Ian Banks is the principal of Atoll, a small architectural practice based in Knutsford, Cheshire. Ian Banks has 20 years experience in all manner of architectural work, ranging from leisure, commercial, housing and house extensions, through to community architecture, urban design and arts & culture in regeneration.

Ian Banks brings an eclectic range of skills, interests and experiences to the architecture of Atoll, stemming from 4 years practicing in the Maldives in the late 1980's and more recently working as a Manchester community architect. For three years up until 2000 he was the 'special projects' Design Associate at a large commercial firm in south Manchester, before deciding to leave and work part-time for Arts Council England NW, as the regions Public Art & Architecture Officer - and developing his own private practice at the same time.

Since leaving Arts Council in January 2005, as well as continuing to carry out many private commissions in the private housing sector, Ian Banks has begun to gather new work in other complimentary fields of creative practice - including a public arts consultancy service and strategic cultural planning for major regeneration projects. Current work is spread mainly throughout the North of England, including the North East, Yorkshire and North West.