As part of the consultancy portfolio of Scottish investment group, Global, the newly combined architecture group will work together, benefitting from synergies and opportunities across the wider group, to bid for large-scale commercial and residential projects UK-wide.

Following the investment, which directors at both companies are hailing as a “meeting of minds” and “a perfect alignment of capabilities and reach”, all staff and management will be retained and continue to operate under the well-established Bracewell and Gould Singleton Architects brands.

Bracewell recently celebrated its centenary, while RIBA Chartered Practice Gould Singleton Architects enjoys a rich history dating back to 1977 and is recognised for its Project management skills, innovative design and technical expertise particularly in light gauge steel frame LGSF construction.

Speaking about joining forces with Bracewell, Gould Singleton director, Stephen Cox, said: “We are excited to take this next step in our growth journey alongside what is one of Scotland’s most respected consultancies. Having previously worked closely with other companies in the Global portfolio, we are excited to join together with David Keith, Amanda MacRitchie and their team to explore new markets and deliver bigger projects together.

“This really is a meeting of minds and a great fit, with the combining of our resources, capabilities and geographical reach allowing us to work with existing and new clients to deliver major commercial and residential projects right across the UK.

“With Global’s reputation for developing talent and future leaders, the whole team at Gould Singleton are excited for the opportunities that this new partnership will bring, both individually and as a company.”

The strategic investment is Bracewell’s first since becoming part of Scottish investment group Global in 2024.

Bracewell senior partner, David Keith, said: “As long term admirers of Gould Singleton Architects - and Stephen Cox and fellow director, Peter Icke - myself and fellow Bracewell Senior partner, Amanda MacRitchie, are thrilled to bring together these two long-established practices.

“While we will both continue to operate individually under our strong and recognised brands, servicing clients in our key markets, the scaling up of our resources this investment brings will allow the enlarged entity to work closely together to grow and explore bigger opportunities, which is really exciting for us all.

“Since joining the Global portfolio, we have seen first hand the power of being supported by - and benefitting from the synergies and opportunities that come with being part of - a larger group. I know Stephen, Peter, Amanda and I - are all excited to see where we can go together on this next step of our growth journey.”

Since joining the Global group of companies in 2024, Bracewell has increased the size of its team by 50%, expanded its services and entered new markets.

As well as providing architectural and design services, the company has been providing Energy & Sustainability compliance advice, including Passivhaus. In addition to expanding its energy performance capabilities, it has also grown its masterplanning design service by engaging new staff with specific skills in this area while also expanding its commercial architecture offering.

Global board director, Rory Mackenzie, said: “This strategic investment sees Gould Singleton Architects join Bracewell in what is a growing Global consultancy portfolio numbering in excess of 400 hundred consultants, designers and specialists. We look forward to the new synergies and opportunities that will be created by having an innovative and commercially astute practice like Gould Singleton in the group.

“Having worked closely with GSA through other companies in the portfolio we know they have similar values to our own - prioritising people, innovation and quality - and we look forward to supporting their team on this next stage of their growth journey both as individuals and as a company.”