Spring 2025

The remaining works within North Edinburgh Arts are nearing completion and should be handed over to the client for internal fit out in the coming weeks prior to a formal re-opening this Spring.

Construction works are now progressing rapidly towards an expected completion next month. The client's cafe and kitchen fit out, furniture installation and staff training will then follow prior to formal opening which is expected early in the summer. Pictures show progress on the cafe space and on the external landscape. 

The stair providing access into the doocot is now complete, the building is wind and water tight with services now progressing steadily.

Edinburgh City Council is running a consultation exercise for ideas for Princes Street and Gardens. Their paper has been heavily criticised by amenity societies for "lacking vision". Vision is what we do so we have created this sketch design for both sides of the street and the upper section of Princes Street Gardens West. Considering the extraordinary views, south facing aspect and the greenery, restaurants, street cafes, hotels and residential seem to be the more likely uses as shopping is now catered for by George Street and the St James Quarter. We are  submitting these ideas to the Council showing with the closure of the Princes Street/Frederick Street junction. Bus stops could be concentrated into two areas and the remainder given over to pedestrians, planting and external eating and drinking. Similarly in the gardens there could be 24 hour access to restaurants at a lower level. More details can be found on our webpage. 

Ten years ago as an architect Academician at the Royal Scottish Academy, Richard was instrumental in setting up an annual architecture discourse named in memory of the great architect, teacher and personal friend Isi Metzstein. Since then the event has seen architects from all over the world come to Edinburgh. This year he was the academician in charge and invited Peter Barber, famous for his extraordinary social housing in London. The discourse was a sell out. With thanks to Rab Bennetts for his kind use of the photograph from the evening. 

Richard and Calum from our office, were also responsible for preparing a 50 page commemorative booklet about Peter’s work to be sold on the night of the discourse. A few of these are still available from the Royal Scottish Academy priced £10.00. A video recording of the event can also be viewed here.
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Richard has been invited to lecture to students in the Venice School of Architecture. He will be giving a lectures about Scarpa in Italian on the 26^th and two lectures in English on the 28^th March, on Scarpa and also on our practice's work.
 

On 31st March he will be giving two lectures to students at the Sligo School of Architecture in Ireland, again on Scarpa and on our own work.
 

Richard will be the guest lecturer to the Senior Fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh on 17^th April, and will be talking about the creative re-use of historic buildings with illustrations from some of the many examples in the practice’s current and past work.