The new studio at Thirlestane Road, which will act as a hub in the heart of the Scottish capital, comes as part of the acquisition in July and follows a strong year of growth as the business achieved revenues of £131.3 million and expanded its presence in Northern Europe and South East Asia. 

Co-founded in 2009 by Lindsay Johnston and Dipesh Patel, Pattern has developed an enviable portfolio of high-profile sports and entertainment projects. The firm successfully won a series of international competitions and major commissions in the Middle East, North and South America, Europe, China and the United Kingdom; most recently working with Everton FC on its new 52,000-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool.

BDP’s acquisition of Pattern bolsters BDP’s extensive experience in designing famous sporting venues across the UK, including Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis Club, Aintree Racecourse and Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground. 

Lindsay Johnston, architect director, BDP’s Edinburgh Studio, said: “It is very exciting to be part of the BDP global interdisciplinary practice and to realise our ambition to grow the company’s presence in Scotland. Pattern’s wealth of experience in creating iconic sporting venues increases our ability to deliver major international sports projects. Our team in Edinburgh will continue to focus on sport whilst also stretching BDP’s reach across Scotland to work in other sectors and disciplines to support our clients.”

BDP continues to operate its interdisciplinary practice from its original studio in Exchange Place in Glasgow city centre.

Scott MacKenzie, chair of BDP Scotland, said: “Across our 60-year history, we have held a strong connection with the city of Edinburgh. We have a lineage of major projects in the city including the Scottish Widows HQ, buildings at Napier University Business School, and most recently, at St James Quarter. Our new partnership with BDP Pattern, not only reinforces our strength in the sport and stadia sector but also emphasises our commitment to designing the most sustainable and innovative buildings for Edinburgh and for the whole of Scotland. It’s wonderful to be back.”