Aim’s first commission for McIntyres Hair & Beauty was to refurbish a listed single storey corner unit in Dundee at the heart of the city’s West End.
A modest refurbishment of the facade was undertaken to create a clean and sophisticated entrance to the salon. Inside, Aim created a minimalist space using clean lines and simple blocks of colour. The bright, open space is highlighted by feature lighting and display areas.
The McIntyres projects have received many accolades including a Scottish Regeneration Award, Civic Trust Award, Dundee City Council Award, Scottish Design Award & National Salon Design Award and most recently achieved a Dundee Institute of Architects’ Award.
“The attention to detail and colour is a particular success within our salons and has allowed our brand to retain a contemporary feel despite the age of the project” - John O’ Rourke, Director
Aim were invited as part of a national shortlist to submit design concepts for a new Careers Knowledge Centre. Approached as a prototype exercise, our Skills Development Scotland Centre concept was highly praised and chosen as 1 of 2 to be developed and constructed in the initial roll out phase.
Adopting provoking imagery and engaging themes, the zonal layout provides a series of spaces for interaction, presentation, private and semi-private consultation, workshops, and web surfing.
The forest corridor leads customers to private consultancy pods and a multi-use ‘bamboo field’ room that can double as a break out area. The media hub utilises the latest in touchscreen wireless headphone technology to communicate careers content and opportunities openly to the SDS customer base.
The eventual brand development covered issues of inclusiveness, approach, creativity and self-development.
“Aim were engaged to provide design concepts for modernising Scotland’s Career Scotland Centres into a modern learning and information centre with open access for all ages. The designs were completed successfully to the satisfaction of the client and Aim managed the project to tender stage to a tight deadline’’ - Andrew Woolley, Accounts Manager - Skills Development Scotland
Dundee University Students’ Association commissioned Aim to generate designs for their existing cafeteria. In order to increase its use and profit, the brief was to create an attractive destination that encouraged students to dine and socialise in the space.
The existing space featured a variety of areas for using internet points, as well as the take away service point; however, none of these encouraged the use of the space as a social area. The proposal reconfigures the service point, increasing queue space whilst at the same time freeing up valuable space to create a useable dining area.
Aim developed a design that created the idea of a forest glade to compensate for the lack of natural light in the building-core location of the cafeteria. Picnic tables add to the outdoor look and provide affordable and robust furniture. Completing the aesthetic, inverted parasols are used as light diffusers, distracting from the unattractive concrete ceiling and providing a more intimate ambience by lowering the ceiling height and baffling excess noise.
Aim developed the ‘bite’ name and logo to help create memorable brand and to further enhance the café’s association as a destination rather than a through route.
“Our brief was to transform the space into a destination rather than a through route as it currently stands. Aim have created a visually appealing dining court that is sure to encourage students to make better use of the space and spend more time and money in this section of the Students’ Union.” - Chris Clarke - Dundee University Students’ Association
DUSA Bite Testimonial 2
“We are excited to be developing this strong design concept with Aim and feel certain that it will enhance the experience of the students as well as making the cafeteria a more profitable entity within DUSA.” - Chris Clarke - Dundee University Students’ Association
This grade ‘B’ listed villa in Dundee’s West End had previously been used as offices, with many of its original characterful features having been covered by 1980’s additions. It was therefore essential that a sensitive approach be taken to once again reveal the building’s true potential in order to create a luxury hotel and bistro.
Original features were maintained where possible and carefully added to when necessary to develop solutions complying with current Building Regulations. The overall aesthetic is understated and wholesome, giving a welcoming feel to the hotel and its grounds. Period features have been used within the sleeping accommodation and en-suites, achieving an air of luxury.
The café and dining areas’ bold patterns and colours create a quirky, comfortable space in which to dine and socialise. A reading tower invites guests up a winding themed stair to enjoy their favourite novel and the view over the Firth of Tay.
“Aim have been on call throughout the project to help deal with a variety of complex issues that are inherent in transforming a building of this age and heritage. They have been crucial in guiding the project through the building warrant process and helping to develop the hotel’s true potential as a luxury destination in Dundee.’’ - Richie Hawkins, Hotel Owner
Aim were commissioned to create a multipurpose entertainment venue including a 3000 capacity zoned nightclub, diner, public house, and offices with basement parking. It was crucial that the integrity of this well-known Dundee landmark at No. 4 Meadowside was retained and the building rejuvenated. All structural and zonal design was carefully concealed behind the existing façades of the building.
The entire inner core of the building mass was carefully demolished and a new steel & concrete frame was built to connect the largely intact outer building’s walls and floors. This enabled the construction of a new circulation core meeting modern standards.
The nightclub was designed within an acoustic shell to contain all noise, and further segregated using acoustic baffle walls. The top floor offices & 1st floor diner were acoustically and environmentally separated to provide a comfortable environment for their respective users.
A central feature corridor uses chromatic reactive red light with red reflective laminate finishes to deliver a strong neon-red effect.
The project received a Dundee Institute of Architects’ Award, an FX Award for Interior design, and a Civic Trust Commendation.
“Aim offered a combined branding and interior design approach that enabled our business to promote a consistent message for our venue. Their understanding of our operation has increased efficiency beyond our expectations” - G. Cruickshank, Director
Aim were commissioned to refurbish an existing bar in Dundee’s Cultural Quarter. The small venue commands a prominent position on a corner site at the heart of Dundee’s Cultural Quarter.
The space is characterized by clean lines and rich materials. A hardwood bar with feature lighting creates a dramatic focal point for the venue. Rich hardwood wall panelling contrasts with the existing random rubble stone walls which have been retained and refurbished. Subtle light bands via acrylic sheet edge lighting highlight the seat backs and bar.
“The recessed lighting and hidden illuminated acrylic still have me wondering how they did that?” - Neil Beattie, Director
As part of Aim’s ongoing relationship with McIntyres, a second phase for their Union Street location was added while the entire salon, also designed by Aim, remained in operation with McIntyres’ usual high quality of service.
Aim developed a series of open plan spaces that could be adapted to daily client programmes. Several spaces incorporate concealed sliding screens. Each space and screen was sound insulated to provide complete privacy. The flexible layout generates enhanced program performance, and provides additional marketing opportunities to expand their client base. The private consultancy spaces provide an alternative experience for customers of particular religious faiths or sensitive health conditions who prefer a discreet service.
The McIntyres projects, including the Perth Road and Phase I 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.
