Global Energy Company
Client
Private Client
Location
Dunbar, East Lothian
Sector
Workspace
The Challenge
The existing office had not seen a significant refurbishment in years and no longer reflected the needs of a growing and evolving business. Teams were dispersed in siloed spaces that limited collaboration and communication. The client’s ambition was to bring these groups together into a single, open-plan environment that would encourage daily interaction and foster a more unified culture.
This shift required more than just a new layout—it meant rethinking how people worked, how teams engaged, and how the environment could better support flexibility, productivity, and connectivity in a hybrid working world.
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.
Niamh Flett
Interior Designer
Niamh Flett
Interior Designer
Niamh is part of the Aitken Turnbull team as an Interior Designer, bringing creativity, fresh thinking, and a keen eye for detail. Since graduating from Heriot-Watt University in 2023, she’s built experience across a range of sectors, with a particular focus on commercial workspace projects. Niamh plays an active role in delivering thoughtful, engaging interiors that put people at the heart of design. She enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues and clients to create dynamic, user-focused environments. With a positive, hands-on approach, Niamh is passionate about shaping spaces that work well for people while continuing to grow her skills across all stages of design and project delivery.
Our Approach
In close collaboration with the client and wider project team, we developed a carefully considered space plan that aligned physical design with organisational goals. Our approach focused on creating a workspace that could flex to support different working styles—providing a balance between collaboration and individual focus.
The layout introduced a range of zones: quiet areas for concentrated tasks, informal meeting points to encourage spontaneous discussion, and shared spaces designed to bring teams together. Circulation was refined to support natural interaction and stronger visibility across departments, reinforcing the sense of one connected workplace.
The overall design aimed to not only improve day-to-day functionality, but also support a wider cultural shift—building trust, encouraging engagement, and reducing barriers between teams.
200
Sqm
30
No Staff
6Months
Project Length
The Solution
The completed office is a modern, cohesive workspace that encourages collaboration while supporting individual flexibility. By replacing isolated work zones with a more fluid, connected layout, the design has helped to break down long-standing silos and foster a stronger sense of community.
The space now supports a hybrid working culture, offering a variety of settings for different tasks and preferences. It enables teams to come together more naturally, boosting communication, productivity, and engagement across the organisation. The result is a workplace that feels more connected, inclusive, and ready to support the business into the future.
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.
Niamh Flett
Interior Designer
Niamh is part of the Aitken Turnbull team as an Interior Designer, bringing creativity, fresh thinking, and a keen eye for detail. Since graduating from Heriot-Watt University in 2023, she’s built experience across a range of sectors, with a particular focus on commercial workspace projects. Niamh plays an active role in delivering thoughtful, engaging interiors that put people at the heart of design. She enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues and clients to create dynamic, user-focused environments. With a positive, hands-on approach, Niamh is passionate about shaping spaces that work well for people while continuing to grow her skills across all stages of design and project delivery.
Niamh Flett
Interior Designer
Niamh is part of the Aitken Turnbull team as an Interior Designer, bringing creativity, fresh thinking, and a keen eye for detail. Since graduating from Heriot-Watt University in 2023, she’s built experience across a range of sectors, with a particular focus on commercial workspace projects. Niamh plays an active role in delivering thoughtful, engaging interiors that put people at the heart of design. She enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues and clients to create dynamic, user-focused environments. With a positive, hands-on approach, Niamh is passionate about shaping spaces that work well for people while continuing to grow her skills across all stages of design and project delivery.
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