YORKSHIRE-based architectural practice brown + company has opened an office in Edinburgh which will be run by award-winning architect Rob Miller.
Rob has already made his mark in the Scottish capital, having secured first place in the National Design Ideas Competition for a new community facility at Portobello Promenade.
He said, “I am extremely proud to be opening brown + company’s first Scottish office here in Edinburgh. This is a major move for our company and a tremendous vote of confidence not just in ourselves, but crucially also in Edinburgh.”
Rob has over ten years of experience as an architect in both Leeds and York, with a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from sensitive conversions of listed buildings to large-scale mixed-use developments.
After joining brown + company in 2019, he played a key role in several high-profile projects in the city including The Roman Quarter and Coney Street Riverside and two Aparthotels in the city centre, before relocating to Edinburgh.
He continued, “I believe strongly that my experience of working in York, a magnificent city full of history just like Edinburgh, on heritage, office, retail, build-to-rent, education and brownfield projects, will stand me in great stead as I hit the ground running.
“So, too, will the Scottish track record of our sister firm Manchester-based Leach Rhodes Walker, which has delivered several high-profile projects across Glasgow and Edinburgh, including Motel One on Princes Street and the Royal and Custom House Glasgow. Leach Rhodes Walker has also recently secured planning consent for 277 build-to-rent apartments in Meadowbank, Edinburgh, on behalf of Grahams Investments and Panacea Property.”
Neil Brown, MD of brown + company, added, “Rob is the perfect person to open and run our Edinburgh office. Hard-working, talented and charismatic, he brings a strong understanding of design, a creative approach to problem-solving and a dedication to sustainable practices to every project he undertakes.
“These characteristics helped Rob to win the National Ideas competition, which invited proposals from architects across the UK to revitalise the dated public toilet block at Portobello Promenade, introducing commercial and community uses that would support extended public access.”
Rob said, “Our winning proposal reimagines the existing facilities through sensitive refurbishment and thoughtful expansion. The scheme enhances accessibility with new inclusive toilets, a Changing Places facility and showers for beachgoers.”
The proposal also features a community garden – a shared initiative to be nurtured by local schools, charities, and residents. Seasonal produce grown there will be used within the community facility, reinforcing the project’s commitment to local collaboration and sustainability.
Neil added, “We are incredibly proud of winning this prestigious competition. Rob worked tremendously hard on this project to create a high-quality facility which is worthy of its stunning situation.”
