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.
recent work
Kilwinning’s Future: growing community projects
Introduction: In January 2019, North Ayrshire Council commissioned a team led by Willie Miller Urban Design with Nick Wright Planning and Icecream Architecture to provide the expertise and organisation to facilitate and deliver …
Our Springburn: community-led planning and design
Introduction: In the preface to the Our Springburn report, Kevin Murray wrote: “Springburn is a hugely distinctive place in Glasgow that justifiably conjures powerful images as a place of industry and creativity, of character and community.
Waterford: Glass Centre of Excellence
We were commissioned, along with Yellow Book by the Design and Craft Council of Ireland (DCCoI) in partnership with Waterford Local Enterprise Office (WLEO), Waterford City & County Council (WCCC) and Waterford Institute of Technology
current work
We are currently working on the following projects:
Annan Town Centre Regeneration
Working with Annan communities to develop a town centre regeneration plan
Making Places in Huntly
Developing a masterplan for a community education and play campus
Townhead, Kirkintilloch
Developing public realm options for the Townhead area
Alexandria Vision and Masterplan
Working with Alexandria communities to develop a masterplan