Managing principal at RMJM

Since joining RMJM straight out of Strathclyde University Alistair Brand has worked on some of Scotland's most iconic structures and ambitious regeneration projects of recent decades.

These include the Falkirk Wheel, the Glasgow Harbour Waterfront Masterplan, North Glasgow College and the Commonwealth Games Village 2014 Masterplan.

Earlier this year the firm's Glasgow office became its main studio for Scottish projects with Brand installed as managing principle.

Brand, who has been with the company since 1995, said: "The key element to the Scotland studio is its connection with the local market.

"Our week is mainly occupied with Glasgow and Edinburgh projects, with our most active sector being education."

Recent projects include the modernisation of 13 South Lanarkshire schools, a new-build campus at the University of the West of Scotland and a high-tech teaching hub at Edinburgh Napier University.

Although still involved in the nuts and bolts of architecture Brand admits his role is much changed from when he started out.

He said: "I'm still heavily involved in running projects but do less design work now.

"Most of my week is spent establishing and maintaining good client relationships, which is key to our business."

Part of that involves working with colleagues around the world

He added: "The current economic climate means we have to look outside Scotland. We have a network of clients outside the UK and also work with the international RMJM studios to secure projects.

"We recently undertook a feasibility masterplan in Kuala Lumpur and are currently involved in a development in Kazakhstan as well as looking at ventures in China and a university project in Nigeria."