Edinburgh is a city where historic charm meets contemporary design, with its Old Town and New Town UNESCO World Heritage sites providing a backdrop for bold new architecture. From conservation of Georgian townhouses to innovative cultural venues and modern housing, architects in Edinburgh play a crucial role in shaping Scotland’s capital. Here we highlight five fantastic architecture firms in Edinburgh, known for their creativity, technical excellence, and sustainable design.
Our Top Five Edinburgh Architecture Firms
Reiach and Hall Architects
Headquarters: Edinburgh
Phone: +44 (0)131 229 7545
Services: Healthcare, education, cultural, residential
Reiach and Hall Architects is an award-winning practice with a reputation for elegant, functional architecture, from public buildings to residential schemes across Scotland.
LDA Design (Edinburgh)
Headquarters: Edinburgh, with offices UK-wide
Phone: +44 (0)131 555 1234
Services: Masterplanning, urban regeneration, landscape design
LDA Design is renowned for urban planning and landscape-led architecture, contributing to major regeneration projects across the UK, including parts of Edinburgh’s waterfront.
Hoskins Architects (Edinburgh Studio)
Headquarters: Edinburgh and Glasgow
Phone: +44 (0)131 555 0500
Services: Cultural buildings, civic projects, heritage restoration
Hoskins Architects has delivered acclaimed projects across Scotland, including cultural landmarks and conservation projects in Edinburgh.
LDN Architects
Headquarters: Edinburgh and Forres
Phone: +44 (0)131 668 5180
Services: Conservation, heritage, education, commercial
LDN Architects specialises in heritage and conservation architecture, with extensive experience working on listed buildings and adaptive reuse projects in Edinburgh.
Nicoll Russell Studios (Edinburgh Projects)
Headquarters: Dundee, with Edinburgh projects
Phone: +44 (0)1382 562 603
Services: Cultural, leisure, commercial, education
Nicoll Russell Studios has a reputation for innovative cultural and leisure designs, with award-winning projects delivered across Edinburgh and the wider UK.
Areas Covered in Edinburgh
- Central Edinburgh: Old Town, New Town, West End
- North Edinburgh: Leith, Granton, Trinity
- South Edinburgh: Morningside, Newington, Liberton
- West Edinburgh: Corstorphine, Gogar, South Gyle
- East Edinburgh: Portobello, Duddingston, Craigentinny
Architectural Services in Edinburgh
- Residential design and townhouse refurbishments
- Conservation and heritage architecture
- Commercial and office developments
- Cultural and civic buildings
- Education and healthcare facilities
- Urban regeneration and masterplanning
- Sustainable and eco-friendly design
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire an architect in Edinburgh?
Architects in Edinburgh typically charge 7–12% of the project cost, though fixed fees may apply for smaller works like extensions.
Do Edinburgh architects provide free consultations?
Many firms offer an initial consultation at no cost, though feasibility studies and site visits are often billed separately.
What qualifications do Edinburgh architects hold?
All architects must be registered with the ARB (Architects Registration Board) and many are members of RIAS (Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland) or RIBA.
Do architects in Edinburgh work on listed buildings?
Yes, many specialise in obtaining listed building consent and in conservation of Edinburgh’s historic properties.
Do architects manage planning applications?
Most practices handle planning applications and building warrant submissions with the City of Edinburgh Council.
How long does an architectural project take?
Small residential projects may take 6–9 months, while larger commercial and civic schemes can take years.
What’s the difference between an architect and an architectural designer?
An architect is ARB-registered and regulated, while designers may not hold the same accreditation but can still offer design services.
What sustainability standards are followed in Edinburgh?
Many architects design to BREEAM, Passivhaus, or LEED certification standards for eco-friendly and energy-efficient buildings.
Do Edinburgh architects also work internationally?
Yes, several practices manage projects outside Scotland as well as locally.
How do I choose the best architect in Edinburgh?
Check ARB/RIAS registration, review portfolios, request references, and compare detailed proposals.