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News & Testimonials

Architecture that makes the Difference

Our 175th Anniversary

Muir Walker Pride Chartered Architects are truly grateful to celebrate 175 years of continuous practice, dedicated to quality design and exceptional service.

Since 1850, we’ve had the privilege of working with remarkable clients who bring us their extraordinary ideas and projects. Together, we turn their visions into buildings that stand the test of time—blending seamlessly into their surroundings while meeting modern regulations.

Over the years, our practice has navigated some of history’s most challenging periods—two World Wars, the decline of traditional industries, waves of modernization, economic downturns, and global pandemics.

Landmark Events

Since 1850 we have witnessed the impact of landmark events, from Land Reform and the Highland Clearances to the invention of influential Tenement Housing and Sanitation Reforms. Meanwhile, in the world of ideas, Scottish writer Robert Chambers published Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation, a book that would later inspire Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Closer to home, we saw the introduction of the railway to St Andrews in 1850, the rise of international golf events, and the early movements toward democracy. St Andrews University was growing into a hub for science, medicine, and philosophy, while local agricultural innovations—such as subsoil ploughs, land reclamation, and drainage—were shaping the landscape.

Among our landmark projects from this period are Waid Academy, Rusacks Marine Hotel, Ovenstone Hospital, and The Scores Hotel.

Architecture has evolved dramatically over the decades, moving through Victorian Gothic Revival, Scottish Baronial, Edwardian, Early Modernism, Post-War Modernism, Brutalism, Postmodernism, and High-Tech Architecture—leading us to today’s focus on sustainable and contemporary design.

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Our own Mr. Glen L. Pride contributed to this architectural dialogue through works such as The Kingdom of Fife: An Illustrated Architectural Guide (2000) and Dictionary of Scottish Building (1996, co-authored with Iseabail Macleod and Pauline Cairns).

As we look to the future, sustainability and green building design remain at the heart of our work. Passive House technology, renewable energy, and eco-friendly materials are shaping new housing developments, while modern residential architecture emphasises clean lines, thoughtful planning, expansive windows, and smart technology.

Today, MWP Architects specializes in the adaptive repurposing of older buildings for modern use—an approach that not only honours our heritage but also aligns with the principles of sustainability.

Here’s to the next chapter of innovative, responsible, and enduring design!

John & Patricia Beattie

A big thank you to you and your team, our new home is fantastic. I know there are one or two snagging items but our house and externals are looking tremendous, we absolutely love the design as do all of our neighbours. I know it has taken some time but well worth the wait, we are very happy with the construction, layout & light, the views are fantastic, the finishes super, the look and feel of the house wonderful. We will continue to promote MWP at every opportunity.

Daniel & Vanessa Weekers

We recommend very enthusiastically Muir Walker & Pride Architects & Interior Designers as attentive & helpful professionals. They obtained all the necessary permissions, including Planning Consent and Archaeological Consent. We liked the way they designed and responded to our views, paying attention to detail in both architecture and interior. They also carefully designed landscaping, it was a difficult site and it looks natural and attractive now!

Mr and Mrs Fletcher

We had many visitors over the period and all were totally overwhelmed by our beautiful house. So thank you again for that too!

Lawrence Haddow, Director of The Bathroom Company

The Bathroom Company has had the opportunity to work with Muir Walker & Pride on a number of projects. MWP are brilliant at conceptual and detailed design for both new build and renovation projects, where they provide a unique blend of sympathetic and bold architectural approaches to suit each individual project.

Sir Michael Bonallack

I cannot begin to tell you how delighted we are with our new house. It has worked out even better than we thought it would. Thank you very much indeed for your expertise and guidance in providing us with such an attractive and comfortable home. Everyone who has seen it has been very complimentary about your design and attention to detail. We would have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone interested in either building a new house or making alterations