Alison is an Interior Architect and Environmental Designer.  She divides her time between academic practice as an Assistant Professor in Design for Heriot Watt University, research activities and professional practice through working across Interior and architectural design specialisms.  Alison enjoys participating in multidisciplinary, industry and community centered initiatives that improve the built environment and the lives of those who inhabit it. She combines this with her pedagogic practice to enrich teaching and learning activities, which in turn develop essential graduate attributes.

Alison completed a Bachelor of Design with Honors specialising in Interior and Environmental Design from The University of Dundee in 2005. On completion of her degree she entered a multidiscipline design industry where she continues to work for various design companies as a Senior Interior Architect and Environmental Designer.  Prior to commencing her Assistant Professor roll with Heriot Watt University in 2014, she undertook a lecturing position with the City of Glasgow College, teaching BA honors Interior Design students with their affiliated partner, Caledonian University. She also taught at the City of Glasgow College to; Interior, product and furniture design Further Education students.  In 2013 she received a Postgraduate Diploma Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) from the University of Stirling.

Research Interests include; Inclusive environments, Universal Design, Intergenerational design, Interdisciplinary design and methods of working or communicating, ageing in place, dementia friendly environments, health & wellbeing, industry/academic partnerships, student transitions and global design studios.