Andrew Gillespie
Andrew Gillespie was an especially passionate and talented Architect. Originally from the north of Scotland, Andrew completed his Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Design at the University of Edinburgh, his Master’s Degree at the University of Strathclyde, and his Part Three Qualification at the University of Newcastle. Andrew was a highly regarded student and was awarded the Professor Charles Gourlay Memorial Prize for his master’s dissertation. During his postgraduate studies he served as President of the Student Architecture Society, A@131.
Despite his relatively short career, Andrew was an important part of some of the most interesting architectural practices and projects in Scotland. This included LDN Architects, HTA Design, McGinlay Bell, Fraser/Livingstone Architects, K-ARC, and Pend Architects. During his time at these practices, Andrew was involved in projects around Scotland and England, such as the refurbishment plans for Gillespie Kidd and Coia’s iconic St Peter’s Seminary in Cardross, several housing development projects of differing scales, and the design and construction of Simon Square, a cross-laminated timber building which has since earned multiple awards locally and nationally for its innovation and design.
In addition to his skill as a practitioner, Andrew also had a natural affinity for teaching and mentoring. In 2019 he began tutoring students of architecture at the University of Strathclyde and latterly began mentoring postgraduate students in addition; these were roles he held particularly dear and remained dedicated to even as his health declined.
Although impressive, highlighting Andrew’s career accomplishments fails to capture the depth of his passion for the built environment, his love of analysing it with anyone willing (Architect or not), and his dreams of adding his own stamp to the landscape. He had an excitement for architecture that was evident and infectious, as was his smile and encouraging nature. He made an instant and lasting impression on his peers, teachers, colleagues, and students, both personally and professionally.
Andrew enjoyed several Architectural pilgrimages throughout his studies and career- he travelled to France, Switzerland, Finland, Chile, Denmark, Portugal, and throughout the UK. He reflected on all of these pilgrimages as hugely beneficial, but realised he gained more from the trips when he was with others. As his career progressed he became insistent that Architects learn more and produce better outcomes when they work collaboratively, rather than in isolation.
It was this belief that catalysed his idea for Collaborative Practice Pilgrimage. Andrew wanted to enable students to experience architecture around the world as he had- within a group of peers that fostered curiosity, experimentation, and development.
Andrew died from metastatic acral melanoma in May 2023. He spent time during his last months developing and communicating his vision for Collaborative Practice Pilgrimage and asked his loved ones to carry this forward on his behalf. As trustees, it is a role we consider an honour and privilege. We thank you, as did Andrew, for your support of the Trust and in turn for Collaborative Practice Pilgrimage.
— Lauren Gillespie, Andy Bevan, Charlie Bevan, Ryan Canning, and Ross Cameron
Trustees of the Andrew Gillespie Trust
