Ruairidh Moir

Ruairidh Moir, from the Isle of Lewis, is a talented, skilful, and deeply dedicated architect with a passion for both the study and practice of architecture. He has navigated a dynamic career with intention, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his craft.

Whether encountered through practice, mentorship, or a conversation over a pint, Ruairidh’s passion for architecture is unmistakable. Inspired early on by a keen interest in Charles Rennie Mackintosh, he moved to Glasgow in 2007. A growing fascination with Catalan architect Enric Miralles later took him to Barcelona on an Erasmus exchange at the Escola Tècnica Superior d’Arquitectura del Vallès.
After graduating with distinction from the Strathclyde School of Architecture, Ruairidh gained experience at various practices in Glasgow, the Outer Hebrides, and the renowned Miralles Tagliabue EMBT. His growing desire to start his own practice led to early successes, including a competition win in the Scottish Government's Scenic Routes initiative. He has remained closely connected to academia throughout, serving as a design studio tutor since 2015 and has taught 2nd, 4th, 5th year as well as masters students. Ruairidh’s role as a mentor has been instrumental in the development of future architects, both at BARD, in education and in the wider profession.

In 2016, BARD was formally established, providing a platform to formalise his architectural values - centred around enquiry, research, and meaningful dialogue, with the client always at the heart of a collaborative process.

A project at Mackintosh’s Windyhill became a pivotal starting point for the practice - fittingly becoming BARD’s first official commission. Ruairidh has led a long-term conservation and contemporary addition project. This deeply personal commission reflects both his early inspirations and sensitivity to historic fabric which echoes throughout BARD’s portfolio.

BARD’s first public project Comunn Eachdraidh Nis (Ness Historical Society), originated from Ruairidh’s fifth-year thesis exploring the Isle of Rona. What began as a small-scale intervention developed into a larger project to create a museum, café and archive - ultimately saving the schoolhouse, which had previously been earmarked for demolition. Ruairidh recently returned to the project to lead another expansion—further testament to the original project’s enduring success. Ruairidh’s leadership and design ethos has been paramount throughout all of this. The practice now has a growing reputation in delivering cultural and community projects.

His work across the Outer Hebrides has continued to garner awards and acclaim. For example, Cruachan Beag in Eriskay has received multiple awards, including the SDA Award for Low-Cost Projects under £200K (2021) and the GIA Small Works Award (2020).
Working alongside Ruairidh, we often discuss BARD’s growth through a series of seemingly chance encounters, but it's clear that through his drive and commitment—to both his own work and the wider industry—he has made his own luck.