Architects draw up growth plans with Glasgow office

A Newcastle-headquartered architecture and design practice has expanded into Scotland with a new office and plans to create jobs as its project pipeline grows.

Architects-Group has opened a base in Glasgow city centre, adding to its existing offices in Newcastle, Cardiff, Chester and Saudi Arabia.

The new operation will be led by regional architectural director for Scotland Ewan Ross, who has been appointed to build a team across architecture, design and support roles.

Ewan brings experience delivering commercial projects across sports and leisure, bonded warehousing, infrastructure and large-scale residential development, alongside senior leadership and business development expertise.

Architects-Group is already seeing interest from residential and commercial property developers and investors in Scotland as it looks to build its presence north of the border.

He said: “The architecture market here in Scotland is robust, with growth driven by strong demand with all of our key cities and beyond. 

“So, it’s great news that we are now bringing the Architects-Group brand and resources to Glasgow to support clients with high-quality resources and top-line expertise.”

Ewan will also lead the practice’s work on a proposed new marina and leisure development at Saulmore Bay, near Oban.

Plans for the Ardmucknish Bay site include a 200-boat marina, boat workshop and yard, restaurant, café, retail space and artists’ studios.

A community square, wellness facilities and holiday lodges are also proposed as part of the scheme, which aims to create jobs and strengthen the area’s visitor economy.

Ewan added: “Designed to respond to its rugged coastal setting, the buildings will combine local stone with contemporary standing-seam metal cladding, while renewable energy technologies will help minimise the development’s environmental impact.”

Architects-Group’s expansion comes amid increasing demand from UK and international clients and forms part of wider growth plans that could see turnover exceed £3.5 million by 2027.

The firm currently employs around 20 people, with the Glasgow office expected to provide a platform for further recruitment and project growth.

Managing director Tony Harmieson added: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ewan before, so it’s great to have him with us again to spearhead our plans to build the business in Scotland, strengthening our national ambitions and design capabilities. 

“Having previously worked in Scotland over a decade ago, moving north of the border with the Architects-Group has always been in my mind. 

“It’s therefore a really exciting time for us to be growing an office around such a talented individual in Ewan.”

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