Welcome to jmarchitects, Helen!

Welcome to the team, Helen!

Please join us in welcoming Helen Stout as our newest Architectural Assistant in our Edinburgh office!

We asked Helen a few questions to get to know her better and this is what she said…

Why did you choose a career in the construction industry?

“When I was 11, a school project on Charles Rennie Mackintosh led to a visit to the Mackintosh Building — I simply loved it and decided then and there that I wanted to be an architect. I told my grandpa, who was an architect and former DIA president, and he immediately encouraged me to reconsider! Still drawn to arts and design, I went onto study product design at Dundee University, but with encouragement from friends, I transferred into Architecture — and haven’t looked back. So in a way, I fell into it, but I’m glad I’ve stayed.”

What skill has served you best in your career?

“Probably being nosy and chatty — like most designers! I’m not afraid to ask questions, put myself forward, or chase opportunities. It’s helped me learn quickly, work across a range of projects, and build strong professional relationships in Scotland and Scandinavia.”

What do you like to do outside of work?

“Lately I’ve become completely fixated on my garden. I’ve accidentally ended up growing 20 dahlias so am in a daily war with slugs. I’ve found my garden to be very fruitful as I currently have 4 litres gooseberry and rhubarb gin mellowing in my kitchen. Alternatively, I'm play tennis whenever I can at The Grange club, enjoy cooking and hosting friends, and am planning my flat renovations.”

We are delighted to have you on board, Helen!