With an extremely tight budget of £35k to spread over some 300m2 of interior, Aim focused on priority features in this redesign of Dundee University Students’ Association’s Level 5. The scheme introduces a combination of burgundy ‘lounge’ booth seating, finishes of flock wallpaper, and rustic brick. Baroque feature frames, neon captions, and wall motifs contrast with the industrial bulkhead and LED lighting to completely transform the space into an ‘industrial chic’ interior.

The strategically positioned neon sign was located within the entrance area in order to create an attractive focal point, drawing customers up the stair and into the now very popular venue at the top floor of the building.

Having worked with Blackadders to successfully develop their property shop in Dundee, Aim were appointed to redesign the layout and aesthetic of their recently acquired Aberdeen office.

The primary access to the Grade-B listed building opens into the main reception where clients are met and enquiries are made. To the rear a second entrance affords access to the property shop. These two entrances are brought together around a hub of meeting rooms and ancillary facilities.

In the main reception, a new glazed meeting area opens up the space, creating an airy space for more informal appointments. The Blackadders branding has been used throughout the project, maintaining a crisp, modern feel that is now a familiar feature of Blackadders’ identity.

Aim were commissioned by Dundee University Students’ Association to form a new bar within the existing Mono nightclub. The work involved the removal of a separating wall and the transformation of a storage area to form staff and public bar facilities as well as an extended seating area.

Working within tight budget constraints Aim adopted a simple approach using inexpensive construction materials to create a robust industrial aesthetic. OSB timber sheets were used to add texture and interest to the walls and louvered panels compliment the exposed ductwork that existed at ceiling level.

Subtle lighting and a strong brand have added to the aesthetic creating an atmospheric space that has extended the useful and profitable space within the nightclub adding another popular destination to those already present in the Students’ Union.

Commanding a prominent urban corner location, Blackadders Property Shop has been a familiar presence in Dundee for several decades. The unit had fallen into disrepair and required careful restoration, particularly internally. The existing brick stair was replaced with a steel and glass spiral stair, opening up the ground floor and gallery levels, allowing much needed light into the new main reception point. The upper gallery level was reconstructed and expanded into a larger flexible space. A new concealed partition can be closed to create two semi private consultancy spaces or opened to combine the entire space for a hospitality event or larger meeting area.

Aim’s design is a considered response to the branding, with the overall design integrating a refinement of the logo, as well as using Blackadder’s corporate colours to create a holistic design approach.

Set within the beautiful and historic East Shore harbour area of Anstruther, East Neuk Dental Practice suffered from a lack of space and light, a consequence of its history as a typical Scottish fishing village home. By extending the existing building to the rear the design maximises the available area to make careful use of the tight courtyard, creating a bright welcoming space within a dense urban fabric.

Sensitive references to the heritage of the surrounding buildings’ vernacular – in particular the neighbouring Fisheries Museum – are achieved both through the use of warm timbers, and by the careful integration with the existing site geometries. At the same time, complimentary modern elements have been introduced in the form of frameless glazing and steel, effectively realising a comfortable and inviting environment for patrons.

A new reception and waiting area with faceted glass façade provides open and welcoming space finished in rich pastel peach and complimented with oak flooring and white surface materials. The division between the original surgery and new extension is accentuated by a glazed corridor offering glimpses of Anstruther’s vennels as well as providing a source of natural light to the deepest part of the building plan and reception.

The project was recognised at the DIA awards, winning the Best Small Project award.

Building on the success of the first restaurant in Dundee, Aim were commissioned to design proposals to transform an existing shell into the second in the chain of Byzantium restaurants. The proposals saw the renovation of the existing listed facade in line with the Byzantium brand, as well as the creation of an outdoor eating area and the complete refurbishment of interior spaces.

The internal layout was redesigned to achieve maximum occupancy, whilst providing an atmospheric and intimate dining experience. Many of the successful features created in the original Dundee restaurant were recreated here, including the illuminated glass bar.

Tom Tom Bar is one of a number of this type of establishment on Bath Street in Glasgow’s busy city centre. When Aim were asked to undertake the task of creating the venue it was therefore considered essential that this became a destination that stood out from the crowd.

The bar occupies the ground floor and basement levels of a listed Georgian town house with offices located on the upper floors. A new frameless glass entrance was formed which incorporated signage and colour changing lighting in order to create maximum visual impact on the street in order to attract passing trade. This structure sympathetically connects to the existing building creating an interesting juxtaposition between the solidity of the stone built existing materials and the sharp clean edges of the new extension.

Internally the bar is designed to provide a vibrant contemporary feel where feature lighting is used to highlight particular architectural features. Large sections of mirror have been used throughout to enhance a feeling of space and openness.

Aim were invited to appraise the spatial and branding potential of this city centre ‘B’ listed building. In developing the design, Aim proposed reinstating a mezzanine level in order to provide extra seating, as well as freeing up more area on the principal level for preparation areas and display of goods.

Display counters and seating within the building are visible from the street, enticing potential customers with the offer of a hot drink and a comfortable place to relax and refresh. The premises offers a variety of seating areas, each offering differing levels of privacy and enclosure.

Throughout the shop, a subtle theme is evident which aims to create a sense of welcoming familiarity. References to New York and Manhattan create feelings of nostalgia harking back to classic films and shows, and encouraging customers to relax in peace and comfort.

A dark and uninviting interior has been transformed into a fish bar restaurant; a bright characterful space full of vibrant interest. Visitors to the restaurant enjoy a peaceful meal in surroundings that echo sea-side themes. A strong yet fun brand has been developed and used throughout the interior spaces as well as the building signage, promotional material and packaging. The signature logo has helped to create a homogenous identifiable company brand for the business.

Offering a range of seafood and meat dishes, the interior is finished in whitewashed ‘beach hut’ timber and ‘engine room’ industrial pendant lighting. Fish shoal graphics run across the walls and light washes of blue and green complete the seafare environment.

CWI specialise in high quality interior fittings, fixtures and design. This new showroom showcases theirexpertise as well as their developing interest in sustainable technologies.

The design of the showroom is centred around providing a low cost building that is energy efficient, environmentally friendly and with an appearance that represents quality and forward thinking. Simple zinc cladding and boldly expressed structural elements give the building a modern, sculptural quality, with large expanses of glazing making a densely packed space feel light and open.

The building was designed to Passive House standard, with a high specification of materials, heating, and ventilation systems used in its construction. Although the client chose not to pursue final Passive House certification, the level of detailing achieved ensures an exceptionally energy-efficient building.