Practice
An award-winning architectural practice in Scotland.
Since 1985, Hypostyle have accumulated extensive experience in residential, commercial, educational, healthcare and industrial architecture, masterplanning, conservation and retrofit architecture, and interior design. Throughout forty years of practice, Hypostyle has attained a deep understanding of the industry to achieve our greatest creative and technical potential, to be socially aware and responsive to all of our clients and end users.
Design
Hypostyle bring added value to all of our projects through design innovation in consideration of sound architectural practice, construction detailing and commercial awareness to provide the right design in the right context. Our design goal is well-considered buildings that are delivered on-time, on-budget and exceed the expectations of our stakeholders. The service provided by Hypostyle is bespoke to each project. It reflects the aspirations of every client and the distinct character of every site.
Our principal area of expertise is delivering financially viable developments with reduced maintenance and life-cycle costs. We always consider client funding restrictions in our details to deliver consistently exemplar design. We aim to ensure that capital finance is utilised to the maximum benefit of the project while future operational expenditure is minimised.
Sustainability
Hypostyle wish to design and realise sustainable architecture for our clients. We believe that sustainability objectives can only be achieved if they are considered throughout all stages of a project. Hypostyle incorporate active and passive sustainability measures in our work to leave a smaller carbon footprint for the future generation.
We have both architects and technicians with Passive House Designer certification, which is why we believe that Hypostyle will be well equipped to continue delivering net zero design and help prepare for the transition to the Scottish Equivalent to Passivhaus that began in late 2024.
In addition to Passive House design, we offer expertise in BREEAM certification to assess the sustainability performance of buildings across various criteria, such as ecology, energy, materials and water. With our comprehensive services, we can assist clients in navigating the complexities of sustainable building certification to ensure their projects meet the highest environmental standards.
Social Responsibility
Hypostyle operate a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy (CSRP) as part of our Quality Management System, certified to BS EN ISO 9001:2008. We believe in our commitment to encourage collaboration with local communities and provide support to community organisations and activities.
We want to bring about positive change. We recognise the profound influence that architecture and the built environment can have on communities, environment and society, and we are dedicated to making a positive difference. The CSRP emphasises our commitment to ethical practice, environmental protection and community support.
Conservation and Refurbishment
Hypostyle are dedicated to preserving the rich heritage and cultural significance of our architectural past. We have architects with a RIAS Accreditation in Conservation and on the RIBA Conservation Register that understand the specific requirements of PAS-2035 and PAS-2038 and we are committed to expanding our staff team with these accreditations.
Our conservation research and conceptual analysis enables a thorough understanding of key issues to be gathered at the start of every project. We treat every project as unique due to their different issues, requirements and challenges.
Hypostyle continue to be involved in numerous projects that hold significant architectural and historical merit. Our staff are experienced in dealing with Planning and Listed Building departments, the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust and Historic Environment Scotland, and fully understand the various requirements and procedures to ensure historically significant property is respected and any works carried out are best practice to the correct specification and standards.
Hypostyle also have considerable experience of commercial, education and residential retrofit projects. We work with our private and public sector clients to integrate retrofit proposals with planned maintenance programmes to evaluate long term planning and minimise additional costs. Hypostyle can deliver compliant, buildable designs and have practical experience of delivering retrofits on site with residents and building users in situ.
Awards and Accreditations
Hypostyle takes great pride in our commitment to excellence. We believe that this is reflected in the numerous awards and accreditations that we have earned. These accolades underline our dedication to quality, innovation and client satisfaction.
Through these achievements, Hypostyle continues to affirm its position as a leader in the architectural field, pushing boundaries and setting benchmarks for future projects.
Masterplanning and Placemaking
Hypostyle specialises in providing comprehensive masterplanning services for both residential and commercial clients. Our experience ranges from urban inner city regeneration projects through medium density suburban areas to town and settlement expansion studies for a wide range of public and private sector clients. With a deep understanding of placemaking principles, stakeholder engagement, sustainable practice and urban design principles, we utilise our expertise to create dynamic environments that enhance quality of life, promote economic vitality and foster resilient communities.
Successful masterplanning is rooted in placemaking. It is an opportunity to enhance a local community with an understanding of the daily journeys, interactions and opportunities for connection specific to place. Whether it’s a new residential development or a commercial regeneration project, we set out to unlock the potential of a site to create a place of local identity.
It is widely recognised that integrating Green and Blue Infrastructure can bring many social, environmental and economic benefits to a local area. We understand the impact that these assets have on the potential to deliver wellness, sustainability, balance and cohesion, to inspire the intention of creating public spaces that promote health, happiness and well-being.
Collaboration
Hypostyle thrives on collaboration. We value the expertise and insight that partnership and teamwork brings to every project. We work collaboratively with our clients, contractors and fellow consultants to nurture and build on these relationships throughout the design process.
We actively promote a culture of collaboration and recognise that by working together, we can drive innovation and deliver the best results for our clients and stakeholders. Our concentrated focus on the needs of every client is rewarded by further collaboration throughout all of our sectors of work.
Leadership
As one of Scotland’s top architectural practices, we recognise our duty to lead by example. Our actions shape the profession and our buildings shape the experiences of our clients and end users.
We continuously strive to develop our professional competency and contribute positively to the conversations shaping the industry.