People - Harry Taylor & Co | Chartered Building Surveyors & Architectural Services, Perth

Henry Dempsey MRICS

Director & Chartered Building Surveyor

Henry Dempsey joined the firm in 1964 as an apprentice Building Surveyor and has remained at the company throughout his career. After gaining his qualifications in 1969 he was later to become partner in 1977 when the firm began trading as Harry Taylor & Co.

With over 50 years of experience, Henry’s knowledge is invaluable and his credentials as a Chartered Building Surveyor make him ideally suited to assessing the condition of existing buildings and providing solutions to their problems.

Robbie McDowall MCIAT, BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology, MSc Arch Conservation

Director & Chartered Architectural Technologist

Robbie carried out his secondary school work experience within the company and would also help out on the occasional weekend, usually surveying existing properties. This was to inspire him in his choice of career and in 2000 joined the company following completion of his studies at Napier University, Edinburgh.

During his time with the company he has gone on to complete an MSc in Architectural Conservation at Edinburgh College of Art and plays a key role in our listed building projects. His architectural technology background is also a great asset when developing our construction drawings and inspecting works on site.

Robbie was appointed a director in 2017 when the practice was incorporated as a private limited company.

Established in 1960

Since its founding by Harry Taylor (himself a chartered surveyor), in Perth, Scotland, Harry Taylor & Co has developed into a practice that almost exclusively provides architectural services—a good proportion of which involves Listed Buildings.

Fraser Graham RIBA RIAS

Chartered Architect

Fraser Graham is a talented chartered architect, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong academic background to our team. He earned both his MA (Hons) and MArch at Edinburgh University, graduating in 2016.

Prior to joining us in 2024, Fraser honed his skills at Edinburgh firm McLaren, Murdoch & Hamilton Architects, where he worked on a diverse range of residential and commercial projects. At Harry Taylor & Company, he aims to broaden his experience in conservation architecture and work towards conservation accreditation.

Fraser is an active member of the architectural community, currently serving as a trustee and council member of the Edinburgh Architectural Association SCIO.

Jennifer Gordon ACIAT BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology

Junior Architectural Technologist

Jennifer joined Harry Taylor & Company in January 2022 whilst on her student placement from Robert Gordon University. She proceeded to complete her BSc (Hons) with first class honours in Architectural Technology. After working as a student researcher at RGU over the summer, she returned to work with us in August 2023.

She is an active member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technology, recently became co-chair of the Aspirations Group for the Scotland East region and is working towards her chartership.

Jennifer has particular interest in building conservation and enjoys exploring Scotland’s heritage sites in her free time.

Jerry Costello

Office Secretary

Jerry started at Harry Taylor & Company in June 2005 following a year at Perth College studying NQ Administration. While at the practice she has gone on to gain her European Computer Drivers Licence and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (Levels 2 & 3) as well as other various administration units.

As office secretary Jerry helps with the day to day running of the business, such as office administration, answering telephones, greeting visitors and assisting other members of staff when required.

Margaret McDowall

Office Manager & Personal Assistant

Margaret joined Harry Taylor in 1972, as an Office Junior/Tracer, when the practice moved from Atholl Place to its current location at Melville House.

Having worked at the company for over 40 years, Margaret has taken various courses ranging from Office Management to AutoCAD. This variety of knowledge can see her performing not only administrative duties but on the odd occasion plotting existing drawings on some of our smaller projects.

Margaret’s main role within the office is that of staff co-ordinator and Personal Assistant to Henry Dempsey. This involves arranging appointments and liaising with clients and contractors. Margaret also has the very important job of looking after the accounts and wages.