DTA Architects

Whilst taking an early morning walk through the Village during the spring and early summer Lockdown, my husband and I had a chance encounter with the most wonderful person and a member of your practice, Katie. As we passed, we heard a very cheerful 'Good Morning!' and looked over to the entrance to see someone locking up, smiling brightly and giving us a wave from across the street, and so we crossed over to say a socially distanced hello, and how very glad we are that we did! We have always admired the old buildings of the Village, but didn't realise that we had been passing an Architect's practice after all these years, which started a very interesting conversation with Katie as she explained the history of the building, leading into us talking about our own home, what we had been thinking of doing and asking if it was something she could advise on. After apologising for not being able to invite us inside for coffee and a chat, we were led round the wynd and into a beautiful garden, again that we didn't know existed- what a space! We were so taken aback as we took our seats on the patio whilst Katie perched on the wall at the other side of the garden. We had a lovely blether and discovered we shared many loves including the Highlands and Islands and certain music genres, but it was Katie's patience with our questioning, competence, friendliness and eagerness to help that really struck us. All done with a lovely smile and mischievous sense of humour! What a credit to the profession and one of the small, but important businesses in The Village. We left a short time later with helpful guides, sketches, new ideas and exchanged contact details, but what we didn't expect was follow up emails checking up on how we were doing during and after lockdown, offering to help with anything we might need, without a mention of the possible work we might've done to our home. We've since moved away to be closer to family, but the very welcome messages every now and then checking in on us have never stopped. Katie, if you read this, we can't thank you enough for the kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity and genuine care you have shown us and our family, all because we passed the office at the perfect time, although perhaps not for you having to go and sort something with your computer that morning! We'll hopefully be back in EK for our hug, a tour inside and look forward to that day when we get to the other side of this. With grateful thanks and best wishes, John and Jacqui Cairns
Apr 24th, 2021

Dec 17th, 2020