Holmes Miller
Category
Architectural Practice of the Year
Company
Holmes Miller
Summary
Our portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects spanning various sectors, scales, and locations, each approached with a keen eye for innovation and creativity. From groundbreaking custodial facilities like the HMP & YOI Stirling, designed with a focus on mental well-being and trauma-informed principles, to ambitious ventures such as the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, aimed at driving innovation and addressing the global climate emergency, Holmes Miller consistently delivers impactful designs that make a difference in people's lives.
Our transformative work on projects like the Paisley Town Hall, which has been revitalised into a vibrant civic hub serving the community, highlights our ability to blend heritage with modern functionality to create spaces that promote engagement and regeneration.
On projects like the Allander Leisure Centre, we demonstrate a deep understanding of the importance of public buildings in fostering community cohesion and improving the quality of life for local residents. By embodying core values of accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability, we create spaces that truly resonate with the communities we serve.
Our architectural prowess is further evident in developments like 11 to 22 Park Quadrant, where we seamlessly integrate luxury living with historical context, completing masterplans that have remained unfinished for over a century.
Additionally, our innovative approach to education is showcased in projects like Sciennes Primary School, where we pioneer Scotland's first CLT Passivhaus Primary School extension, providing modern educational facilities while respecting the heritage of the original building.
In summary, our outstanding contributions to the architectural landscape of Scotland make us a worthy contender for Architectural Practice of the Year at the Scottish Design Awards. Our unwavering dedication to excellence, sustainability, and community-centric design sets us apart as industry leaders and champions of innovative architectural solutions.
What sets your practice/agency apart from others?
What sets our practice apart from others is our unwavering dedication to providing sustainable designs and solutions. At Holmes Miller, sustainability isn't just a buzzword; it's a core value that permeates everything we do. We go beyond conventional practices by taking proactive steps to address sustainability challenges.One of our key initiatives is the establishment of a new sustainability company aimed at assisting clients in defining their sustainability brief. This unique approach allows us to work closely with our clients from the outset to integrate sustainability goals seamlessly into their projects.
Moreover, we've made significant investments in a dedicated in-house team of building performance specialists. These experts play a pivotal role in helping us make informed decisions internally, ensuring that our designs not only meet but exceed sustainability standards.
However, our commitment to excellence doesn't stop at sustainability. We firmly believe in the creation of people-focused architecture, placing the end user at the heart of our design journey. Every member of our team shares a passion for crafting environments that enhance the way people live, work, play, and learn.
At Holmes Miller, project discussions are always centred around the idea of creating the best possible environments. Whether it's a residential development, a workplace, a recreational facility, or an educational institution, we strive to design spaces that not only meet functional requirements but also enrich the lives of those who inhabit them. Our architects are deeply committed to this ethos, ensuring that every project we undertake reflects our unwavering dedication to quality, sustainability, and user-centric design.
How do you go 'the extra mile' for clients and employees?
At Holmes Miller, going 'the extra mile' for both our clients and employees is not just a commitment; it's a cornerstone of our approach to business. For our clients, we understand that getting the big decisions right at the outset of projects is crucial. That's why we're prepared to invest time and expertise to ensure that every project starts on the strongest possible footing. We're not just architects; we're facilitators, happy to make meaningful introductions and connections to help get projects off the ground. Moreover, we actively seek out opportunities and projects for our clients, often introducing them to potential opportunities that they may not have otherwise considered. We pride ourselves on joining the dots, connecting our clients with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.But our commitment to going 'the extra mile' doesn't stop with our clients. We believe in making sure our employees enjoy fulfilling careers and supporting their professional journeys as much as possible. That's why we offer unique benefits like a 9-day fortnight to promote work-life balance and a birthday day off to celebrate each team member's special day. Additionally, we organise study trips to various cities around Europe, providing valuable learning experiences and opportunities for personal growth. We also actively participate in charity events, social gatherings, and team-building activities, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging among our staff. At Holmes Miller, we strive to create a work environment where every team member feels like they're part of one big family, working together towards shared goals in a fun and meaningful way.
What innovations have you introduced in the past year?
Over the past year, Holmes Miller has embraced a holistic approach to innovation, weaving together various initiatives that reflect our dedication to sustainability, advanced technology, employee well-being, and community enrichment.Central to our efforts is the revamping of our Sustainability charter, which now serves as a comprehensive guide, embodying our values and shaping our practices. This refreshed charter underscores our unwavering commitment to environmentally responsible design, ensuring sustainability remains at the core of everything we do.
In line with this commitment, we've developed an in-house embodied carbon tool, empowering us to meticulously assess the environmental impact of our projects. By making informed decisions that minimise carbon emissions, we're actively contributing to a more sustainable built environment.
Our innovative spirit extends to structural solutions, where we've embraced the versatility and sustainability of materials such as CLT and timber glulam. These choices not only offer environmental benefits but also provide visually striking and adaptable solutions to meet diverse project needs.
As we strive to create spaces that enhance lives and communities, our projects exemplify this ethos. From the delivery of a Passivhaus swimming pool in Scotland to the adaptive re-use of disused buildings into vibrant community hubs, we're revitalising town centres, stimulating local engagement, and driving footfall. Our commitment to holistic well-being extends beyond our projects to our team members. Introducing a 9-day fortnight working pattern demonstrates our dedication to promoting work-life balance and supporting the holistic development of our employees.
Furthermore, our dedication to quality is evident in the development of innovative audit tools, ensuring that our designs consistently meet the highest standards and exceed client expectations.
These interconnected initiatives reflect our holistic approach to innovation, where sustainability, employee well-being, community enrichment, and quality are seamlessly integrated into every aspect of our work. At Holmes Miller, we're not just architects; we're catalysts for positive change, creating spaces that nurture both people and the planet.