Dr Laura MacLean is a researcher in the Department of Design, Manufacturing and Engineering Management (DMEM) and a Part 2 architect. Her work operates at the intersection of architecture, health and environmental wellbeing. Her research explores the relationships between people and their environments, with a particular focus on how natural and designed landscapes can support health, wellbeing and sustainable futures.

Drawing on an interdisciplinary background spanning architecture, design and social science, Laura develops innovative, evidence-informed approaches that translate health policy into actionable design solutions. 

Laura is a researcher on the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)–funded Design HOPES (Healthy Organisations in a Place-based Ecosystem) programme. As part of this project, she worked on the design and development of Mosaic Landscapes, an evidence-based facilitation tool that supports collaborative NHS estate planning. Mosaic Landscapes enables healthcare staff, patients and communities to co-design inclusive, health-supportive green spaces by linking landscape decisions directly to wellbeing outcomes. The work has generated peer-reviewed publications and has been applied across NHS sites.

Laura works closely with NHS Boards, Public Health Scotland, government bodies and third-sector organisations to embed co-design, sustainability and evidence-based design practices within healthcare and public environments. Laura is Prince2 trained in project management, bringing structured management and delivery expertise to complex, multi-stakeholder research and innovation projects.