Austin-Smith:Lord provided architectural and Interior design services for the workspaces of NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and Public Health Scotland (PHS).

The 25,000 sqft CAT B fit-out creates a contemporary, flexible working environment designed to support blended working. The design combines traditional open plan workspace with a diverse range of informal meeting, collaboration and focused work areas.

Dedicated workspaces are provided for each organisation, complemented by shared, high-quality social and support spaces. These include a café and reception, a range of meeting rooms, quiet rooms, welfare facilities, IT support and server rooms, and storage.

A key feature of the design is an 80-person multifunctional space for education, training, and events. Moveable walls enable the space to be subdivided for smaller group activities, providing flexibility to accommodate different patterns of use.

The interior design integrates high-quality building services including lighting, heating and ventilation, to meet client requirements and best practice, while responding to the spatial constraints of the existing building.

Key design priorities included design quality, sustainability, health and wellbeing, collaboration, inclusion and accessibility, and the organisations identity.

Photography: © Clarks Contracts / Alexander Thomas

177 Bothwell Street represents a sustainable office development which is BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and is net zero carbon in operation. The move to this property will contribute substantially to NES’s progress in achieving its net zero targets in relation to its physical estate while offering more sustainable travel and transport options for staff, learners and visitors.

Jim Boyle, Director of Finance, NHS Education for Scotland (NES)