We are spatial planners, interior designers, illustrators, filmmakers and creative storytellers.
Since establishing Lateral North in 2013, our team has naturally adapted and evolved. However, at the core of our design collective – and what really makes us tick – is the group of people we have formed around us, both internally and externally.
Our experience spans architecture, interior design, graphic design, filmmaking, photography, fine art and 3D immersive content. What connects these disciplines is not just skill, but a shared approach: working collaboratively with the people and places we engage with, and using creativity to tell stories that matter.
As we continue our collective discussion about how design and storytelling can help rethink, reimagine and redesign our places, we think it’s important to share who we are and what we do daily – because Lateral North has always been about people as much as projects.
So, who makes up Lateral North?
Graham Hogg and Tom Smith started Lateral North in 2013. Their university projects exploring ‘new northern frontiers’ for Scotland kick-started the company and led to exhibitions such as Nordic House and, importantly, Prospect North. That early curiosity about Scotland’s relationship with the wider north continues to shape our direction today.
An Atlas of Productivity was digitally augmented on a topographical sculptural map of Scotland by Soluis – where we first met Steve Colmer. After years of collaboration on projects such as Future Paisley, Past Forward and Hill House, Steve formally joined our team in 2021. His expertise in immersive technologies has helped us continually refine how we blend physical and digital storytelling.
Before Steve arrived, Simon Forsythe joined the team. For the last seven years, he has documented our projects and developed mixed media outputs across them through his distinctive blend of photography and filmmaking. As a licensed drone pilot, Simon quite literally gives us new perspectives on the places we work in – from A Fragile Correspondence and COAST to Shinty’s Story. His work ensures our projects are not only experienced in the moment, but shared more widely.
In 2023, as commissions for landscape interpretation, exhibitions and 3D design grew, Agata Ostrowska joined us. With a specialism in spatial design, Aga has helped deliver projects throughout Scotland, the UK and further afield. The soon-to-be-open Glencairn House is a project she has led from concept to completion. Her skills also extend to interactive design, collaborating with organisations such as Museums and Galleries Scotland, National Museum of Wales and Strathclyde Country Park.
Over the past year, we have also welcomed Michaela McManus and Callum Arthur to the team.
With a background in art and creative direction, Michaela brings much more than project coordination. She has been involved across all of our recent work, helping organise both our internal processes and the wider teams we collaborate with.
Callum, a graphic designer, complements our skillset with strong illustration, branding and visual identity work. Glenmore Visitor Centre, (un)box, and our current work on Leven Is Speaking reflect his ability to translate ideas into bold and coherent visual language.
Ensuring a positive office environment – and always keen to engage with visitors – is Luna, our office dog.
We are a small team supported by a wide network of collaborators, consultants and communities. Together, we are continually exploring how design, creativity and storytelling can help shape ideas alongside those we work with.
In our next Lateral Story, we’ll share more about the projects that have shaped our journey so far.
In the meantime, what would you like to know more about our team? Do you have questions about immersive experiences, creative storytelling or filmmaking? Or do you want to know what Luna’s favourite treat is?
