Founded in 2013, BARD, an acronym for Bailtean Ailteireachd ’s Rùm Dànach, established itself with designs rooted in Scottish heritage. As the only practice entrusted to build on Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s legacy at Windyhill, BARD said it is now looking to the future while “upholding timeless values of craftsmanship”.

The company said: “At BARD, the design process is an essential part of the journey, placing emphasis on in-depth enquiry, research, and exploration, with clients positioned as collaborators in an extended conversation. The practice explores every site and program with a view to uncovering latent narratives that will drive the project forward, firmly believing that creativity thrives when designers move past surface concepts to find deeper connections and meaning.”

A Category B listed end-of-terrace townhouse in Edinburgh serves as an exemplar of its architectural philosophy. This historic property, dating back to 1885, presented a unique challenge and an opportunity to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.

BARD said it approached the endeavour with a vision to create spaces that not only respect the spirit of the Victorian house but also enrich the lives of the family who inhabit them.

“This residential transformation beautifully encapsulates their ability to breathe new life into historical homes while harmoniously blending the old and the new,” it added.

BARD has also undertaken community-focused projects such as its work revitalising historical schools and society buildings in the Hebrides.

“We pride ourselves on collaborating closely with our clients including local organisations to create spaces that bring people together and preserve heritage” said founder Ruairidh Moir.

One of the early projects BARD worked on was in partnership with Comunn Eachdraidh Nis (CEN), when founder Ruairidh Moir was conducting research for his Masters degree on the Isle of Rona. This led to building a small structure called “A Transient Stanza” at the famously windswept Butt of Lewis, where the team even had to take refuge from the harsh elements and slept on the floor of CEN’s base, the former school, Sgoil Chrois.

CEN then requested BARD’s help to save their dilapidated schoolhouse from ruin. Through meticulous restoration and expansion, the renewed building became a thriving museum and community hub and was Highly Commended at the Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards.

“With my own roots and upbringing in these islands, it has been incredibly rewarding to rejuvenate historic buildings and sites that the community holds dear,” said Ruairidh Moir. “We feel a duty to honour the history that shaped us, and to work to achieve the very best for these communities who are sometimes left behind.”

The rebrand, completed by fellow Glasgow firm Warriors Studio, is said to pluck its colour straight from the wildflowers surrounding BARD’s Hebridean studio, distinguishing it from competitors “that often opt for a more mute colour palette” and respect its Gaelic roots.

“As we continue on this journey, we’re excited to observe how the practice has grown, and how new team members and partners have influenced our direction and strengthened our capabilities, all focussing on our core mission and practice ethos” said Ruairidh Moir. “We measure our success by the positive impact our buildings have on those who use them. Our clients’ delight in the results reinforces our process. We see our work as more than the physical result - it’s about weaving poetics, context, community, purpose and meaning into every consideration.”