what we do
conceptual, strategic and development work in urbanism, community plans, strategic design, tourism, heritage and spatial planning
with whom
communities, agencies and individuals who provide value to civic society through improving quality of life, economy and environment
where
from city regions, sub-regions, cities, towns and neighbourhoods to rural areas and countryside, villages, hamlets, sites, plots and gardens
how
we work across the disciplines of architecture, urbanism, geography, landscape, economics, social sciences, ecology and public health
core themes
strategy first
Regardless of scale, every plan or project needs to have a strategic purpose – why is it being considered, how will it perform, what is its function and context, what are the benefits of doing it? This is as relevant for a regional plan as for a town centre or small civic space. Developing appropriate strategies is a key part of our work on every project.
working with communities
Developing positive ideas for change through working with residential, business and institutional communities is central to our work. We approach our work with distinct principles and methods but without preconceived ideas of outcomes. Our work in Glasgow, across Northern Ireland and in many other places embodies this.
restructuring the civic realm
Every city, town or village has a network of civic assets that should be cherished, improved and sometimes re-invented. These might range from public buildings, parks, transport nodes or civic spaces to bus stops and benches. We can help communities to develop networks of these riches into catalysts for change.
working with industry
Industry and renewables are critical components of Scotland’s future. We have worked recently with public agencies and the private sector on practical projects for the future, including a renewables pier development framework at Stromness, a proposed O+M base at Buckie and a new industry park at Dalgety Bay.
new approaches to streets
We have worked on alternative approaches to street design since 2004 in Renfrew town centre. With the Scottish Government’s Designing Streets advice, many Councils and communities are keen to change the way streets are used while others are hesitant. Our work in Kirkwall, Leven and Inverness represents positive change.
working with heritage
We work to make the most of heritage assets, especially through Townscape Heritage projects most recently in Stranraer, Kirkwall, Fraserburgh and Inverness. We look particularly at the street design aspects of this work, providing a more comfortable pedestrian environment and a better setting for important buildings.
current work
We are currently working on the following projects:
Making Places in Ayr North
Working with the Ayr North communities to develop a strategic network of green places
Making Places in New Cumnock
Helping to develop a community-driven masterplan for New Cumnock
Townhead, Kirkintilloch
Helping to develop public realm options for the Townhead area of Kirkintilloch
Annan High Street Improvements
Working with local communities to strengthening the civic and commercial core