She thrives on the problem-solving challenges brought by large scale new builds — as well as complex listed refurbishments. Cindy loves few things more than getting the job done well.

A stalwart of Ica since 2006, Ewan has successfully delivered numerous hotel, leisure and residential projects. With his accumulated wealth of experience, he’s a go-to man who can always be relied upon to provide considered, technical design solutions. Away from the studio, he can be found in his garage fettling competition motorcycles and cars or chasing his kids around forests on their mountain bikes.

A background in both hospitality management and marketing allowed Ghizlane to gain valuable knowledge of the operational and creative sides of the hospitality industry. Ghizlane started her career in Morocco working in the marketing department of a luxury resort before relocating to Scotland and joining a marketing agency. Having worked on a wide portfolio and with different clients, she is able to see projects from different angles which makes her a great asset to Ica.

Gus is one of our architectural team leaders. Approachable and a keen collaborator, he has overseen the successful design and delivery of several high-profile projects for us. Whether it’s a luxury hotel or the development of listed buildings within a UNESCO World Heritage site, Gus brings a passion for design, an eye for detail, and a love for technical coordination.

One of our Lead Interior Designers, Jennifer’s role is to plan, research, specify, coordinate, and manage packages of projects. Executing the design to completion, meeting clients’ requirements, and bringing the vision to life, is a passion. She brings to the table more than seven years’ experience in the entertainment, retail, leisure & residential sectors.

Jilly has proven herself as a valuable team player with excellent communication skills and an
ability to deliver design focus to demanding deadlines. Skilled in Photoshop and 3D-modelling as well as hand-drawn sketches, Jilly is involved in the preparation of concept development and presentation documents. She also provides flexible technical input across a wide range of interior projects.

An ambitious, trusted, and creative designer. Kara’s passion is to connect people with places through engaging and inspiring interior design. Her love for innovative thinking and team collaboration has been recognised throughout her career, having graduated with a first-class honours degree in 2018 and secured a job in the industry only months later. She prides herself as a versatile designer, a fast learner and a quick thinker who has an enthusiastic and optimistic approach to all aspects of life. 

A polite, friendly, and enthusiastic Studio Host. Lauryn ensures that anyone that steps into Ica studio is greeted with a smile. She is attentive to everyone’s needs and strives on making the studio a warm and welcoming place for clients and colleagues alike.

Nicola’s experience ranges across a variety of sectors including education, healthcare, commercial and hospitality. Since joining Ica Nicola has played a vital role in the successful completion of numerous hotel refurbishment projects and has extensive experience in the delivery of the Hampton by Hilton brand in particular.

Growing up with an international background, hospitality, its cultural significance and how we experience places has long piqued Oskar’s interest.
He graduated with a Master of Architecture from the University of Strathclyde. His thesis project addressed loneliness in cities through urban play and subcultures; and his dissertation focused on the transference of design principles in the restaurant industry to primary school dining halls to contribute to children's well-being. As part of his academic journey, Oskar spent a year in Norway working with a local architecture practice.

As a young professional, he would now like to contribute to others' enjoyment of visiting and experiencing new places. Oskar is enthusiastic and open to taking on new ideas – working, learning, and transforming visions into reality. When he’s out of the office, you can usually find him skateboarding or bouldering, experimenting in the kitchen or indulging in good eat-outs.

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 architecture conservation and restoration. With over a decade’s experience in hospitality projects, primarily in converting existing building stock into new and exciting uses, he enjoys the challenges of repurposing historic buildings.

Samantha takes on the role as Lead Interior Designer, bringing a wealth of experience through years of working within the hotel sector. An intuitive and creative designer with strong technical knowledge which she utilises through all stages of a project. Often found out exploring the outdoors, Samantha takes this inspiration into her craft. Relishes a challenge – at home and at work. And a continued desire to create beautiful spaces for people to enjoy.

Dedicated to advancing her craft, Sinéad believes in creating spaces with a signature identity. Each project is designed with the intention of embedding personality within the design and accomplishing dynamic, lively, and hospitable spaces. Having completed her Bachelor of Design in South Africa, Sinéad relocated to Scotland to complete her Master’s in Interior Design, with distinction, at Edinburgh College of Art, before joining Ica.

Sophie is highly organised. She also has a real passion for architectural place-making and environmental design that was cultivated during her studies in the UK and the US. Her experience working on various complex refurbishments and new build projects has helped hone her keen eye for detail.

When it comes to design, Tamás enjoys the craft of telling stories: finding the narrative thread that ties a project together, uncovering the big idea. The multicultural background to Tamás’ own story involved him moving from his native Transylvania, Romania to Scotland to study interior design at Edinburgh College of Art — he graduated with a first-class degree before joining Ica.