Business Details
44 Years
experience
Award-Winning Sustainable Architecture Practice
Established in 1982, McLean Quinlan is a distinguished architectural practice with over four decades of expertise in crafting bespoke residential, cultural, and hospitality projects. Our work spans the UK and international locations, characterised by a commitment to sustainability, material integrity, and timeless design. We integrate Passivhaus principles and low-carbon technologies to create energy-efficient buildings that harmonise with their surroundings. Our approach prioritises client collaboration, ensuring each project reflects individual needs while achieving functional and aesthetic excellence.Recognised for award-winning designs, we specialise in navigating complex planning environments, including National Parks and listed landscapes. Our team of architects and designers combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation, delivering spaces that endure both technically and emotionally. With a focus on environmental stewardship, we specify lower embodied carbon materials and champion sustainable construction practices across all projects.
Services
Residential Architecture
Sustainable Design
Passivhaus Certification
Hospitality Projects
Planning Consultancy
Heritage Restoration
Low Carbon Construction
Interior Architecture
International Projects
Awards Submissions
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in sensitive, crafted residential design.
- Our practice champions Passivhaus and low-carbon construction principles.
- Award-winning team with expertise in challenging planning environments.
- Client-focused approach with rigorous attention to detail and materiality.
- Recognised leaders in sustainable architecture with international projects.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Chartered Practice
What people say
Beautifully designed buildings
Exemplary attention to detail
Energy-positive homes
Sustainable craftsmanship
Award-winning innovation
Services
Residential Architecture
Creating bespoke homes that balance aesthetic elegance with functional living. Our designs prioritise natural light, material integrity, and spatial harmony. Projects range from urban renovations to countryside retreats, always responding to site-specific contexts and client lifestyles.
Passivhaus Certification
Specialist consultancy for Passivhaus-standard buildings, ensuring ultra-low energy consumption and superior thermal comfort. We integrate airtight construction, thermal bridging solutions, and mechanical ventilation systems while maintaining architectural quality across residential and commercial projects.
Sustainable Design
Comprehensive sustainable strategies from material selection to renewable energy integration. Our approach reduces embodied carbon and operational emissions, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern eco-technologies for future-proof buildings in sensitive environments.
Planning Consultancy
Expert navigation of complex planning processes, particularly in protected areas. We secure approvals for projects in National Parks, AONBs, and conservation zones through evidence-based design responses and collaborative engagement with local authorities.
Hospitality Projects
Designing immersive hospitality spaces that blend local character with contemporary comfort. Our portfolio includes boutique hotels, restaurants, and retreats where materiality, lighting, and spatial flow create memorable guest experiences aligned with environmental principles.
People
Fiona McLean
Director
Founder of McLean Quinlan with over 40 years' experience in residential architecture. Recognised for sensitive design in historic contexts and sustainable innovation. Member of RIBA, RIAS, and CSD, shaping the practice's design ethos since 1982.
Kate Quinlan
Director
Co-director specialising in sustainable hospitality projects and complex planning. Leads teams on award-winning developments including Devon Passivhaus. Member of RIBA and RIAS with expertise in balancing environmental standards with architectural quality.
Alastair Bowden
Director
Sustainability lead and RIBA South East Awards winner. Drives the practice's environmental agenda, championing low-carbon construction and Passivhaus standards across residential and commercial projects while maintaining rigorous design integrity.
Tim Gentry
Associate
Architect with expertise in low-energy homes and listed building conservation. Leads projects in greenbelt areas and AONBs, combining sustainable technologies with traditional craftsmanship. Recognised for innovation in project management systems.
Will Mouland
Associate
Residential and luxury retail specialist with multiple RIBA award wins. Oversees quality systems and health & safety compliance, ensuring exceptional delivery standards across complex projects from concept to completion.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialise in?
We create context-specific designs informed by local vernacular and landscape. Our work blends traditional materials with contemporary forms, prioritising sustainability and timeless quality over fixed stylistic labels.
Can you assist with planning in protected areas?
Yes, we have extensive success securing approvals in National Parks, AONBs, and conservation areas through evidence-based designs that respect heritage values while meeting modern living requirements.
Do you offer Passivhaus certification services?
We're early adopters of Passivhaus principles, offering full certification consultancy to achieve energy-efficient buildings without compromising architectural integrity or occupant comfort.
How do you incorporate sustainability?
We specify low-embodied carbon materials, renewable technologies, and passive design strategies. All projects undergo rigorous environmental analysis to minimise ecological impact across construction and operational phases.
What project sizes do you handle?
From intimate studio spaces to large country estates and hospitality venues. We tailor our approach to each project's unique scale, complexity, and client aspirations without standardised size limitations.
How are projects managed from start to finish?
We provide full-service architectural management, coordinating consultants and contractors throughout design, planning, and construction stages to ensure seamless delivery aligned with client visions and budgets.
