Basic Biographical Details Name: | Andrew William Dougall Samuel | Designation: | | Born: | 12 July 1938 | Died: | July 2015 | Bio Notes: | Andrew ('Drew') William Dougall Samuel was born on 12 July 1937. He was educated in Glasgow, latterly at Hutcheson’s Boys Grammar School where he excelled in sport. He studied architecture at Glasgow School of Art and was admitted ARIBA in 1968.
He set up practice on his own in Blanefield. Much of his architectural career was undertaken through three businesses, Auchengillan Estates Limited, Andrew Samuel & Co, Chartered Architects in Glasgow, Callander and London and Townhead Properties. In 1975 he was working in association with the Robertson Nelson Partnership. His practice was wide ranging and included residential developments, hospitals, shops, hotels, commercial and industrial premises and airport work.
Following his second marriage, Samuel took on a senior management role in the family printing business, Gavin Watson Limited, Printers, first as non-executive director and then as managing director. He worked exceptionally hard with long hours to direct the business, leading by example.
Samuel was a long term active member of the Confederation of British Industries. He advised on matters such as the construction of new transport infrastructure, improvements to the non-domestic rates regime for the benefit of small businesses and his development of the modern tax stamp for use in the drinks industry has saved the industry many millions.
Outwith his main professional interests, he was involved with matters relating to tourism. He was a founder member of the Trossachs Tourist Association, later honorary Vice President and President; he was also chairman of the East Central Tourist Association and of Stirling District Tourist Association. He initiated and then directed the Trossachs International Water Festival. He also initiated the Trossachs report which led to the creation of the West Highland Way and the Trossachs and Loch Lomond National Park in 1971. He also initiated signposting in Scotland which opened up previously inaccessible areas. He was a member of the Scottish Tourist Consultative Committee overseeing the Scottish Tourist Board.
In his spare time, Samuel was a keen Queen's Scout and became a Scout Leader in 1955. He continued his early interest in sport, particularly in canoeing during the early 1970s and early 1980s and won many awards for his achievements in this sport. He gave his time freely in training and coaching and in executive positions, all undertaken on a voluntary basis. For many years he held the records for the fastest crossing of the English Channel and the fastest passage up Loch Ness in a kayak.
Following his retirement he donated many of his original drawings to Glasgow School of Art and the clients who commissioned the work.
When time and other commitments permitted, he enjoyed travel with family and friends and visited many parts of the world. He also enjoyed hill-walking, classical music and photography. He was proud of his Scottish heritage and was still able to recite Tam o' Shanter during his final illness.
He died in July 2015. He is survived by his wife Mary, his children and grandchildren.
| Private and Business AddressesThe following private or business addresses are associated with this : | | Address | Type | Date from | Date to | Notes | | 7, Blane Crescent, Blanefield, Glasgow (by), Scotland | Private | 1970 * | | | | Townhead of Auchengillan, Blanefield, Glasgow (by), Scotland | Business | 1970 * | After 1975 | | | 2-4, Ancaster Square, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland | Business | Before 1975 * | After 1980 | | | Newham, London, England | Business | 1981 * | | Branch office | | West Woodside, Muirburn Road, Beith, Ayrshire, Scotland | Business(?) | 1994 | | |
* earliest date known from documented sources.
Buildings and Designs
ReferencesBibliographic ReferencesThe following books contain references to this : | | Author(s) | Date | Title | Part | Publisher | Notes | | RIBA | 1970 | RIBA Directory 1970 | | | | | RIBA | 1975 | RIBA Directory of practices | | | | | RIBA | 1979 | Directory of members | | | | | RIBA | 1980 | Directory of Practices 1980 | | | | | RIBA | 1994 | A Directory of RIBA Members | | | |
Archive ReferencesThe following archives hold material relating to this : | | Source | Archive Name | Source Catalogue No. | Notes | | RIAS, Rutland Square | Records of membership | | |
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