Edinburgh architects pick-up top award as Arches project nears conclusion   The reputation of Edinburgh-based Staran Architects is soaring after going from business start-up to an award-winning practice in little over three-years. It was recently named ‘Architects Firm of the Year’ at the prestigious 2015 Scottish Home Improvement Awards, capping an incredible journey so far for the two ’30-somethings’ behind Staran. Directors James Ferguson and Iain Shillady joined forces in 2012 and have already made their mark on the industry as Staran is currently the project Architect on the ambitious Waverley Arches project in Edinburgh, which is due to open within the next few months. “James and myself are both young and ambitious, but most importantly we share a similar mindset about creating an architectural practice which will stand out from the crowd,” explains director Iain Shillady. Fellow director, James Ferguson, believes sticking to their core values has helped with their early success: “We have complimentary skill sets, but we both pride ourselves on our attention to detail and our strong relationships with clients.” While other architectural practices have struggled to recover from the recession, Staran has flourished. They’ve grown to a team of four, moved into a new HQ in Cumberland Street and are well placed to make the most of the upsurge in confidence in the construction sector. On top of the high-profile Waverley Arches project, Staran was also lead architect on the unique CODE Youth Hostel, which opened in Edinburgh’s Rose Street last year. The team is also currently involved in a number of new build projects and conversions in the UK, including converting the former Broughton High School on McDonald Road, Edinburgh into 74 residential units, and the full refurbishment of an A-listed townhouse on Queen Street. “There’s no doubt we are delighted with how the business has developed over the last 3-years, but our original principles haven’t changed,” explains Iain. “Our ambition is to continue our upward growth curve, but to maintain our ability to provide expertise, transparency and value for money to clients, both new and old.