Work  has begun on a project to restore the historic Clackmannan Tolbooth, which incorporates the belfry tower built around 1680 and a surviving gable wall first built in 1592.

Austin-Smith:Lord are providing conservation architecture services for the restoration of the Category A listed building which will include stone works, roof replacement and refurbishment of the clock, bell and weathervane.

Clackmannan Tolbooth was originally erected in 1592, though the belfry tower that is visible today was built around 1680. William Menteith, Sheriff of Clackmannan, presented a petition to Parliament requesting that a tolbooth be built as he and his predecessors had been obliged to hold courts in the open air and to keep prisoners in his house. An Act was passed on 5 June 1592 which authorised the construction of the tolbooth and the collection of taxes to pay for it.

A bell presented by Sir Lawrence Dundas in 1765 was rung each evening until 1939. By 1792, the tolbooth was said to be ‘a heap of ruins’ and the main part of it was probably demolished about 1822 when the Clackmannanshire Sheriff Court was transferred to Alloa.

The partial remains of the tolbooth at Clackmannan are of outstanding interest because of their early date. There are no surviving tolbooths of medieval date in Scotland, and only a very few from the last quarter of the 16th century.

Provost Donald Balsillie, who visited the site along with children from Clackmannan Primary School and the project team, said: “I am very happy to see work beginning on this important project.  The tollbooth is a much loved landmark for the people of Clackmannan, as well as being of outstanding national interest.”

Dr Susan O’Connor, Head of Grants at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: “Clackmannan Tolbooth has been at the centre of this community for centuries and HES is proud to support the restoration works so it can continue to tell its story, now and in the future. Our grant programmes support a huge range of projects and it’s particularly meaningful to contribute to a site like this where only a number of contemporary examples remain.”

Old College Aberystwyth has been shortlisted in the 2024 Planning Awards for ‘Best Use of Heritage in Placemaking’. The recognition highlights the ambitious transformation plans for this architecturally significant 19th-century building, the birthplace of the University of Wales.

Lawray Architects is leading the multi-disciplinary team which includes Austin-Smith:Lord (Conservation Architecture, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture), Hoare Lee (MEP), Mann Williams (Structural and Civil Engineering) and Asbri Planning.

The proposals aim to rejuvenate the Grade I listed Old College and the adjacent Grade II listed villas, transforming them into a vibrant hub featuring an exhibition centre, a place of learning and discovery, and a creative business incubator. Additionally, the complex will include a boutique hotel, conference facilities, and wedding and event spaces, providing a variety of amenities for students and the local community.

The development is projected to attract approximately 200,000 visitors annually, positioning it alongside major tourist destinations in Wales. This significant influx of visitors is expected to bolster the local economy and enhance the cultural landscape of Aberystwyth.

The shortlisting in the 2024 Planning Awards underscores the innovative and sensitive approach taken to preserve and repurpose this historic site.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 13^th June. Best of luck to everyone!

You can view the full shortlist here: https://www.planningawards.com/shortlist-2024

More project info:

https://www.austinsmithlord.com/projects/old-college-aberystwyth/

We are thrilled to announce that one of our recently completed projects, Fitzalan High School, has been awarded the RICS Wales award in the ‘Public Sector Project’ category.

Austin-Smith:Lord led the design of the new school as part of Kier’s winning team, following a mini competition. Fitzalan High School sets a new standard in educational environments, offering advanced facilities including dedicated nurture and Additional Learning Needs (ALN) provision, as well as a sixth form. With 1,850 pupils, and more than 100 classrooms, the school is among the first to provide flexible and adaptable spaces tailored to the New Progressive Curriculum. The school also features an impressive 1,800-seat multi-function heart space, a swimming pool, and sports pitches available for public use.

The school has earned commendable feedback from the local community, praised for its commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout the project and beyond.

“We are incredibly proud of the Fitzalan High School project and the recognition it has received from RICS. This project exemplifies our commitment to creating educational spaces that are not only state-of-the-art but also inclusive and adaptable to the needs of the community. This new facility will positively impact students and the wider community for years to come.” Tim Young, Director, Austin-Smith:Lord.

The project will now advance to the national awards in October. Best of luck to the entire team!

More project info here: https://www.austinsmithlord.com/projects/fitzalan-high-school-cardiff/

We are pleased to announce that Tanya Simeonova has been promoted to Associate. Since joining us in 2016, Tanya has demonstrated exceptional dedication and passion for designing and delivering high quality sustainable projects with a strong social purpose.

Her work includes schools, homes and mixed use developments such as the highly acclaimed regeneration of Maelfa in Cardiff. Working closely with local community stakeholders, the project delivered over 110 new homes, 50% as affordable apartments and family townhouses, alongside new local retail, community facilities and public realm. She is currently working on the third phase of the Maelfa Regeneration which will deliver 41 independent living apartments.

Tanya’s expertise extends from placemaking and masterplanning to delivery of individual highly specialised buildings such as the residential centre and school for children with autism spectrum disorders at Dan y Coed in Swansea. She is also delivering accommodation for young persons with complex needs for Cardiff Council, utilising MMC on a complex site alongside the mainline railway. Tanya’s clients include government, local authorities and housing associations across the UK such as L&Q and Peabody, for whom she recently designed affordable family homes to Passiv Haus standard on a challenging site in Leighton Buzzard.

Tanya will be representing Austin-Smith:Lord at CHC’s One Big Conference 2024 on July 4th and 5th in Llandrindod Wells where she would be pleased to meet up and share her perspective on delivering sustainable, affordable homes in the midst of a climate and economic crisis or, indeed, outside of the conference. Drop her a line at tanya.simeonova@austinsmithlord.com

Shakespeare North Playhouse has been awarded the prestigious 2024 RIBA North West Building of the Year Award.

Designed by Helm Architecture with executive architects Austin-Smith:Lord, the £25 million project was completed in 2022 for Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council. The Playhouse has been lauded for its dedication to promoting ‘learning, experimentation, and reinterpretation of Shakespeare,’ as noted by the RIBA regional judges. Situated in Prescot’s Conservation area, the building features a main auditorium, a studio theatre, a dramatic performance garden, a public piazza, learning spaces, and foyers that house a café and bar.

The RIBA judges praised the project for significantly enhancing Prescot’s cultural landscape, stating that it had ‘put Prescot on the map’ and was ‘raising aspirations and expectations along with moments of real delight.’ The Shakespeare North Playhouse was among seven winners of the RIBA North West Awards, chosen from a shortlist of thirteen exceptional projects. The Playhouse is now a contender for a RIBA National Award, which recognises architectural excellence on a national scale, with results to be announced this summer.

Congratulations to all the winners, and good luck at the national awards this summer.

You can find more information on the project here: https://www.austinsmithlord.com/projects/shakespeare-north-prescot/

https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/shakespeare-north-steals-the-show-in-riba-north-west-awards

We are pleased to announce the arrival of Maura Bisset to our team as a Senior Architect. With extensive expertise in conservation and specialist skills in heritage preservation, we are confident Maura will be a valuable addition to our team.

Before joining Austin-Smith:Lord, Maura played integral roles at architectural firms such as Benjamin Tindall Architects (BTA) and John Thompson and Partners. Her projects include the extensive alteration and restoration of an estate in Kingussie, and overseeing the design and construction of two new wings to the B Listed Bonnington House in Ratho.

With her dedication to conservation and sustainable design principles, Maura will be working closely with Austin-Smith:Lord’s Conservation Team, contributing insights and experience to our ongoing projects.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Maura is committed to nurturing the next generation of architects. As a part-time visiting tutor at ESALA and with previous teaching positions at ECA and Napier University, she is invested in shaping the future of our profession.

Being a member of the Scottish Ecological Design Association (SEDA) Maura is actively engaged in industry events and lectures, facilitating the sharing of best practices and knowledge.

We are excited to have her on board and look forward to the valuable contributions she will make to our team and projects.

“Maura’s experience in heritage conservation perfectly aligns with our commitment to sustainable design solutions. We’re excited to welcome her and look forward to working together.” Graham Ross, Chief Executive at Austin-Smith:Lord.

On 13 May 2022 the architectural community joined us in mourning the loss of our dear friend and colleague Iain Wylie. Now, two years on from Iain’s sudden passing, his friends, family and colleagues have founded the Iain Wylie Travel Award for final-year students from ECA’s Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA).

Iain’s journey in architecture began at ECA (Edinburgh College of Art), where he graduated in 1987. Throughout his career, Iain left his mark as a respected architect, business leader, and advocate for design quality. He garnered many accolades for his innovative designs and leadership, including becoming a Fellow of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) in 2014. His legacy of excellence and commitment to his profession continues to inspire, prompting the establishment of the Iain Wylie Travel Award in his memory.

In recognition of his impact on the profession, the Iain Wylie Travel Award has been created as a joint effort by his family, friends, and colleagues, with funding from Austin-Smith:Lord. This annual award aims to commemorate Iain’s dedication to both people and his profession by giving a life-changing opportunity to a student from ECA’s Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA).

The Iain Wylie Travel Award looks to empower undergraduate students in their final year of study to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of architecture or landscape architecture through travel. It is designed to challenge recipients to explore new perspectives, cultures, and approaches to practice, echoing Iain’s commitment to professional and personal development.

Awarded by an academic panel in ESALA, the Travel Award will recognise students who have displayed academic excellence, with a focus on those who may be experiencing additional barriers to their studies. The first recipient of the award will be announced in May 2024 and will be a student from Architecture, alternating between Architecture and Landscape Architecture students each year.

The initiative honours Iain’s legacy and embodies his values of inclusivity, excellence, and continuous learning. By allowing students to experience diverse architectural contexts firsthand, the Iain Wylie Travel Award aims to foster the next generation of architects who, like Iain, will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This award not only offers a unique learning opportunity but also serves as a steppingstone in the recipient’s career, opening doors to new professional connections and opportunities.

In establishing this award, Iain’s family, friends, and colleagues ensure that his memory is a source of inspiration and opportunity. It is a testament to his remarkable legacy and influence on Scotland’s architectural community and beyond.

“Austin-Smith:Lord are honoured to be able to establish The Iain Wylie Travel Award in conjunction with ESALA (Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture) and with the agreement of Iain’s family. We’d also like to acknowledge and thank John McGee for his guidance and encouragement in setting up an educational scholarship award in Iain’s memory.

Iain was a very talented architect and founding member of our Glasgow studio in the late 1990s. He became Partner in 2003 and was Chair of Austin-Smith:Lord from 2014 until 2020 prior to his untimely death in 2022, aged 58.

Iain grew up in West Lothian and studied Architecture at Edinburgh College of Art. His design education benefitted greatly from the opportunity to travel and study great buildings and places in person. He developed a lifelong love and appreciation of architecture and travel and it is therefore fitting that this Travel Award is established in Iain’s memory.

Austin-Smith:Lord are committed to widening participation in the design professions by providing support and opportunity to students and young practitioners to develop their design skills and knowledge. We are proud to be able to support eligible students of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at ESALA to travel and broaden their understanding of design through travel, fieldwork and in-situ research.

We look forward to hearing about the positive learning experiences created through this Award and we’re certain that Iain would have been proud to be associated with this initiative.” Graham Ross, CEO, Austin-Smith:Lord.

Link to ECA news article: https://www.eca.ed.ac.uk/news/introducing-iain-wylie-travel-award-lasting-legacy

Travel awards and student experience gifts are vital for students of ECA. If you would like to discuss making a gift to ECA please contact Rachel Bruce, Philanthropy Manager, to hear more about how you can support at rachel.bruce@ed.ac.uk.

We’re proud to announce that our Chief Executive Graham Ross will be a featured speaker at the upcoming Congress of Business (COB), set to return on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 as part of the first-ever Glasgow Climate Week. This significant event, building on the success of its inaugural launch last year, is a collaborative effort led by the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, and the University of Glasgow.

The primary objective of COB is to foster purpose-led discussions among global influential leaders from the urban development and finance sectors, with a shared goal of accelerating action on Net Zero. With COP26’s Glasgow Climate Pacts as a focal point, COB aims to equip businesses with the necessary tools and insights to drive meaningful change towards a sustainable future.

Glasgow, as the legacy city of COP26, serves as an ideal backdrop for this event, offering a platform to engage with the business community and facilitate purpose-led conversations. As a pacer event between COPs, Glasgow Climate Week will feature a diverse range of activities aimed at making a powerful and lasting commitment to tackling the climate crisis.

As part of the COP26 legacy programme led by the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and Circular Glasgow, Austin-Smith:Lord were selected in 2022 to join Glasgow’s Climate Heroes Network, supporting the Developing the Young Workforce programme to inspire young people to contribute to the future green economy. Additionally, Austin-Smith:Lord were amongst forty businesses across Glasgow chosen to receive a fully funded “Step Up to Net Zero” work placement. This opportunity provided a hands-on resource focused on advancing Austin-Smith:Lord’s own net-zero ambitions.

We have had the privilege of leading multi-disciplinary teams for the second and third phases of the Glasgow District Regeneration Frameworks (DRFs), covering 8 of the 9 City Centre Districts. These DRFs are 10-year regeneration plans with a series of short, medium- and long-term actions that combine strategic planning and placemaking with shorter-term operational and environmental improvements.  The frameworks were developed over an 18-month period based upon an evidence base, tested throughout the process by community and stakeholder engagement.  Almost 11,000 people have participated in DRF engagement so far.

Each District Regeneration Framework is intended to be a Handbook for Change setting out practical steps to enhance everyday quality of life for those who live, work, study in and visit the City Centre.

Our work on the DRFs has been recognised through various awards. Phase 3 (covering Cowcaddens, Townhead, the Learning Quarter and the Merchant City) is currently shortlisted in the Scottish Design Awards (masterplanning category) with the winner to be announced in June. This follows on from two previous wins in the same category (DRFs Phase 2 in 2020, and Broomielaw DRF in 2019).

We are delighted to share that our entire interior design team has completed SKA training and passed the associated test, positioning us to actively support clients in achieving sustainability accreditation for their fit-out projects.

SKA is widely recognized for its comprehensive approach to sustainability assessment. Leveraging our newfound expertise, our goal is to provide informed guidance to clients, assisting them in determining whether SKA aligns better with their project needs compared to other accreditation systems such as BREEAM or LEED.

For those who may not be familiar with the SKA rating scheme and its potential advantages, detailed information can be found on their official website: https://skarating.org/

Should you require further information or wish to explore how we can contribute to your project, please do not hesitate to contact our Director and Head of Interior Design, Kate Thomas, at kate.thomas@austinsmithlord.com.

You can view a selection of our interior design projects here: https://www.austinsmithlord.com/service/interior-design/

We are delighted to announce that three of our projects have been shortlisted across five categories in the Education Buildings Wales Awards. Nominations have been confirmed for Fitzalan High School, Cardiff University School of Healthcare Sciences, and the Sports Centre of Excellence at Nantgarw.

The Education Buildings Wales Awards celebrate innovation, excellence, and best practice in the design and construction of educational buildings throughout Wales. Being shortlisted in five categories underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional environments that inspire learning and enhance communities.

Commenting on the nominations, Tim Young, Director at Austin-Smith:Lord, said “We are immensely proud to have three of our projects shortlisted for the Education Buildings Wales Awards. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as our commitment to creating inspiring educational spaces.”

You can view the full shortlist here: https://www.educationbuildings.wales/awards-categories/#1607079514440-af5c38b4-3e0b

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on the 25th June. Good luck everyone!

For more information on our Education projects, click here: https://www.austinsmithlord.com/portfolio/education/