Since our management buyout in April 2021, we’ve been very well received and welcomed back by the market, design teams and clients. This reception has empowered us to drive the business post-MBO, as we relentlessly pursue the highest standards of product and service quality. We are also driving standardisation throughout the organisation, a crucial need within our industry and a demand echoed by the market as a whole. We have moved from 88th to 73rd place, with a 54% increase in fee income.

Our Managing Director, Allan McGill, said “Over the past two and a half years, we have not only expanded our order books but have also upgraded three out of our six offices to premium facilities. We successfully launched the initial phases of our Training Academy at all levels, introduced our staff Benefits portal, and much more. These achievements have positioned us for continued growth across various regions, while we simultaneously focus on internal development to elevate our levels of quality and standardisation.”

Read the full article and see the list at Building.co.uk 

In a world where environmental sustainability is at the forefront of our concerns, jmarchitects and Wallace Whittle took a step towards a greener future by co-hosting a Net Zero Carbon (NZC) event, aiming to bring a 360° perspective to the discussion. Held in the Storytelling Centre on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, this event brought together experts, thought leaders, and professionals from various fields to examine the pivotal issue of achieving net zero carbon emissions. 

Our chair, Robin Blacklock, Managing Director at Dowbrae, led a fruitful discussion and pushed our panel with thought-provoking questions, steering the conversation to the challenges and opportunities tied to the Net Zero Carbon journey through lessons learned and current practice.

The panel of speakers included: 

• David Spiteri, Director & Head of Sustainability at Wallace Whittle 

• Steven Anderson, Associate Director, Scottish Futures Trust 

• Daniel Lockwood, Regional Sustainability Lead, AtkinsRéalis 

• Magdalena Blazusiak, Senior Architectural Technologist, jmarchitects 

• Adelle Jess, Senior Architect, jmarchitects 

These experts, each bringing their unique perspectives, shared their insights on what it takes to create truly net zero carbon buildings and we thank them again for their valuable time.  

Achieving net zero carbon emissions in the built environment has become a race against time, demanding a swift response from the construction sector. In light of this challenge, our Head of Sustainability, David Spiteri’s presentation highlighted crucial components of NZC design. It explored design trends and focused on understanding the definition of NZC in buildings. David outlined necessary approaches to achieve this, highlighting key design implications crucial for meeting these targets, sharing valuable lessons learned from past initiatives. 

A truly net zero carbon building must not only reduce its carbon emissions but also be efficient in its energy use. This efficiency is not only an environmental goal but also an economic one, as energy-efficient buildings can significantly lower operating costs over their lifetime. 

Functionality, too, is key. A building must serve its intended purpose effectively while also reducing its carbon footprint. This can include designing spaces that allow for natural lighting and ventilation, implementing energy-efficient HVAC systems, and using sustainable building materials. 

Location plays a vital role as well. A building should be in a location that minimizes its impact on the environment, with access to public transportation and amenities that reduce the need for long commutes and energy consumption. 

The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration and engagement at all levels to create sustainable places. Achieving net zero carbon emissions is a collective effort, requiring cooperation between architects, engineers, developers, policymakers, and the community. 

By working together, we can create sustainable places that not only reduce carbon emissions but also support our communities. Sustainable buildings have the potential to create new opportunities, improve the quality of life for residents, and positively affect the environment directly or indirectly. 

The breakfast seminar was a comprehensive exploration of the concept of achieving net zero carbon emissions. It showcased the commitment of jmarchitects and Wallace Whittle to making a positive impact on our environment. The event highlighted that the road to a sustainable future may be challenging, but with collaboration and innovative solutions, we can make a real difference. 

Get in touch with us today to discuss your next project or to learn more about our education expertise – [email protected]

Our experience in the Education sector is wide-ranging and long-standing. Working with local Hubs and councils, we have the experience to provide our current and future student generations with the best environments to increase comfort and support new methods of teaching, learning and research. We design to enhance wellness and minimise environmental impact as the world works towards Net Zero Carbon.

In fact, many of our education projects have gone on to be shortlisted and win awards, from Scottish Design Awards to Learning Places Scotland Awards!

WWe have worked on various schools including SEN schools across the UK and Ireland. Including:

• Charlton Park Academy, Greenwhich

• Adrossan Community Campus, Ayr

• Big Creative Academy, Walthamstow

• Harris Academy, Dundee

• Inverurie Community Campus, Aberdeen (SEN)

• Maybole Community Campus, Ayr

And more…

• 3G pitches, multi-use games areas and external play areas

•  Six-lane swimming pools, hydrotherapy pools, warm water pools and sports halls

• Community cafes

• Top-tier energy efficient SFT model targets for core facilities

Get in touch with us today to discuss your next project or to learn more about our education expertise – [email protected]