Yorkshire architects open Edinburgh office

A Yorkshire-based architecture practice is expanding its footprint with a new Scottish office as demand grows for design expertise across major UK cities.

brown + company has opened a new base in Edinburgh, marking a strategic step in its regional growth. 

The office is located in the heart of the city and will be led by award-winning architect Rob Miller.

Rob brings more than a decade of experience working across Leeds and York, with a portfolio spanning sensitive listed building conversions and large-scale mixed-use developments. 

Since joining brown + company in 2019, he has played a key role in several high-profile schemes, including The Roman Quarter, Coney Street Riverside and two city-centre aparthotels, before relocating north.

He has already established a strong presence in Edinburgh, securing first place in the National Design Ideas Competition for a new community facility at Portobello Promenade. 

The proposal includes a shared community garden designed to be nurtured by local schools, charities and residents, reinforcing a focus on collaboration and sustainability.

Rob said: “I am extremely proud to be opening brown + company’s first Scottish office here in Edinburgh. 

“This is a major move for our company and a tremendous vote of confidence not just in ourselves, but crucially also in Edinburgh.

“I believe strongly that my experience of working in York, a magnificent city full of history just like Edinburgh, on heritage, office, retail, build-to-rent, education and brownfield projects, will stand me in great stead as I hit the ground running.

“So, too, will the Scottish track record of our sister firm Manchester-based Leach Rhodes Walker, which has delivered several high-profile projects across Glasgow and Edinburgh, including Motel One on Princes Street and the Royal and Custom House Glasgow. 

“Leach Rhodes Walker has also recently secured planning consent for 277 Build-to-Rent apartments in Meadowbank, Edinburgh, on behalf of Grahams Investments and Panacea Property.”

brown + company is now working closely with the client and City of Edinburgh Council to progress the Portobello project, while the new office supports the practice’s wider ambitions across Scotland.

Neil Brown, managing director of brown + company, added: “Rob is the perfect person to open and run our Edinburgh office. 

“Hard-working, talented and charismatic, he brings a strong understanding of design, a creative approach to problem-solving and a dedication to sustainable practices to every project he undertakes.

“These characteristics helped Rob to win the National Ideas competition, which invited proposals from architects across the UK to revitalise the dated public toilet block at Portobello Promenade, introducing commercial and community uses that would support extended public access.

“We are incredibly proud of winning this prestigious competition. 

“Rob worked tremendously hard on this project to create a high-quality facility which is worthy of its stunning situation.”

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