Walker Luxury Jeweller occupies the ground floor of an early 19th century 4 storey tenement block and boasts the only Rolex franchise in the Dundee area. An area to the rear of the shop was recently upgraded and Aim were commissioned to reimagine and revitalize the interior configuration and finishes of the front of house retail offering. The brief was not to obscure the view/access to the new Rolex area and enhance and compliment the overall retail experience. Aim took this one step further by ensuring the new space did not take on a subservient role and had the ability to stand side by side with the highest standard of Jewellery retailer experiences.
The attention to detail in the design of the consultant desks, display cases and selection of quality materials reflect the intricacies of a jewelers craft to reinvigorate what was previously a dated space, creating a more cohesive visitor experience. Security played a key part in the renovation works and finding the balance between active security measures and ensuring they did not stand out was a challenge. The aim for the renovated shop floor was to balance security, usability, discretion, collaboration and beauty.
The Science Learning Institute brief was to accommodate a series of spaces into an existing first floor void within Dundee Science Centre. Equally an exercise in services alterations as well ergonomics, the spaces were carefully slotted between existing structure and ventilation to provide additional office, meeting, education and seminar rooms. A meeting nest and breakout cell are perched above the café and exhibition areas respectively.
New offices provide bespoke work group zones and break out areas as well as staff room and toilet facilities. A small education space is also perched overlooking the exhibition areas. A large seminar space can be split into two smaller spaces if required.
The interior theme references biology and medical science with pixelated human cells and red and white blood cell abstract artwork wrapping around several spaces complimenting with amoeba-like lighting and cellular carpet finishes.
Discovery Point’s new visitor attraction provides never before seen views of Dundee’s skyline. The project included the creation of a refurbished entrance area, reception and new Dome Gallery Experience.
On reaching the Dome Gallery, visitors are introduced to the space via an experience that starts with the ‘Gaia’ rotating Earth art installation by Luke Jerram, progressing into historic CGI construction of how Dundee appeared in 1901, via a 360° panoramic movie which concludes with a reveal of how the city appears today.
Discovery Point’s Dome was not originally designed as an accessible area of the building. Aim resolved substantial technical challenges to create a new access core and unique Dome Gallery viewing platform enabling visitors to access the dome for the first time. Aim’s Exhibition Design services also delivered the interpretation and creative direction for the 1901 heritage movie and graphics. Visitors can now enjoy unprecedented 360° views across the Dundee skyline and River Tay estuary.
The overall experience invites the visitor to consider the impact our cities and lifestyles impose on the planet. The narrative reflects on the sources of pollution typical of cities at the turn of the 20th century, the lessons we have learnt and why science and exploration are key to developing solutions to combat climate change from those early years and as we continue to demand more from our planet.
The project was awarded Gold for interior design at the 2022 Scottish Design Awards.
Aim were commissioned by Dundee Heritage Trust to upgrade Discovery Point’s existing award-winning exhibition introduction and education spaces on the ground floor, including a refurbishment and expansion of their function & event spaces on the first floor.
In close cooperation with the team at Discovery Point, and on a limited budget, Aim re-organised the first floor events area to maximise use introducing additional meeting and refurbished/remodelled event rooms.
The ground floor exhibition was also upgraded. A series of points for strategic intervention within the existing exhibition were identified. The redesign included a new introduction experience including a leader movie; creation of an education zone and dress-up station as well as replacing a number of the more dated exhibits with exciting new features which effectively complement and enhance the existing exhibition.
Aim designed and coordinated construction, interior and graphic design, creative direction of AV, display of star objects and continued on-site management throughout the works to completion.
The project was recognised at the DIA awards, winning the Best Interior Design award.
Aim completed phase one works for single malt whisky specialists Tullibardine including a £1.8M refurbishment of the distillery bonds, offices and laboratory spaces increasing the distillery maturation bond capacity by 300% and production line bottling and packaging by 90%.
Aim commenced and completed phase II works, a new £1M visitor experience, to complete the upgrade of existing visitor facilities and the distillery site overall. The project included a new whisky trail throughout the distillery, specialist tasting rooms, a cafe, offices and merchandising area.
Brand development and maximising the distillery’s impact were key objectives to increasing market awareness of the product and to consolidate the Tullibardine brand within the craft whisky market. The new experience concentrates on the elite whisky brand’s ‘craft-whisky’ appeal introducing a mix of modern chic and rustic environments to enrich the visitor experience and enhance the brand appeal.
Product display was a crucial and sensitive element of the concept proposal. Dark oak finishes and greys integrate with the core branding with subtle gold highlighting to interlace the brand and link the full product range.
Phase III works are due to commence early next year.
“Aim’s visitor experience merges seamlessly with the brand development and is not over designed." John Torrance - Distillery Manager
Tullibardine Testimonial 2
“Phase I has had quite an impact. We are delighted with the brand enhancements developed by Aim. Communication and strength of brand is key in our industry if you are to be successful.” John Torrance - Distillery Manager
Byzantium restaurant signifies the completion of a mixed-use development that has created a prominent feature on the edge of Dundee’s Cultural Quarter. Aim were also appointed Architects for the host multi-storey mixed development which enabled a holistic approach to the interior to be adopted. Aim carried themes used on the building design externally into the restaurant’s interior. The zinc clad curved wall continues from outside to inside bisecting the entire building continuing into the restaurant as a strategy for spatial organisation.
A warm palette of chocolate and wine materials creates a comfortable environment, while the large areas of glazing and open kitchen ensure a feeling of involvement, whether in the hustle and bustle of the restaurant, or the cultural quarter itself. On its re-opening, Byzantium quickly re-established and surpassed the reputation built from the original restaurant, with the current location remaining a popular mainstay in Dundee’s culinary offering and recently re-emerging as Rishi’s restaurant.
“Aim have delivered an open and warm interior that has become the leading Restaurant in Dundee. The feature kitchen and panorama are always commented on positively by our customers” - Phillip Richie, Director
Consolidating their legal presence north of the central belt, MacRoberts’ offices provide a series of contemporary, open plan spaces with symbolic reference to Dundee’s maritime heritage. Naval architecture, nautical graphics and quotations provide subtle character to each of the two boardrooms, depicting a time when conquering the oceans and Antarctica was at the extreme of human endeavour.
The HMS Unicorn and RRS Discovery boardrooms command a prospect across the Tay estuary and are complimented by a reception and core office space completed in subtle dark wood-grain, reminiscent of tarred timber hulls and the pastel blue-greys colours of our planet’s formidable oceans.
The use of pale hues and subtle geometries reflects the MacRoberts corporate brand. A blend of natural wood, glass screens and simple contemporary fittings has created a warm and welcoming place to visit and work that retains the professional appearance required of a leading solicitor’s office.
“Working with Aim was a simple process. The team was open to incorporating design elements from our current offices and successfully incorporated these with their own to come up with something that truly enhances the MacRoberts’ brand.” - David Milne - MacRoberts
MacRoberts Testimonial 2
“Aim were able to assess our current operations and facilities in order to create an office in-keeping with our corporate brand. Our new office not only fits with the MacRoberts’ ethos but incorporates elements of local history that really give it a sense of place and stability; I know this is something that our clients value.’’ - David Milne - MacRoberts
Aim Design worked alongside Dundee Science Centre to develop a new Stage I visitor experience, café and reception concept focusing on young people and families with accessibility and community integration at the heart of the design brief. A series of alterations and additions have been designed including reception / retail experiences, a science café and extensive exhibition areas.
The primary areas of design development focused on the transformation of the centre into a fully immersive, inspiring and accessible science learning environment. The development of the learning outcomes were driven by and developed in collaboration with regional community groups. The space includes: an under-7 zone; sensory room; design it, make it, test it workshop; interactive walls and science presentation spaces. The exhibition interactives are intentionally low-tech, mainly object-based to encourage group participation and minimise barriers between the various user groups. Interactives include: wall puzzles and tests; science booth interactives; sensory water experiments as well as mechanical and kinetic challenges.
A large prism void space is repurposed as a multi-use science activity area hosting the café. This area also incorporates science events that facilitating small booth-based events and large gatherings / group events. The entire prism includes a kinetic kaleidoscope feature suspended throughout the prism void changing in reaction to the temperature and light within the space.
McIntyres’ Union Street project brought a previously run down corner building back into use. Originally consisting of 4 separate units, the core was removed and a new steel frame installed to provide accommodation across three levels.
The design of the interior provides a bright, spacious reception area where customers can be greeted and consultations can take place. Salon areas are treated similarly and are characterised by clean lines, crisp detailing, and minimal clutter. Feature lighting is used to enhance the minimalist spaces and continue the theme which has been set by the illuminated signage on the facade.
The McIntyres projects, including the Perth Road and Second Phase developments, have received a number of accolades including a Scottish Regeneration Award, Civic Trust Award, Dundee City Council Award, Scottish Design Award, National Salon Design Award, and a Dundee Institute of Architects’ Award.
“Our designers have moved with our taste over a period of some 13 years producing bold and timeless complimentary design solutions. As with our other salon the design retains a vibrancy and does not age” - John O’ Rourke
As part of an ongoing relationship with Hutchison Technologies LTD, Aim were commissioned to develop a design for their new headquarters in Dundee’s technology park. Working within an existing split office/warehouse, the proposal strips back the current building, introducing offices, meeting and workshops over two new floors, a feature entrance vestibule, and new facade enhancements including curtain walling and wall panels.
Internally, Aim were responsible for a highly detailed design which includes architectural, interior, and graphic/branding design. Accommodation comprises: a reception area; high-spec office space; gym; breakout space; kitchen; boardroom and an array of workshop, warehouse, and other service spaces. The aesthetic blend of industrial contemporary and more controlled classic is achieved with a palette of rustic timbers, rough brick, and concrete, balanced against solid surface materials and glass to achieve a chic and warm corporate identity that resonates and compliments the innovative and modern nature of Aim’s client’s business.
