We are an Edinburgh-based architecture practice working throughout Scotland, the UK and internationally.
We design new buildings, extensions, renovations, interiors and masterplans, with particular experience in homes, workplaces, hospitality, education, community and cultural projects.
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13 customer reviews
D&A McKay Sawicka
Martin, Grigor & the team where incredibly helpful. From our first interaction their friendly manner, made us feel comfortable & they listened carefully to the brief and our aspirations. Following the initial meeting they developed an outline proposal which took into consideration the location, vistas but also the practicalities of the remote site and how this could be integrated into the surrounding landscape in a subtle and considered way.Their beautiful presentation techniques supported by developed technical drawings really gave us a better understanding of the approach and took us in a exciting new direction that we hadn't fully considered.We where very glad to have engaged their services and look forward to developing the scheme through to completion. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Lannan Bakery
Reviewed on Google Maps
Natalie Hogg
We couldn’t recommend Ossian Architects highly enough.Designing The Dog Port was not straight forward, involving a unique concept combining a self-service dog wash, retail space and future hydrotherapy facilities. Along the way we also encountered various planning and council requirements that meant our plans had to be revisited and adapted several times.Martin was incredibly patient, flexible and accommodating - always finding practical, creative solutions that kept the project moving forward. He really took the time to understand not only the building itself, but what we were trying to achieve as a business and how the space needed to function for both dogs and their owners.His communication was excellent from start to finish. He was always approachable, responsive and happy to answer questions or explain the process, making what could have been a stressful and overwhelming experience feel much more manageable. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
ciara weatherup
We worked with Martin and Ewan on the renovation of our office and we are delighted with the completed space. They worked alongside us to design the office to our specification, giving considered advice on materials being sympathetic to the history of the building. They provided organised and structured project management, building a positive relationship with our main contractor and supporting with any challenges that arose. We would highly recommend them and would not hesistate in working with them again. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Nicol Fraser
Martin Flett, Charlotte Sorenson and the Ossian team did a first class job at our property conversion and renovation. They brought vision, accuracy, detail and excellent communication to a complicated project. I would not hesitate to recommend to others. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Alice Ward
The team at Ossian helped me through my building warrant application for some alterations to my cottage with drawings, advice and dealt with the application itself. Super helpful, friendly and got the job done perfectly - thank you Martin, Tim and Grigor! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Alice
The team at Ossian helped me through my building warrant application for some alterations to my cottage with drawings, advice and dealt with the application itself. Super helpful, friendly and got the job done perfectly - thank you Martin, Tim and Grigor! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Aaron Jones
Martin and the team are great to work with, highly recommend.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Andy Bolton
Ossian provided me with building warrant drawings and information for a tenement flat conversion in Edinburgh. They were efficient, friendly and helpful with the entire process. Would very much recommend.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Andrew Hood
We used Ossian Architects for a complete renovation and garage extension of our home. The level of service and detail provided by Martin and Ewan was superb. They took time to genuinely understand our requirements and provide their professional opinion, ideas and improvements. We’re delighted with the finished product. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Nicola
I used Ossian for a big renovation project including a new extension. Ford drawing up plans, getting the various permissions and project managing the build, Martin and Ewan were responsive and helpful as well as being very knowledgeable. I would recommend them without hesitation. More...
Nicola Wildman
I used Ossian for a big renovation project including a new extension. From drawing up plans, getting the various permissions and project managing the build, Martin and Ewan were responsive and helpful as well as being very knowledgeable. I would recommend them without hesitation. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Nicola Wildman
I used Ossian for a big renovation project which included a new extension. From drawing up plans, getting the various permissions and project managing the build, Martin & Ewan were responsive and helpful, as well as clearly being very knowledgeable. I would recommend them without hesitation. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
What’s your interior design process?
We begin by understanding how the space will be used, what atmosphere the client wants to create, and what practical requirements need to be resolved. We then develop layouts, materials, lighting, fittings and details, coordinating the interiors with the wider architectural design where relevant. Our aim is to create spaces that feel natural, durable, practical and enjoyable to use.
Which interior design styles can you cater for?
We do not work in a fixed house style. Our interiors are usually contemporary, calm and carefully detailed, but always shaped by the client, the building and the setting. We enjoy working with natural materials, texture, light and robust detailing, whether for a home, café, restaurant, workplace or sensitive historic building.
What do you love most about your job?
Ossian was started to create a practice focused on thoughtful, sustainable and enduring architecture. We wanted to work closely with clients, take real care over design and detail, and build a studio where sustainability, conservation, collaboration and clear communication sit at the centre of the process.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Ossian was started to create a practice focused on thoughtful, sustainable and enduring architecture. We wanted to work closely with clients, take real care over design and detail, and build a studio where sustainability, conservation, collaboration and clear communication sit at the centre of the process.
Why should our clients choose you?
We combine thoughtful design with a clear, well-managed process. Our work covers new buildings, renovations, interiors, listed buildings, conservation and masterplanning, with experience across homes, workplaces, hospitality, education, community and cultural projects.
We are a Certified B Corporation, RIBA and RIAS Chartered Practice, with in-house Certified Passive House Designer and RIAS Conservation Accredited expertise. We aim to help clients make confident decisions, balancing design quality with sustainability, budget, approvals and buildability.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
Yes. We can provide many parts of our service remotely, including initial consultations, feasibility advice, design reviews and client meetings. We regularly use video calls, drawings, 3D models and shared documents to explain ideas clearly. For most projects, a site visit is still helpful at the right stage, particularly for existing buildings, listed buildings and construction work.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
We continue to work flexibly and can hold meetings remotely where preferred. Site visits and in-person meetings can be arranged sensibly, with consideration for each client’s circumstances and comfort level. We are happy to adapt our approach where needed, particularly for vulnerable clients or occupied homes.
Architectural Design
We provide architectural design services for new buildings, extensions, renovations and alterations. Our work includes feasibility studies, concept design, planning applications, listed building consent, building warrants, tender information and support through construction. We aim to make the process clear and well managed, balancing design quality with budget, approvals and buildability.
Interior Design
We design interiors for homes, workplaces, cafés, restaurants and other commercial spaces. Our approach brings together layout, materials, lighting, fittings, furniture and detailing to create spaces that are practical, durable and enjoyable to use. Where relevant, we coordinate interiors with the wider architectural design.
Masterplanning
We prepare masterplans for sites, estates and larger development opportunities, helping clients understand how places can grow or change over time. Our work balances vision with deliverability, considering access, landscape, context, phasing, sustainability, planning strategy and long-term value.
Conservation
We work with listed buildings, conservation areas and sensitive existing buildings, from careful repair and adaptation to extensions and alterations. Our approach is to understand what is significant, protect historic character where needed, and design changes that keep buildings useful, loved and viable for the future.
Sustainable Design
Sustainability is central to our work, from re-use and retrofit to low-energy new buildings. We consider orientation, fabric, materials, embodied carbon, ventilation, heating, renewables and long-term maintenance. We are a Certified B Corporation, with in-house Certified Passive House Designer expertise.
