Aim Design

25/09/2026

A sustainable timber approach!

Materiality was central to the design of this project, with a restrained palette developed to complement the character of the existing 1970s home while giving the extension its own contemporary identity.

Externally, open rainscreen, sustainable and carbon negative, Abodo Vulcan timber cladding by Russwood creates depth and natural variation across the elevations, complemented by soft bronze window frames which introduce a subtle warmth and contrast.

The highly sustainable timber language continues internally through whitewashed birch premium plywood finishes by Lathams Ltd to doors, linings, jambs and window reveals. Careful detailing allows these elements to read as part of a consistent architectural language, creating a warm and tactile interior.

Main Contractor: projekto

18/09/2026

Let’s talk about angles!

Congratulations to our clients on completion of their new, extension in Wormit. The project delivers a boldly expressed, single-storey addition to a distinctive 1970s home, creating a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and living space and semi-private snug.

The extension responds to the character and proportions of the original house, rising sharply to create a dynamic angular statement wrapped in a contemporary material palette of pre-weathered Abodo Vulcan timber cladding by Russwood, dark detailing and bronze-toned window frames.

Internally, the increased volume, natural light and carefully framed openings create a bright living space with strong connections between the house, garden and surrounding landscape. The sliding door divides off, and opens up spaces at the same time, between the discreet snug and utility room.

A considered, energy-conscious intervention that gives the existing home a new lease of life while continuing the original 1970’s roof lines.

Main Contractor: projekto

25/05/2026

Aim Design Achievements at DJCAD Dundee University Degree Show 2026

We had a fantastic night celebrating the achievements of Aim Design staff at DJCAD’s 2026 Degree Show at Dundee University on Friday. Congratulations to Aim Designs Ryan Smith and Logan McLean who have both completed their Part 2-degree course with flying colours receiving well-deserved first-class honours degrees. Logan also picked up the Salterns Award presented by Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design recognising effort and achievement of outstanding graduating students.

Very well done to all staff and students including student association ADAS for putting together an exceptional degree show this year, it was wonderful to see so much creativity particularly in Architecture and Interior Design. The degree show is on until Sunday May 31st – well worth a look!

Discover more about the show on the University of Dundee website: https://www.dundee.ac.uk/graduate-showcase


University of Dundee Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, University of Dundee Adas Dundee

25/05/2026

Aim Design Awards – DJCAD Dundee University Degree Show 2026

AIM Design awarded third year Architecture student Claire Aiken the ‘Inside Out’ Award celebrating the successful transition of the internal space with the external environment at DJCAD’s 2026 degree show last week. A well-considered integration between the external environment and internal spaces was presented in her cross section that went beyond the level expected with an engaging mix of nature and function.

Aim Designs commendation went to fourth year student, Laura Cruickshank. An impressive sculptural beacon that captures carefully orientated snapshots of the external environment and townscape as you ascend the obelisk to reach the peak and experience the dramatic panoramic from the glazed beacon. The analytical series of screen prints provides a stark contrast and balanced understanding of composition, texture and drama.


Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, University of Dundee
University of Dundee

21/05/2026

Planning achieved for ‘The Deer Bothy’ Moor of Rannoch Hotel

Aim Design are delighted to share that planning permission has been approved for a future development to enhance established facilities and the visitor experience at the Moor of Rannoch Hotel.

The Deer Bothy, a new support building adjacent to the Hotel, has been designed in response to its unique and remote setting. The building provides much sought after staff studio apartments, amenity space and a new Street Food styled courtyard eatery, showcasing local venison. The Bothy will also include a deer larder/butchery to re-introduce small scale processing of local produce back to the area, working with local land managers to promote the use of this currently underused, sustainable and nutritious resource.

The buildings design embraces a modular, off-site construction approach using repurposed shipping containers, wrapped in locally sourced timber to create a distinctive yet contextually sensitive building that imposes the minimum site environmental impact.

This project is fundamentally driven by the need to provide supporting local employment, improving staff wellbeing, and strengthening the future of rural tourism in remoter areas.

A great result for our client – and we look forward to the future delivery of The Deer Bothy.

Hotel Proprietor, Scott Meikle commented:
“Our proposal aims to develop infrastructure to meet the needs of increased visitor numbers to our remote community. By providing modern accessible facilities we hope to enhance the visitor experience at our destination, as well as manage the impact on our community”

Managing Director at Aim Design, Ged Young commented:
“The offsite container approach is the ideal solution for remote developments such as the Deer Bothy, particularly when there is a desire to meet a very specific, low environmental impact brief. The reduced CO2 and renewable energy credentials, including the proposed supporting circular economy benefits that the Deer Bothy will bring, is set to deliver valuable increased tourism and employment opportunities, as well as a truly memorable experience as you take in the Moor, which we have no doubt is set to further enhance the appeal of The Moor of Rannoch Hotel as a must visit destination.”


Narro Moor of Rannoch Restaurant & Rooms

04/04/2026

WE ARE HIRING

We are seeking enthusiastic and talented individuals to join our award-winning Dundee practice

All the details are on the RIAS website: https://rias.org.uk/for-architects/jobs/2026/april/architect-architectural-technologist-part-2-architectural-assistant-dundee-jobpractice

21/03/2026

16/02/2026

Celebrating 30 years of Aim Design, we invite you for a free consultation either online or in person at our office in City Quay, Dundee.

A successful project starts with the right guidance. We deliver award winning residential projects and can provide initial planning guidance and a broader understanding of the construction process expected to bring your project to life, so that you can feel confident in the decisions you make about your dream home.

We work throughout Scotland. If you are interested in discussing your residential project, please do get in touch.

22/01/2026

A late unwrapping of our design project submitted for planning over Christmas.

Aim Design have been working with our amazing clients at Moor of Rannoch Restaurant & Rooms to develop the ‘Deer Bothy’ - a new annex providing essential community amenities, employee accommodation and a high quality street food kitchen & courtyard focusing primarily on sustainably sourced local venison.

Situated in the remote heart of the Grampian Mountains, the annex will be sustainably fabricated off-site using a series of shipping containers finished externally in locally sourced timber.

A large photo voltaic array at roof level will provide all the energy required with surplus energy subsidising existing demand.

Watch this space for further news as this project progresses or why don’t you book to stay at Moor of Rannoch. What an experience. And the food.. wow!

Moor of Rannoch Restaurant & Rooms Narro VisitScotland

15/01/2026

Fantastic demonstration by the Dundee Science Centre team showcasing some of their favourite exhibits at one of Dundee’s leading visitor attractions!

Aim Design were delighted to support Dundee Science Centre in the delivery of the Award winning Connect and Medical Marvels exhibitions.