OUR HISTORY
With sustainable growth, we're built on solid foundations...
Present Day
2020's
This decade has certainly started on a shaky footing, and there are no doubt more challenges to come. But with a more diverse range of projects and sectors and a team that is bigger, more involved and as enthusiastic as ever, we are stronger and closer as a business than ever.... and can't wait to see the outcomes - stay tuned!
2010’s
Bouncing back saw many successful projects with new clients - Ineos, KPMG, Hendricks - plus the introduction of the MLA100K and other charity events. All topped off by a double Stirling Prize Nomination for the two City of Glasgow College Projects, which dominated life at MLA from 2012 to 2017!
2000’s
The noughties saw a change from partnership to limited company and a new style of architecture as ‘new blood’ took over, with Edinburgh Quay, RBS Gogarburn HQ campus , EHQ1 at South Gyle, Lochrin Square and many other large projects all being completed before the economic downturn took hold.
1990’s
The 90’s brought about the cementing of long relationships with blue chip clients as they expanded. The partnership designed the celebrated Tanfield House and also the HQ building on Lothian Road, both for Standard Life, with large office buildings for RBS and Midlothian Council’s HQ rounding off a productive decade!
1980’s
The 1980’s brought a new variety of work to the practice. We completed the Fettes Row Data Centre for RBS and a manufacturing plant in Livingston for W.L. Gore, both buildings we would refurbish in the future. The partnership also created the futuristic Cameron Toll Shopping Centre!
1970’s
More work meant an increasing amount of staff, and in 1972 the main architectural part of the office moved to the current premises on 5 Forres Street. Highlights in this decade included the King’s Buildings for Edinburgh University and another extension for Standard Life, this time on George Street.
1960’s
New staff members were joining the practice thick and fast as the workload increased with jobs such as George Watson’s music school (1964) and an extension for Standard Life on St Andrew Square (1968) keeping the practice busy. The company changed to Michael Laird & Partners in 1967.
1950’s
Michael Laird left the office of William Kininmonth in 1954, and started in practice with partner Will Redpath under the name Structor. In 1957, the partnership dissolved, and Michael Laird Architects was created, trading out of Castle Street and, with the need for more space, moved to Moray place in 1960.
