EQ Accountants
Client
EQ Accountants
Location
Hawick, Scottish Borders
Sector
Workspace
The Challenge
The client’s relocation into a repurposed retail unit in Hawick presented both a unique opportunity and a distinct set of challenges. The unconventional setting required a carefully considered design approach that could support a full workplace transformation. The move aimed to bring together multiple teams—previously working in silos—into one cohesive, collaborative hub.
Creating a more unified culture was central to the brief, with a focus on improving internal communication, team engagement, and overall functionality. At the same time, the client wanted to elevate the visitor experience and embed their evolving brand identity into the space—helping to support a broader cultural shift across the organisation.
James Grant
Associate Director
James Grant
Associate Director
James brings extensive experience across architecture, interior design, and commercial fitout, combining creative vision with strong commercial understanding. Before joining Aitken Turnbull, he was a Director at Steelcase in Australia, delivering workspace strategies for clients such as Deloitte, NAB, KPMG, and ANZ, and working closely with universities including Melbourne, RMIT, and UNSW. Earlier, he led workplace and education projects in practices across Melbourne, London, and Newcastle. As Workspace Sector Lead at Aitken Turnbull, James provides strategic direction and builds strong, long-term client relationships. He plays a key role in managing partnerships with major clients including Lloyds Banking Group and Wates, while promoting a collaborative, thoughtful, and innovative approach across the studio.
Fraser Hunter
Associate & Studio Lead - Galashiels
Fraser Hunter
Associate & Studio Lead - Galashiels
Fraser combines over 15 years of experience with a calm, organised approach as Galashiels Studio Resource Manager at Aitken Turnbull. With a background across bespoke housing, private developments, and commercial projects, he brings practical know-how and a clear focus on delivering work efficiently and to a high standard. Central to coordinating project workflows and managing team resources, Fraser helps keep day-to-day operations running smoothly. He also supports the wider success of the practice, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to brief. With his approachable, steady style, Fraser plays a key part in creating a well-structured and supportive working environment.
Our Approach
We worked closely with the client to understand how their teams worked and how the new space could best support that. The result was a highly connected space plan that made full use of the former retail unit’s footprint while overcoming its limitations.
The design introduced a variety of zones to support different work modes—from quiet areas for focused tasks to collaborative settings and flexible touchdown spaces. Circulation was improved to encourage informal interaction across teams, while visitor-facing areas were refined to enhance hospitality and create a more professional first impression.
Branded elements were thoughtfully woven into the environment, helping reinforce the company’s values and visual identity without overwhelming the space. The overall aesthetic balanced practicality with a sense of identity and purpose.
3500
Sqm
24
No Staff
1
Floor Levels
The Solution
We worked closely with the client to understand how their teams worked and how the new space could best support that. The result was a highly connected space plan that made full use of the former retail unit’s footprint while overcoming its limitations.
The design introduced a variety of zones to support different work modes—from quiet areas for focused tasks to collaborative settings and flexible touchdown spaces. Circulation was improved to encourage informal interaction across teams, while visitor-facing areas were refined to enhance hospitality and create a more professional first impression.
Branded elements were thoughtfully woven into the environment, helping reinforce the company’s values and visual identity without overwhelming the space. The overall aesthetic balanced practicality with a sense of identity and purpose.
James Grant
Associate Director
James brings extensive experience across architecture, interior design, and commercial fitout, combining creative vision with strong commercial understanding. Before joining Aitken Turnbull, he was a Director at Steelcase in Australia, delivering workspace strategies for clients such as Deloitte, NAB, KPMG, and ANZ, and working closely with universities including Melbourne, RMIT, and UNSW. Earlier, he led workplace and education projects in practices across Melbourne, London, and Newcastle. As Workspace Sector Lead at Aitken Turnbull, James provides strategic direction and builds strong, long-term client relationships. He plays a key role in managing partnerships with major clients including Lloyds Banking Group and Wates, while promoting a collaborative, thoughtful, and innovative approach across the studio.
James Grant
Associate Director
James brings extensive experience across architecture, interior design, and commercial fitout, combining creative vision with strong commercial understanding. Before joining Aitken Turnbull, he was a Director at Steelcase in Australia, delivering workspace strategies for clients such as Deloitte, NAB, KPMG, and ANZ, and working closely with universities including Melbourne, RMIT, and UNSW. Earlier, he led workplace and education projects in practices across Melbourne, London, and Newcastle. As Workspace Sector Lead at Aitken Turnbull, James provides strategic direction and builds strong, long-term client relationships. He plays a key role in managing partnerships with major clients including Lloyds Banking Group and Wates, while promoting a collaborative, thoughtful, and innovative approach across the studio.
Fraser Hunter
Associate & Studio Lead - Galashiels
Fraser combines over 15 years of experience with a calm, organised approach as Galashiels Studio Resource Manager at Aitken Turnbull. With a background across bespoke housing, private developments, and commercial projects, he brings practical know-how and a clear focus on delivering work efficiently and to a high standard. Central to coordinating project workflows and managing team resources, Fraser helps keep day-to-day operations running smoothly. He also supports the wider success of the practice, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to brief. With his approachable, steady style, Fraser plays a key part in creating a well-structured and supportive working environment.
Fraser Hunter
Associate & Studio Lead - Galashiels
Fraser combines over 15 years of experience with a calm, organised approach as Galashiels Studio Resource Manager at Aitken Turnbull. With a background across bespoke housing, private developments, and commercial projects, he brings practical know-how and a clear focus on delivering work efficiently and to a high standard. Central to coordinating project workflows and managing team resources, Fraser helps keep day-to-day operations running smoothly. He also supports the wider success of the practice, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to brief. With his approachable, steady style, Fraser plays a key part in creating a well-structured and supportive working environment.
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