Practice
Meet the teamWe bring exceptional ideas to life through our team, our collaborators and the people who use the spaces we design.
Shaping architecture for all
We're a creative and talented bunch who listen to our clients to create sustainable buildings which blend robust functionality with thoughtful and inspiring design. This has led to us winning awards and earned us a place in the AJ100.
We provide bespoke design solutions to a multitude of sectors from small civic projects through to masterplanning new communities for living and working. This means we design to our client’s aspirations rather than to a signature style.
Our clients recognise us for creating high quality deliverable designs, as we realise the most complex of projects on time and on budget.
We do this by living our values of listening closely, creating together and delivering better.
See our ProjectsHow we work
To create spaces people love means finding ways of involving those that use them. We commit to listening closely to all stakeholders early in the design process, to see the whole picture, not just the building.
The diversity of our sector and service specialists provides a depth of experience and skills nuanced to each and every project. This brings greater innovation and diversity of thought to our designs and how we collaborate with broader design teams, with quality driving every aspect of our process.
By designing to budget and timescales we are honest about the art of the possible within those realities. That means our designs are deliverable and encourages confidence in our clients to work with us again.
Our ability to create trust and exceptional outcomes for our clients led us to being awarded the Winner of ''Newcomer of the Year' at the 2023 AJ100 Awards.
See how we create spaces that people love
Our design principles
Sustainable Construction
Not just Net Zero
How we protect the environment through our design decisions is a fundamental principle of good architecture. Sustainable practices are a common thread throughout all our work but ensuring they are delivered in line with need and budget is where the true value lies.
What materials we use, how we optimise a buildings performance, how we ensure the wellbeing of users, these are just some elements of our holistic design approach which is instrumental to how we work.
With a dedicated Sustainability team, we have the in-house expertise to deliver the best solution for our clients and the environment.
Collaboration
Design is a collective endeavour
The best results come from a design team who are collectively invested in an exceptional outcome. A collaborative environment where ideas can be challenged and refined is something we strive for on every project.
We’re also part of the IDeA Network, a global collective of Architects. Our shared philosophy of collaboration means we can better serve our clients through strength and depth of complementary experience, unique perspectives and sharing of resources.
Inclusive design
Shaping environments with empathy and purpose
Inclusive design considers everyone. It creates an environment that enables individuals to thrive, through equal access and facilities for all.
Designing a space that reflects the diversity of those using it is baked into our approach. Being client led in our designs means we invest meaningful time upfront to understand the nuances of needs and capabilities.
With an inhouse interiors and wellbeing team we have the expertise to bring inclusive thinking to all our clients.
Collaboration both nationally and internationally is at the heart of our approach. Together, we deliver internationally reputable projects that make a positive difference to the way people interact with places.
Philip Macdonald
Managing Partner
Our purpose, vision and values
Give form to client’s values
We are committed to contextual design solutions which are technically competent, sustainable and deliverable. Good design management is integral to our approach, enabling us to deliver the most complex of projects, on time and on budget.
Shape architecture for all
We handle a broad variety of projects, from large-scale strategic masterplans to new buildings both large and small as well as inspirational community projects that are transforming urban and rural communities.
Listen, create and deliver
We work collaboratively with clients, engineers and others, to enhance our projects through the multi-discipline integration of design and construction.
An award winning portfolio
Inside Housing Development
2024 Best Affordable Housing Development shortlisting for Tillydrone Affordable Housing
2024 Best Healthy Homes Development, Rural/Suburban shortlisting for Tillydrone Affordable Housing
HIAA
2024 New Life for Existing Buildings Award for Strathnaver Museum
2024 Social Benefit Award for the National Treatment Centre, Highland
2023 Commendation for Badenoch & Strathspey Community Hospital
2022: Commendation for Galson Estate Community Hub & Badenoch and Strathspey Community Hospital
RIAS
2024 Award winner for HydroNess by Leslie Hutt Architects
2017 Shortlisting for Holyrood North Postgraduate Student Accommodation
2016 Wood Award shortlisting for Craigdon Mountain Sports Retail Facility
RICS
2024 Finalist for Land Management & Sustainable Development Award for Gateway to Nature Centre
2024 Finalist for Environmental Impact Award for Strathnaver Museum
2017 Presidents Award for Placemaking for Holyrood North Postgraduate Student Accommodation
2011 Regeneration of the Year for Springside Housing
British Council for Offices
2024 Fit-out of Workplace Regional Award for Deloitte Future of Work Offices, with Perkins & Will
Architect of the Year
2024 One off Small Project finalist for Gateway to Nature Centre
British Institute of Interior Designers
2024 Scotland & Northern Ireland shortlisting for Private Client's Apartment
Scottish Property
2024 Healthcare Development of the Year Award for the National Treatment Centre, Highland
2023 Healthcare Development of the Year Award for Broadford Hospital
2022 Winner of Healthcare Development of the Year for Badenoch & Strathspey Community Hospital
2017 Student Accommodation Development of the Year for Holyrood North
2017 Student Accommodation Development of the Year Shandon Gardens
Scottish Design
2023 Gold Award for Broadford Hospital
2022 Shortlisting for Badenoch and Strathspey Community Hospital
2017 Regeneration Award for Holyrood North Student Accommodation & Outreach
2015 Healthcare Project of the Year shortlisting for The Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine
2013 Regeneration Award Commendation for Sugarhouse Close
2011 Regeneration of the Year Award for Springside Housing
2006 Place Making Award for St Vincent Place
2002 Best Domestic Interior commendation for Lawson House
The Herald Property Awards
2023 Best Apartment for North and South Block Torwood (AMA Homes)
The Trade Awards
2023 Finalist for Tillydrone Affordable Housing
Inspiring Women in Property
2023 Finalist for Innovator of the Year, Samantha McCabe
IHEEM
2019 Refurbishment project of the year for Theatres & ICU Upgrade for University Hospital Monklands
Scottish Home
2017 Student Housing Development of the Year Award for Holyrood North Postgraduate Student Accommodation
2013 Show Home of the Year Award for Springside Housing
2012 City Apartment of the Year shortlisting for Springside Housing
2012 Single Dwelling House shortlisting for Private House
2011 Regeneration & Conservation Award shortlisting for Centre for Sports and Exercise
2011 Small Affordable Housing Development of the Year Award for Springside Housing
2010 Apartment of the Year shortlisting for Springside Housing
2009 City Apartment of the Year shortlisting for Springside Housing
2009 Architectural Excellence Award shortlisting for Springside Housing
Edinburgh Architectural Association
2017 Large Project commendation for Holyrood North Student Accommodation & Outreach Centre.
2016 Wood Award shortlisting for Craigdon Mountain Sports Retail Facility
2006 Commendation for St Vincent Place
Property Week Student
2016 Best UK Student Residence Hall Award for Holyrood North Postgraduate Student Accommodation
Health Facilities
2016 Healthcare Project of the Year shortlisting for Stratheden IPCU Healthcare Project
Scottish Government Design
2016 Place Award for Holyrood North Postgraduate Student Accommodation
2013 Quality in Planning Award for Sugarhouse Close
Scottish License Trade News
2016 'Cocktail Bar' of the Year Commendation for 'The Adamson Bar
Northern Design
2015 'Cocktail Bar' of the Year Award for 'The Adamson Bar'
Civic Trust
2014 Commendation for Sugarhouse Close
2008 Commendation for St Vincent Place
International Property
2013 Best Single Residence in the UK Award for Private House
2013 Worlds Best Individual House shortlisting for Private House
Roses Design
2010 Silver Regeneration Award for Springside Housing
2009 Residential shortlisting for Springside Housing
2006 Best Placemaking Gold Medal for St Vincent Place
Brick Development Agency
2010 Brick Awards shortlisting for Springside Housing
Saltire Society
2010 Housing Design Commendation for Springside Housing
2007 The Saltire Society Award for Housing for St Vincent Place
Chartered Institute of Builders
2007 Building Award for St Vincent Place
Building Design Regeneration
2006 Best Challenging Regeneration Project for St Vincent Place
Meet our team