Oak-frame architect profile Michael Rasmussen Associates Architects
MRA Architects has over 25 years’ experience of green oak timber framing. To MRA every project is a “one-off” influenced only by the site, the environment, regional characteristics and most importantly the personality of the clients. From these foundations, the “art” of architecture evolves. The practice’s design skills are its core strength and MRA has a reputation for creativity and an ability to produce an architectural solution that exactly matches the client’s brief and budget. MRA believes in team work – this means building relations with clients and working collaboratively with engineers, surveyors, contractors and other professionals.

Why use an architect
When you last went shopping for a car, a watch, a piece of
furniture or clothing:
- Did you insist on good design?
- Were you selective?
- How long did you spend considering alternatives?
- Was cost the only reason you made your choice?
People spend all of their working and leisure time in buildings - so why do they spend so little time choosing an architect? When a person has the chance to commission a new building they have a duty of care to select the very best designer. Michael Rasmussen Associates Architects (MRA) has the skills you need.
Our philosophy
Michael Rasmussen Associates Architects’ forte is the design of
unique buildings. The practice aims to add value to a client’s
portfolio by applying innovative thinking. MRA’s focus is the
blending of traditional aesthetics with modern features. The
practice only specifies sustainable materials and eco-friendly
technology to create designs which are as individual as its
clients.
To MRA every project is a “one-off” influenced only by the site, the environment, regional characteristics and most importantly the personality of the clients. From these foundations, the “art” of architecture evolves. MRA’s design skills are its core strength and the practice has a reputation for creativity and an ability to produce an architectural solution that exactly matches the client’s brief and budget. MRA believes in team work – this means building relations with clients and working collaboratively with engineers, surveyors, contractors and other professionals.
In a recent survey of its former clients MRA was described as:
- “a creator of good design”
- “first-rate ideas and imagination”
- “helpful and interested”
- “patient and frank”
The background
Michael Rasmussen founded the practice in 1992 after a very
successful 15-year career in corporate, commercial and public
practice. “I felt that my career was drifting. I was losing contact
with my clients and the ‘art’ of design. So I started my own
practice in order to get back to basics and to be ‘hands-on’. To me
quality of design is everything. I was one of the last intake of
students to train under the Bauerhaus school of art and design at
the Duncan and Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee, qualifying
with distinction in Architecture in 1977. I have a staff of five
and I believe that small is beautiful.” MRA has a friendly
studio atmosphere in the office – “there is always coffee,
music and attention to detail.”
contact information
Michael Rasmussen Associates Architects
The StudioStation Square
Aboyne
Aberdeenshire
AB34 5HX
- 013398 86965
- Send e-mail
- Visit website
More information
- Projects designed by
Michael Rasmussen Associates - Member of
- Awards
- Saltaire Society
- Aberdeenshire Council Design Awards
- Aberdeen Civic Society
- Carpenters Company London
- Council for the Protection of Rural Scotland
- Scottish Hydro Electric Energy Awards
- Dynamic Places Award