Innovation and shaping best practice have been a cornerstone philosophy since the practice was established in 1988. An enterprising and investigative culture nurtures creativity across all our activity promoting more sustainable added value real-world solutions.
Consultancy needs to respond to ever more complex environments and embrace new digital tools and technologies to offer more productive innovative solutions bespoke to clients. New software and analytical modelling offers stronger technical assessment and delivers for clients cost effective and sustainable value.
In-house developed R&D & Innovation
Specialist areas of current practice initiatives/activity 2024-2025 include:
I:Engage
Inclusive Participation
Innovative virtual engagement software for interactive on-line consultation and engagement linked to social media / real-time surveys for more inclusive participation.
June 2025
Net-Zero-PAS
Carbon Modelling / Holistic Approaches
Integrated GIS spatial modelling working with and OneClick (LCA) Carbon Modelling (PAS 2080) and connecting Bio-diversity Net Gain and BREEAM Infrastructure assessment into design validation.
March 2025
Build-INTELLIGENCE
Whole of Life Materials
Whole of Life approach focused on sustainability, advanced building technologies, and digital innovation to maximise material reuse, recycling, future deconstruction, and decarbonisation. Irvine’s Maritime Mile designed with Whole Life principles at its heart, and due to open in 2025
March 2025
P4PLACES
Participatory Co-design
People for Places is working with communities through co-design enabling and empowering local groups, trusts, place-based interests to shape their neighbourhoods. - Co-Design Toolkit / Co-designing Spaces for People and Communities.
March 2025
Project / Client Based Innovation
Innovation and project successes delivering innovate solutions:
Climate Resilience
Urban Rain Gardens (Pilots)
Utilising in an innovative manner specialist modelling to create more sustainable street and surface water / storm management with successful ecological urban greening + biodiversity. Greening, growing medium and water quality informed by experimental, monitored trials. Pioneered/ Modelled on Glasgow Avenues with Glasgow City Council.
March 2025
UN Sustainable Development Goals
Whole of Life Design
Championing alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals, designing resilient, biodiverse spaces that combat climate change, empower communities, and restore ecosystems through sustainable, regenerative design practices. Edinburgh Futures Institute recognition by UNESCO Grand Prix 2024 Award.
March 2025
Greenock Town Centre
Funding Success 2025
Inverclyde Council was successfully awarded UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund to transform Greenock Town Centre, realign the A8/A78 and Oak Mall.
June 2025
Edinburgh Futures Institute
UNESCO Award 2024
Awarded UNESCO Prix de Versailles Laureate as one of the World’s Most Beautiful Campuses 2024. Edinburgh Futures Institute is one of six recently developed university buildings serving creativity, reflection of local heritage and ecological efficiency, that has been recognised as leaving an extraordinary imprint on its environment
December 2024