Oberlanders
Area of expertise: architecture.
Oberlanders are a multi-award winning AJ100 architectural practice with studios across the UK. Their 100+ staff are a creative, curious, and talented group who listen to clients to create sustainable buildings which blend robust functionality with thoughtful and inspiring design.
The practice's seven studios provide bespoke design services to a multitude of sectors from small civic projects through to masterplanning new communities for living and working.
The diversity of Oberlanders' sector and service specialists provides a mix of experience and skills nuanced to each and every project. They design to their client’s needs, not to a signature style.
By committing time upfront to listen, pushing the art of thoughtful design and keeping to our word through honest and transparent communication, they add tangible value to projects.
Phone +44 131 2259 070
Address 16 Melville Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7NS
Website www.oberlanders.co.uk
LinkedIn Oberlanders Architects
What do you stand for?
Listening closely, creating through collaboration and transparent delivery are core values to how we work and what’s led to much of our work coming from repeat clients.
Culturally, we pride ourselves on diversity and enabling success, whatever success may mean to each employee.
We’re proudly over 50% female and taking steps to ensure that representation at senior level. We recently promoted two non-architects to partnership, reflecting our desire to recognise and reward talent, and show that opportunities exist for everyone.
How do you describe your approach to the design?
We are client led in our designs. Behind that is a real desire to understand how users will interact with a space. Everything we do is entirely bespoke and not compromised by a signature style. Commitment to delivery at each RIBA stage means most projects will have the same architect throughout, giving real consistency.
What projects are you currently working on?
Some exciting ones!
Tillydrone is a City Council housing programme on track to meet three sustainability standards in one and set to deliver a new era of social housing. Several innovation hub projects are in design which will provide incubator space for life sciences, food and drink and the mountain bike industry.
Our Healthcare team continue to create designs that will have a transformational impact on patient care, including two elective care centres and one private clinic.
Why do clients come to you?
Our clients tell us we’re easy to work with. We design to budget and timescales and are honest about the art of the possible within these realities, so our designs are deliverable.
Our studios are located across the UK. We grow around our own communities and so are personally invested in the work we do. There is real depth to our client base, from the public sector through to global technology giants, which brings diversity of thought to our designs.
What have been the highlights for you in the past year?
2023 saw our 40th year in practice and our AJ100 new member of the year award. An incredibly proud moment which recognises the hard work taken to reach where we are today. Our recent healthcare projects were recognised with industry awards.
We merged with Leslie Hutt Architects, strengthening our Highlands & Islands footprint. We now have a presence in London, helping us build on our long-held and valued client relationships. This is an important piece for our future growth and one we’re excited to embrace.
Is there anything exciting on the horizon?
We’re eager to expand our presence across the 'golden triangle' as we see a real synergy in the opportunities arising and what we have to offer. MIPIM is a chance for us to explore this, make new connections and we’re proud to do that in collaboration with RIBA.
We’re leading the establishment of a UK Chapter of I2SL (the US based International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories), who are committed to supporting transformative action to reduce carbon emissions in the science and research sector.
There will be some more 40th celebrations and our recent brand refresh has brought a new energy to the team. We want to embrace these milestones and look forward to our next forty years in practice.
Find out more about the RIBA Chartered Practices attending MIPIM 2024.
