Saltire Court, Edinburgh

Form set about making a full design-and-build plan that would result in an efficient, modern suite in Saltire Court, overlooking Edinburgh Castle.

With over 70 offices and associated offices globally, the firm required a location that would support its hybrid Edinburgh workforce in a professional, client-facing environment – and would offer employees more varied and flexible work settings. 

As well as being functional, the office needed to feel calm and spacious for the team, whose day-to-day work includes high-level discussions and virtual meetings, often across different time zones.

The brief called for a polished reception area paired with a client lounge, large boardrooms and smaller meeting rooms, as well as a breakout area that would offer a sense of relaxation and escape.

A key part of the design direction was ensuring that the firm’s new base aligned with its global identity.

Form used existing brand materials and took design cues from the client’s recently built Glasgow office to ensure the look and feel were consistent.

Neutral greys and whites formed the basic aesthetic, with the company’s signature teal colour being used as a subtle accent.

Warmth was provided through timber flooring, ceiling details, and textured finishes like clay render walls, which helped the space feel business-like but personal.

Perhaps the most striking visual element was a Story Wall which incorporated artefacts, artwork and text that brought together the heritage of the firm in a contemporary context.

Additionally, display cabinets with trophies from annual golf competitions were installed to amplify team spirit and commemorate office traditions.

Form also conceived an art wall and encouraged employees to submit their favourite photographs of Edinburgh, which were then applied in collage across glazing in the breakout area. As well as helping to give the office a sense of place, the wall provided staff with some ownership over its design.

While the space’s overall ambiance leans toward professionalism and sophistication, the breakout area is intentionally more relaxed and colourful. 

During planning sessions, the team described themselves as “sociable” and Form wanted to create somewhere that encouraged staff to mix and recharge.

The result was a welcoming and contemporary community space with personalised elements bringing employees together to enjoy each other's company over coffee and board games.

As Form’s Interior Designer Jax Borland puts it: “We wanted to create a breakout space that felt like a retreat away from the workstations – somewhere staff could come together that was bolder, more playful and encouraged social connection.”

Form employed a sustainable approach throughout the build, repurposing as many fixtures and materials as were possible. 

Associate Interior Designer Manu Sanz explains: “The client agreed that we should reuse as much of their previous office and the existing footprint as possible, so we repurposed doors, some partitions and refreshed fixtures and fittings.”

Acoustics also had to be a focus of the design, especially in meeting rooms where confidentiality might be crucial. Achieving acoustic performance within the constraints of the existing ceiling void was complex and required careful design adjustments.

The client’s Dubai-based project lead remained closely involved throughout the process and regular calls kept communication on track.

Upon completion of the work, she said: “I can’t speak highly enough of Form’s performance in designing our new Edinburgh office. They were very responsive during the whole process and created something that you just wouldn’t recognise from the original space.

The finished design in Saltire Court provided the client with an efficient and modern new Edinburgh base – a workspace that feels both world class and uniquely their own.

[Photos: C Humphreys]