Johnstons of Elgin – R&D Centre and Boardroom
Client
Johnstons of Elgin
Location
Hawick, Scottish Borders
Sector
Commercial
The Challenge
The first challenge was to redevelop the R&D Centre—transforming a former yarn store into a more integrated workspace—without disrupting day-to-day production in a live manufacturing environment. Later, a separate challenge arose: the creation of a boardroom and design presentation space within the roof of the historic mill. Both required careful planning and coordination to ensure delivery without operational downtime.
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
For the R&D Centre, we identified the adaptive reuse of the former yarn store as the most efficient and sustainable solution. This retained the character of the site while enabling a transformative reconfiguration. A clear working route now connects departments, dissolving barriers between designers, line writers, and programmers to improve workflow, foster creativity, and deepen cross-team understanding.
The subsequent boardroom and design presentation suite was inserted into the roof of the mill, creating a light-filled, flexible space for strategic discussions, client engagement, and collaborative reviews. This addition strengthens links between operational teams and senior management while providing a professional setting to showcase Johnstons of Elgin’s design and manufacturing expertise.
In both projects, functionality, wellbeing, and environmental performance were prioritised, ensuring the new spaces are efficient, flexible, and respectful of the mill’s heritage.
The Solution
Delivered at different stages in Johnstons of Elgin’s evolution, the R&D Centre and the boardroom represent key milestones in supporting growth. The former enhances daily collaboration and efficiency; the latter provides a platform for client engagement and strategic leadership. Together, they balance heritage with innovation, strengthening the future of the business.
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.
great together