Queen Elizabeth House
Client
Wates / HMRC
Location
Edinburgh
Sector
Workspace
The Challenge
HMRC required a new regional hub to bring together their Edinburgh-based staff into a single location. The project also presented an opportunity to co-locate other UK Government departments, including the Cabinet Office and the Office of the Advocate General for Scotland, creating a consolidated centre of excellence in the capital.
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.
David Smart
Associate Director
David Smart
Associate Director
As Associate Director, David oversees the Edinburgh studio and plays an active role in shaping the wider direction of Aitken Turnbull. With a collaborative approach, he supports the growth and development of the team, mentoring emerging talent through their professional studies and fostering a supportive studio culture. David leads major projects at AT, bringing over 15 years of experience across sectors with particular strengths in workplace design, residential development, performance venues, and later-living projects. His broad design and delivery expertise includes award-winning work, ensuring high-quality outcomes for clients while guiding the next generation of architects.
Our Approach
Aitken Turnbull worked closely with Wates Smartspace to deliver the CAT B fit out of a 190,000 sq ft, seven-storey building. The design provides flexible, modern workspace with a strong focus on collaboration, inclusivity, and accessibility. Public access areas and dedicated event spaces were integrated to ensure the building could support both operational and civic functions.
190,000
Sq FT
3000
No Staff
10
Departments
The Solution
The result is a compelling workplace that consolidates HMRC and associated government departments under one roof in Scotland for the first time. The building offers ministerial, event, and press facilities within a central Edinburgh location, setting a new standard for accessible, future-ready workspace.
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.
David Smart
Associate Director
As Associate Director, David oversees the Edinburgh studio and plays an active role in shaping the wider direction of Aitken Turnbull. With a collaborative approach, he supports the growth and development of the team, mentoring emerging talent through their professional studies and fostering a supportive studio culture. David leads major projects at AT, bringing over 15 years of experience across sectors with particular strengths in workplace design, residential development, performance venues, and later-living projects. His broad design and delivery expertise includes award-winning work, ensuring high-quality outcomes for clients while guiding the next generation of architects.
David Smart
Associate Director
As Associate Director, David oversees the Edinburgh studio and plays an active role in shaping the wider direction of Aitken Turnbull. With a collaborative approach, he supports the growth and development of the team, mentoring emerging talent through their professional studies and fostering a supportive studio culture. David leads major projects at AT, bringing over 15 years of experience across sectors with particular strengths in workplace design, residential development, performance venues, and later-living projects. His broad design and delivery expertise includes award-winning work, ensuring high-quality outcomes for clients while guiding the next generation of architects.
great together