AMA Studio

Congratulations Hannah!

Congratulations to all graduates who have passed their 2026 APEAS Part III exams this month, especially to our own Hannah Drummond, who can now practice as a qualified Architect. All of your hard work has paid off.

Burnet Point, Abbey Lane, Edinburgh

The recently completed mixed use development for , constructed by , was initially designed by AMA and CDA and subsequently delivered by AMA & HCD.
The whole site encompasses 298 student bedrooms and 66 Build to Rent apartments including 20% affordable housing provision.
The materiality sees a combination of traditional buff brick with integrated recesses of grey aluminium sheeting.
The energy design utilises photovoltaic panels and a portion of air source heat pumps on a green roof system.
Roof terrace amenity spaces capitalise on adjacent views of Arthur's Seat and across the city to the West.
Welcoming external spaces and central courtyard add to the communal spirit of this mixed use development.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at AMA Studio!

Here's to an exciting 2026!

Design Studies

We had some fun in the studio this week workshopping some initial design studies for a small Museum project in Perthshire.

AGM & Social

Last week we had our Annual General Meeting followed by a lovely evening of drinks and chatter. Ready for the next year ahead!

St James Quarter - Pret A Manger Opening

It is great to see Pret opening at the in Edinburgh. They have transformed the northern end of the galleria, and the window seats overlooking Multress Walk are much sought after.

AMA is well known for the design and masterplanning of the Quarter, which we started working on more than 20 years ago. Having worked with the client, Nuveen Real Estate, during construction, we now work alongside the SJQ management team as Retail Delivery Managers, helping the tenants and their design teams deliver great fit-outs like this (with many others coming soon).
The first fit-out we managed was in 2023, converting this very unit from Peloton to a temporary let for Scamp and Dude. It's great to see how Dundee-based Roan Joinery has transformed it into a bright and warm space for a long lunch or quick sandwich on the go.

An article referencing our recently completed residential project with Unite Students and Graham Construction in the Abbeyhill area of Edinburgh.

New development combines student accommodation and other housing A large new student housing development has been completed close to the centre of Edinburgh.

We recently started an Instagram account to share project updates, design ideas, and practice events. Feel free to have a look and give us a follow to keep up to date with future posts.

AMA Studio Architecture (@amastudio.architecture) • Instagram photos and videos 18 Followers, 40 Following, 6 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from AMA Studio Architecture (.architecture)

Office Social

Last week we took a trip to Flight Club at the St. James Quarter for some competitive but friendly dart games.
With varying levels of skill across the team, Conor came out top of the leaderboard!

Albany House Hotel

Our project with Artisan Real Estate has been submitted for planning to transform an existing 1980s sandstone office building into a new hotel within Edinburgh's New Town.

The proposed 102-bedroom hotel, on the corner of Albany Street and Broughton Street, will be operated by Whitbread under their Hub by Premier Inn brand.

The proposal retains much of the existing building fabric and structure whilst replacing the top floor to meet current building regulations and improving usability of the space internally. The proposed form and standing seam cladding is respectful of the surrounding conservation area.

The thermal envelope will be extensively upgraded to greatly reduce energy use, with heat recovery ventilation and Air Source Heat Pumps sustainably maintaining indoor comfort. Biodiversity will be enhanced through new planting and a biodiverse green roof over a new extension to the rear.

A massive well done to one of our architects, André Colbert, who ran the Belfast Marathon on Sunday! It seems the blue sky made an appearance as André ran to raise money for the Woodland Trust.

We wonder which one he will do next!

Scottish Parliament Visit

Last week we took the short trip down the lane from our office to join the Scottish Parliament tour during their recess.
Ranging from first time visitors to experienced designers who worked on the project over twenty years ago, we found it fascinating to learn about and discuss the inspirations and concepts behind the award-winning building designed by architects Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue, completed in 2004.
Chris Walsh, our senior technical designer, spent four formative years on site helping to deliver the project as part of the large design team formed by EMBT and the Scottish architectural practice RMJM.