The firm will celebrate the opening of Studio Scotland with a launch party and exhibition at The Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh this evening.

The new office, which has a presence in both Edinburgh and Glasgow, joins well established studios in London and Manchester.

Hawkins\Brown made the decision to establish Studio Scotland, after winning projects for both the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh. Building on this success, the practice is keen to increase its presence within Scotland and work across a wider range of sectors.

Hawkins\Brown Studio Scotland is led by Peter McLaughlin, who is an established name in Scotland. He has been based in Edinburgh since 2004, where he has worked for Foster + Partners, John McAslan + Partners and, most recently, 7N Architects.

Euan Macdonald, partner at Hawkins\Brown, said: “The partners of Hawkins\Brown are delighted to announce the opening of our third UK office. Peter McLaughlin has come on board to lead Studio Scotland and we couldn’t have hoped for a better combination of experience, leadership, local knowledge and synergy with the values of Hawkins\Brown to help us get off to a flying start.

“We learned from the success of Studio North in Manchester that if you’re serious about engaging in a market with a distinct regional character, alongside established competitors, the best way forward is to join in and become part of the conversation. We’re excited by the prospect of contributing to the thriving built environment community in Scotland.”

Peter will be supported by a growing team, including two experienced associates who have relocated from London: Shoko Kijima and Harriet Redman. Shoko has been with Hawkins\Brown for seven years and completed her architectural training at the Mackintosh School of Architecture. Harriet has relocated following six years in the London studio, where she led the development of the practice’s in-house digital briefing tool.

Peter McLaughlin, head of Studio Scotland, said: “I’m delighted at having joined Hawkins\Brown to lead the new Studio here in Scotland. I think that what we bring to the Scottish market is a very strong offer, combining national and international sector expertise with a local team who really understand the local context.”