Hawick Business Centre
Client
Scottish Borders Council
Location
Hawick, Scottish Borders
Sector
Workspace
The Challenge
The 433m2 office space is designed to provide modern & flexible workspaces for local businesses allowing it to act as a SME incubator and co-working space within the town. The building sits in the centre of the historical border town and the simple yet elegant façade sits comfortably within the existing architectural style of Oliver Crescent. The height of the new building has been designed to relate to its neighbour at no. 8 Oliver Crescent and the roof fascia cladding is dark grey to relate to the adjacent roof glazing.
Sebastian Mercer
Associate
Sebastian Mercer
Associate
Sebastian brings his expertise and collaborative approach to his role as Senior Architect at Aitken Turnbull, helping create meaningful, high-quality spaces. With a strong background in community, education, and cultural projects, he plays a lead role in our workspace sector efforts, focusing on fit-out and refurbishment. Sebastian expertly manages design teams and client relationships, guiding projects smoothly through both Design & Build and Traditional procurement routes. As a dedicated mentor and advocate for technical excellence, he supports the growth and development of our team. With a collaborative and thoughtful approach, Sebastian helps ensure our projects deliver meaningful, high-quality spaces that resonate with both clients and users.
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.
Alasdair Rankin
Managing Director
Alasdair Rankin
Managing Director
Alasdair leads Aitken Turnbull as Managing Director, guiding the strategic vision and steering the senior management team with clear purpose. With extensive experience as a project and framework director across diverse sectors, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the practice. His passion lies in Healthcare and Major Projects, where he excels in shaping strategic briefs and fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement. Alasdair’s thoughtful leadership ensures that every project aligns with both client goals and community needs, driving the continued growth and success of Aitken Turnbull.
The Solution
The 433m2 office space is designed to provide modern & flexible workspaces for local businesses allowing it to act as a starter business ‘hub’ within the town. The building sits in the centre of the historical border town and the simple yet elegant façade sits comfortably within the existing architectural style of Oliver Crescent. The height of the new building has been designed to relate to its neighbour at no. 8 Oliver Crescent and the roof fascia cladding is dark grey to relate to the adjacent roof glazing.
The Conclusion
The ground floor consists of 3 individual office spaces with shared kitchenette and toilet facilities while first and second floors provide large flexible open plan office space with kitchenettes, enclosed glazed meeting space and a smaller focus area.
Sebastian Mercer
Associate
Sebastian brings his expertise and collaborative approach to his role as Senior Architect at Aitken Turnbull, helping create meaningful, high-quality spaces. With a strong background in community, education, and cultural projects, he plays a lead role in our workspace sector efforts, focusing on fit-out and refurbishment. Sebastian expertly manages design teams and client relationships, guiding projects smoothly through both Design & Build and Traditional procurement routes. As a dedicated mentor and advocate for technical excellence, he supports the growth and development of our team. With a collaborative and thoughtful approach, Sebastian helps ensure our projects deliver meaningful, high-quality spaces that resonate with both clients and users.
Sebastian Mercer
Associate
Sebastian brings his expertise and collaborative approach to his role as Senior Architect at Aitken Turnbull, helping create meaningful, high-quality spaces. With a strong background in community, education, and cultural projects, he plays a lead role in our workspace sector efforts, focusing on fit-out and refurbishment. Sebastian expertly manages design teams and client relationships, guiding projects smoothly through both Design & Build and Traditional procurement routes. As a dedicated mentor and advocate for technical excellence, he supports the growth and development of our team. With a collaborative and thoughtful approach, Sebastian helps ensure our projects deliver meaningful, high-quality spaces that resonate with both clients and users.
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.
Alasdair Rankin
Managing Director
Alasdair leads Aitken Turnbull as Managing Director, guiding the strategic vision and steering the senior management team with clear purpose. With extensive experience as a project and framework director across diverse sectors, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the practice. His passion lies in Healthcare and Major Projects, where he excels in shaping strategic briefs and fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement. Alasdair’s thoughtful leadership ensures that every project aligns with both client goals and community needs, driving the continued growth and success of Aitken Turnbull.
Alasdair Rankin
Managing Director
Alasdair leads Aitken Turnbull as Managing Director, guiding the strategic vision and steering the senior management team with clear purpose. With extensive experience as a project and framework director across diverse sectors, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the practice. His passion lies in Healthcare and Major Projects, where he excels in shaping strategic briefs and fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement. Alasdair’s thoughtful leadership ensures that every project aligns with both client goals and community needs, driving the continued growth and success of Aitken Turnbull.
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